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Biomedical subjects

I Neri

Publications and source records attributed to I Neri.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Demodicidosis in immunocompetent young children: report of eight cases.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are obligate parasites of the human pilosebaceous unit. They are the most common permanent ectoparasites in adults, but their incidence on children's skin is rare. Only few cases of demodicidosis have been reported in children aged below 5 years and most of them were suffering from leukemia or HIV infection. The aim of this study is to describe demodicidosis in young immunocompetent children. The clinical details of 8 healthy children are given. There were 4 males and 4 females aged between 10 months and 5 years referred to us for evaluation of a facial eruption characterized by erythema, papulopustules and variable edema. In 7 of these patients, skin scrapings were performed and in 1 a 4-mm punch biopsy. Numerous D. folliculorum were found in skin scrapings of 7 cases and at a histologic examination of skin biopsy in 1 case. We employed topical metronidazole gel 1% in all patients and we obtained a 100% recovery without relapses after a 1- to 3-year follow-up. In 2 of our cases Demodex infestation had a mild form resembling pityriasis folliculorum and the other cases presented a rosacea-like form. The reason why these young immunocompetent children developed demodicidosis is still under evaluation and investigation.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1997

Effects of a yeast-based dietary supplementation on premenstrual syndrome. A double-blind placebo-controlled study.

A dietary approach has proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. In our previous studies, magnesium improved premenstrual irritability and mood scoings. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effects of a new dietetic preparation (Sillix Donna, Giuliani) in 40 patients affected by mild to moderate premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual symptoms were scored in both follicular and luteal phases, at baseline, at 2nd, 4th and 6th month of treatment by using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Twenty patients were randomised to receive the active preparation and 20 placebo. MDQ scores at baseline were similar in the two groups. Five patients of the placebo group dropped out because of treatment failure. No side effects were observed. Both treatments reduced symptoms already in the 2nd month, but the active preparation was more effective at all time controls (p < 0.05); at the 6th month it significantly reduced premenstrual MDQ scores to 18% of baseline values, placebo only to 73%. These data demonstrate that Sillix Donna is effective in reducing premenstrual distress.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Coping style and climacteric symptoms in a clinical sample of postmenopausal women.

Hormonal changes as well as sociocultural and personal factors account for climacteric symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate in a clinical population the correlation between the severity of hot flashes and vaginal dryness and the 'coping-ineffectiveness of coping' construct. Out of 120 women consecutively referring to the University Menopause Clinic, 85 subjects were evaluated for their climacteric complaints including anxiety and depression and for their coping style assessed with the Italian version of the Utrechtse Coping Lijst. Daily hot flashes and severe vaginal dryness were reported by almost half of the studied population, regression analyses were performed in order to investigate how much of the variance in such symptoms was explained by the psychosocial variables and by the coping mechanisms. A more recent menopause, a lower educational level and an active coping predict a higher severity of hot flashes; a longer time since last menstrual period and a coping of avoidance predict a higher severity of vaginal dryness. The present study suggests that the severity of hot flashes and vaginal dryness among a clinical sample of postmenopausal women is not only determined by biological and social variables, but personal resources also explain part of the variance of such climacteric complaints.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

[Perforating milia-like idiopathic calcinosis of the extremities in a patient with Down syndrome].

INTRODUCTION: In 1989 a new type of calcinosis cutis has been described in association with Down's syndrome. This is the milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis, which is characterized by milia-like papulae generally located on the limbs (especially hands and feet) and sometimes associated with syringomas around lesions or on the eyelids. OBSERVATION: A 6 year old trisomic girl had about ten round shaped hard white-yellowish papules with a diameter of 2-3 mm on both palms of her hands. The biological balance and immunologic tests gave normal values. The histopathologic pattern was compatible with calcinosis cutis circumscripta associated with the transepidermal elimination phenomenon. Calcified sweat ducts were not observed at the von Kossa staining. Moreover, histology did not evidence any syringomas around the lesions. DISCUSSION: Our observation does not sustain the presently more spread pathogenetic interpretation, according to which eccrine ductal structures could have an active role in the formation of calcium deposits, since histology did not show any calcified eccrine ducts. Therefore, in our opinion, milia-like calcinosis associated with Down's syndrome should be classified among the idiopathic forms.

