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Biomedical subjects

L Cobellis

Publications and source records attributed to L Cobellis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Combination of statins and hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women is associated with increased bone mineral density.

Recent studies have shown that statins might be potent inhibitors of bone resorption and osteoclast number, and there is evidence for their bone anabolic effects. Statin treatment seems to protect against non-pathological fractures in older women. However, contradictory findings have been obtained. In this retrospective study we found that postmenopausal women on statins and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) showed higher bone mineral density than women on HRT alone. This evidence provides further confirmation of the effect of statins on bone turnover and shows that the combination of HRT and statins reduces the risk of bone fracture by virtue of the antiresorptive effect of HRT and the anabolic and antiresorptive effects of statins.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2003

Alcohol sclerosis of endometriomas after ultrasound-guided aspiration.

AIM: We investigate the possibility to use ultrasound-guided aspiration and alcohol sclerosis in patients with endometrioma. METHODS: Ten patients with endometriotic ovarian cysts, mean diameter <70 mm, CA125 <35 UI, persistence of cyst after medical therapy and refusal of surgical therapy have been studied. The patients were submitted to ultrasound-guided aspiration of endometriomas. Fifty per cent of aspirated fluid was replaced with pure ethanol, which was left in situ for 10 to 20 minutes. No medical therapy was employed after aspiration and ethanol treatment. RESULTS: In 9 patients no recurrence was observed at ultrasound after 21.2+/-6.62 months of follow-up. In 1 case only, after 6 months, a recurrence of the endometrioma in the same site was observed. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided alcoholic sclerotherapy of the endometriotic ovarian cysts is effective and safe. We speculate that this procedure could be indicated in patients refusing standard surgical therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Methotrexate treatment for tubal pregnancy. Criteria for medical approach.

AIM: The purpose of this retrospective study is to underline the indications for the use of systemic methotrexate (MTX) in tubal pregnancies. METHODS: One hundred and four (n=104) consecutive women were treated in our Department for tubal pregnancy. The database analysis showed that after careful respect for inclusion criteria, the treatment chosen was the intravenous administration of MTX in 68 patients, whereas laparoscopy constituted the primary treatment in 36 patients. A single dose of MTX was intravenously administered, diluted in saline solution, with a dosage of 50 mg/m2 of body surface. Close serum beta-hCG monitoring was performed, and in the case of a short fall, a 2nd dose of methotrexate was submitted. RESULTS: The overall success rate of MTX treatment was 91%; the 2nd dose of MTX was used in 12% of patients, whereas in only 6 out of 68 patients included in the medical treatment group a surgical approach for suspected tubal rupture was necessary. CONCLUSION: Treatment with methotrexate is effective and safe in the presence of these criteria: patient hemodynamically stable, absence of tubal rupture sign and hemoperitoneum, an adnexal mass with a diameter < or = 5 cm, an amenorrhea < or = 6 weeks and HCG levels < or = 10,000 mIU/ml. Laparoscopy is indicated in diagnostic uncertainty, when MTX is not suggested, when adnexal mass is > 5 cm, or in patients in which beta-hCG levels was > 10,000 mIU/ml.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗
PubMed2002

Uterine and fetal cerebral Doppler predict the outcome of third-trimester small-for-gestational age fetuses with normal umbilical artery Doppler.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of different admission tests in predicting the outcome of small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetuses with normal Doppler waveforms in the umbilical artery. METHODS: Criteria for admission into this retrospective study included: singleton pregnancy with a birth weight < 10th centile; absence of severe maternal complications; no evidence of fetal anomalies on the sonogram; normal umbilical artery Doppler; and availability of complete follow-up. At the first antenatal sonogram classifying the fetus as SGA, Doppler analysis of the uterine and middle cerebral arteries was performed and amniotic fluid volume was assessed. Outcome variables included adverse perinatal outcome (perinatal death, severe morbidity) and emergency Cesarean section for fetal distress. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-one pregnancies were included in the study. The mean +/- standard deviation birth weight and gestational age at delivery were 2222 +/- 502 g and 37.3 +/- 2.9 weeks, respectively. In 37 cases (16%), an emergency Cesarean section was performed. There was one intrauterine death and three fetuses delivered by emergency Cesarean section developed severe morbidity. Logistic regression demonstrated that abnormal velocimetry of the uterine arteries and fetal middle cerebral artery were independently correlated with the occurrence of Cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms and abnormal uterine arteries and fetal middle cerebral artery waveforms have an increased risk of developing distress and being delivered by emergency Cesarean section. Particularly when both uterine and fetal cerebral waveforms are altered at the same time, the risk is exceedingly high (86%) and delivery as soon as fetal maturity is achieved seems advisable. On the other hand, when both vessels have normal waveforms, the chances of fetal distress are small (4%) and expectant management is the most reasonable choice.

Confidence Intervals↗
PubMed2002

Low dose prednisolone administration in routine ICSI patients does not improve pregnancy and implantation rates.