Calcinosis↗
PubMed1996

Mid-dermal elastolysis: a pathological and ultrastructural study of five cases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of inflammatory phenomena and elastic fiber phagocytosis in mid-dermal elastolysis. The pathological and ultrastructural features of 5 Caucasian female patients (ranging from 26 to 40 years) with acquired diffuse asymptomatic areas of skin wrinkling have been reviewed. The clinical features of all cases were characteristic of this condition and only in one patient were erythematous urticaria-like, non pruriginous patches also observed. In 4 cases a history of prolonged sun bathing was present and in 3 cases there was a short history of oral contraception. The pathological study confirmed the typical absence of elastic fibers in the midreticular dermis. In two cases elastic fibers were still detectable in the periadnexal dermis. Hematoxylin and eosin sections showed a mild perivascular infiltrate in two cases, while in three patients histiocytes were scattered among collagen bundles. Multinucleated giant cells containing fragmented elastic fibers were detectable in one patient. Ultrastructural analysis revealed large mononuclear cells with phagocytic aspects toward elastic fibers in all cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pigmented and hyperkeratotic napkin dermatitis: a liquid detergent irritant dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Napkin or diaper dermatitis (DD) is an inflammatory cutaneous eruption limited to the diaper area and common in the first 2 years of life. A number of clinical variants of DD have been identified. OBJECTIVE: We report a new variant of DD characterized by papyraceous skin, brownish discoloration and predilection for the depth of folds. METHODS: 15 infants and toddlers affected by this peculiar type of DD were evaluated regarding duration, localization, morphology and evolution of their dermatosis. RESULTS: This variant of DD was mainly confined to the depth of inguinal and gluteal folds and invariably associated with severe xerosis with papyraceous and glazed skin. The patients were healthy and asymptomatic and all laboratory investigations performed were normal. All patients were frequently changed and thoroughly washed with synthetic detergents with acid pH. DD improved rapidly with reduced frequency of washing and discontinuation of liquid detergents. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that this condition is a type of irritant contact dermatitis from excessive use of lipid acid detergents.

Dermatitis, Irritant↗
PubMed1996

Sacral medial telangiectatic vascular nevus: a study of 43 children.

BACKGROUND: Medial telangiectatic vascular nevi are capillary vascular malformations frequently observed at birth occurring mostly on the face or on the nape as a single lesion or as multiple macules affecting more than one site simultaneously. In 1990, Metzker and Shamir reported a medial telangiectatic vascular nevus (MTVN) in the sacral region along the midline and called this particular variety of MTVN 'butterfly-shaped mark'. OBJECTIVE: Our study was performed to investigate the morphology and localization of an MTVN in the sacral region (sMTVN) in a group of Caucasian children. METHODS: We observed 43 children with sMTVN, ranging in age from 1 month to 12 years (mean 8 years), for a period of 6 years. RESULTS: sMTVN was found as a red-violet macular lesion of rhomboid or triangular shape in 16 patients and as a group of little red-violet macules in 10 patients. In 16 patients moreover the whole back was involved with many small red-violet spots on and around the spinal column, and in 1 patient with classic sMTVN satellite macules were also present over both buttocks. Four patients suffered from epilepsy with mental deficiency. In 6 patients, the family history showed sMTVN in one or more members of the family. No case presented an association with spina bifida. CONCLUSION: In our study, sMTVN shows a morphological polymorphism while Metzker and Shamir reported the same clinical aspect in all 25 of their patients. In accordance with these authors, we noted that sMTVN persist into childhood and adult life in the same way as occipital MTVN.

Buttocks↗
PubMed1996

L-arginine infusion reduces preterm uterine contractions.

In order to investigate the role of nitric oxide in preterm labor, 10 women presenting with preterm onset of uterine contractions were infused with L-Arginine. In comparison to saline infusion, L-Arginine significantly reduced the number of contractions, together with an increase of both serum growth hormone and nitrates levels. These findings demonstrate that the enhancement of endogenous nitric oxide production through its physiological donor, L-Arginine, is able to transiently reduce preterm uterine spontaneous contractility.

Arginine↗
PubMed1996

Effects of L-arginine on utero-placental circulation in growth-retarded fetuses.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of L-arginine (ARG) infusion, the nitric oxide as substrate, on the utero-placental circulation at third trimester. METHODS: Three groups of nine pregnant women each were infused i.v. with 30 g ARG, for 30 minutes. One group served as control, and the two remnants were composed by patients with intrauterine growth retardation with (IUGR-B) or without (IUGR-A) increased resistances in the utero-placental circulation. Changes of blood flow velocity waveforms of both uterine arteries and umbilical artery were recorded for 60 minutes. Blood pressure, serum nitrites/nitrates and growth hormone levels were also measured. RESULTS: No hemodynamic changes in utero-umbilical circulation were observed during infusion in any of the three groups. Considering the uterine arteries separately as placental and non-placental sided we found a significant decrease of non-placental side resistances in IUGR-B women. Indeed, the pulsatility index was lowered by 14%, in respect of baseline value. Serum nitrites/nitrates as well as serum growth hormone levels were significantly increased by ARG, in every woman, irrespective of the presence of fetal growth retardation. Blood pressure remained unaffected during infusion in every woman. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that L-arginine infusion affects utero-placental circulation in patients with IUGR associated with increased uterine resistances. Such an action is specific and appears possibly to be mediated by a release of nitric oxide.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Perianal streptococcal dermatitis in adults.

Perianal streptococcal dermatitis is an uncommon superficial cutaneous infection of the perianal area almost exclusively described in children. We report here four adult cases. Beta-haemolytic streptococcus group A was detected in the perianal areas of all the patients. Systemic erythromycin gave complete resolution. The incidence of perianal streptococcal dermatitis in adults is probably underestimated, and culture from the affected area should always be performed in patients with persistent perianal erythema.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Factors predicting labour onset in patients treated with prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening.

The aim of this study is the evaluation of predictive factors in the onset of labour after pre-induction cervical ripening with prostaglandins. We enrolled 112 consecutive singleton term pregnancies (37-42.3 weeks) with unfavourable cervix and intact membranes, requiring induction of labour because prolonged pregnancy (59%) or maternal/fetal complications (41%). Treatment consisted of the cervical application (once or twice, 12 h apart) of prostaglandin E2 gel (Upjohn, Italy). Uterine activity was monitored by external cardio-tocography before and during the next 2 h. Two patients showed uterine hyperstimulation and acute fetal distress requiring caesarean section. Sixty percent of patients went to labour and delivered without further stimulations. In this group the rate of caesarean section (9.1%) was lower than in patients failing to onset labour (68.2%). According to the logistic regression three factors positively predicted the onset of labour: first-hour uterine contractility, basal uterine activity and gestational age. The first-hour contractility in particular, represents the myometrial sensitivity to prostaglandin E2 and may become a practical marker of spontaneous onset of labour in patients undergoing cervical ripening.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Impact of the L-arginine/nitric oxide system in pregnancy.

Nitric Oxide (NO) recently becomes of clinical interest because of its relaxant effects on smooth muscle. In addition to endothelial cells, also myometrial cells contain the enzyme implicated in the NO production. This review is aimed toward those studies concerned with the production, metabolism, and effects of NO that could be relevant for the obstetricians. The potential clinical interest of such information covers the main areas of pregnancy complications, namely preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth retardation. Moreover, original data are included in order to support the therapeutical implications of the manipulation of L-arginine-NO system in case of pregnancy disorders.

Arginine↗
PubMed1995

Penile Crohn's disease: a case report.

Metastatic Crohn's disease is a rare inflammatory condition characterised by cutaneous granulomatous lesions separated from the affected bowel by normal intact skin. Involvement of the genitalia in Crohn's disease is rare and consists of ulcerated lesions in almost all of the cases reported in the literature. We describe a case of penile involvement in a 27 year old man with a 5 year history of Crohn's disease. Should genital involvement precede the bowel disease, patients may consult the sexually transmitted disease service for this problem and the dermatovenereologists may be the first to formulate the diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Vulvitis plasmacellularis: two new cases.

Vulvitis chronica plasmacellularis or Zoon's vulvitis is a rare benign circumscribed inflammation of the vulvar mucosa. It is found in women ranging in age from 26 to 70 years. Shiny, macular erythematous lesions, which are irregular in shape and sharply marginated are usually observed. The histologic findings show chronic subepithelial dense inflammation composed largely of plasma cells. We here report two cases of vulvitis plasmacellularis with typical clinical manifestations, courses and histopathologic findings.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1995

Genital porokeratosis of Mibelli.

Porokeratosis of Mibelli is a disorder of epidermal proliferation in which many different clinical forms can be distinguished. Two male patients with a localized type of porokeratosis limited to the genitalia are reported. Later in life they developed an annular skin lesion with peripheral keratotic ridge. The histological examination of a biopsy specimen showed the characteristic features of porokeratosis. There was no family history of similar skin disorders and the patients were not on any drugs. Genital porokeratosis is probably underdiagnosed and we believe that these patients should be followed up on account of the precancerous potential of this disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Keratosis lichenoides chronica: a pediatric case.

Keratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC) is a rare chronic disorder of keratinization characterized by lichenoid hyperkeratotic papules arranged in a linear pattern, erythematosquamous plaques and seborrhea-like dermatitis on the face. Adults between 20 and 50 years of age are usually affected, but the disease is very uncommon in childhood. Our purpose was to study the clinical and histopathologic findings and course of KLC in one pediatric case. Detailed clinical data were studied. Two punch biopsies were performed and histopathologic features were compared with those of other reported cases of KLC. In our patient, a 4-year-old boy, the clinical features of the lesions did not deviate notably from those of other cases of KLC. The histologic pattern of the papules was typical of KLC, while that of the erythematosquamous plaques showed some dyskeratotic keratinocytes. The histologic pattern of the erythematosquamous lesions is peculiar in our case, whereas only a nonspecific pattern is reported in the literature. The papular and erythematosquamous lesions showed similar histopathologic features suggesting that they could be different degrees of evolution of the same lesion.

Child, Preschool↗