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids have been used in conjunction with zona dissection to improve pregnancy and implantation rates in IVF patients. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose prednisolone in addition to the standard protocol, on pregnancy and implantation rates in routine ICSI patients before and after embryo replacement. METHODS: A total of 313 patients in 360 consecutive cycles (patients <39 years old and with three or less than three ICSI attempts) performed at our centre were randomly assigned by computer-generated list to receive either prednisolone (10 mg/day in two divided doses), starting on the first day of ovarian stimulation and continuing for 4 weeks (group A), or no treatment (group B). RESULTS: The mean age, number of previously failed IVF attempts, basal FSH levels and the mean rank of trials were comparable between groups A and B. The mean (+/- SD) number of metaphase II oocytes retrieved (11.9 +/- 5.5 versus 12.0 +/- 5.1), 2-pronuclei fertilization rate (67.2 versus 65.8%), the pregnancy and the implantation rates were not different between the study and control groups (49.0 and 23.6% versus 50.0 and 23.3% respectively). CONCLUSION: Low-dose prednisolone treatment in addition to the standard protocol before and after embryo replacement does not appear to have a significant effect on pregnancy or implantation rates.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

High serum allopregnanolone levels in girls with precocious puberty.

Allopregnanolone, a circulating neuroactive steroid hormone, is involved in the modulation of behavioral functions, stress, and the neuroendocrine axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum allopregnanolone concentrations in girls with central precocious puberty (n = 12), girls with normal pubertal development at the same pubertal stage (n = 17), and prepubertal girls (age-matched; n = 16). Gonadotropin and steroid hormones (allopregnanolone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and E2) were assessed in all patients. GnRH and ACTH stimulation tests were performed in all girls with central precocious puberty and in some pubertal controls. Basal allopregnanolone levels in girls with central precocious puberty were significantly higher than in normal controls (P < 0.01). Allopregnanolone levels increased significantly after GnRH and ACTH stimulation tests (P < 0.05) both in girls with central precocious puberty and in those with normal pubertal development. There was no difference found between the peak values. In conclusion, our study shows that allopregnanolone is hypersecreted in central precocious puberty, confirming a pubertal stage-related increase in its levels during normal pubertal development. The increase in serum allopregnanolone after GnRH and ACTH stimulation tests demonstrates that both adrenal cortex and gonads are sources of this neuroactive steroid.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2002

[Vena cava filter in patients with gynecologic cancer complicated by pulmonary embolism and progressive hypercoagulability].

The aim of the study was to verify the validity of placement of a vena cava filter in patients with gynecologic cancer complicated by pulmonary embolism and progressive persistent hypercoagulability. The authors discuss two patients with pulmonary embolism. In this study, a gynecologic tumor was diagnosed, one presented endometrial carcinoma and the other ovarian papillary carcinoma, after the position of vena cava filter and treatment with urokinasi (2.800.000 UI/ml) it was possible to do surgery followed by radiation therapy in the first case and chemotherapy in the second. In these cases there are indications for the placement of a vena cava filter. This has enabled surgery and anticoagulation therapy and has prevented the movement of any other emboli, which were later dissolved by fibrinolytic agents, and the effectiveness result was the arrest of progressive hypercoagulability moved by tumor cell. The serious conditions that were related to prior embolism and to a persistent thrombotic state characterized by progressive hypercoagulability did not make it possible to perform surgery or any other type of therapy because of absolute contraindications. The decision to place the filter could thus become the first step towards subsequent improvements, that are also tied to the possibility of performing surgery for removing tumor, arrest of progressive hypercoagulability due to tumor cell, allow chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Carcinoma, Adenosquamous↗
PubMed2002

Restitutio ad integrum of myometrium after myomectomy. Different results in pregnant and non-pregnant patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to check whether there exists a difference in restitutio ad integrum of the uterus after myomectomy performed during Caesarean section and out of pregnancy. METHODS: Two different groups are considered: Group A (n=8) that underwent myomectomy during Caesarean section; Group B (n=10) in which myomectomy was performed out of pregnancy. All patients were followed with serial scan evaluations. RESULTS: The results showed a much more complete and faster absorption of hyperplasia and hypertrophy surrounding fibroid nodules when myomectomy was performed during Caesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: A later pregnancy in patients who underwent myomectomy during Caesarean section might have a favourable outcome, possibly reaching a term gestation and vaginal delivery.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Myomectomy during cesarean section and outside pregnancy. Different outcomes of scars].

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is the comparison between the scar of myomectomy performed during cesarean section and out of the pregnancy. METHODS: Eighteen pregnant patients were submitted to cesarean section between 37 and 39 weeks of gestation for previous myomectomy. The previous myomectomy has been performed in 8 patients during a cesarean section, in 10 patients out of pregnancy; in all patients only one subserous-intramural myoma of uterine fundus or body with a maximum diameter of 4-5 cm has been excised. RESULTS: In myomectomies performed during cesarean section the scar appeared more linear, with good well defined limits, less wide and with modest introflection in comparison to surrounding myometrium. The myometrial thickness did not present variations and was well contracted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show substantial differences: in fact, according to personal opinion, the different evolution of the healing process is due to variations occurring in pregnancy and particularly for local immunology system which in pregnancy is hyperactive. The presence and increased synthesis of immunological substances support a better healing with an optimal functional recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Pelvic actinomycosis and sub-acute abdomen].

An interesting case of pelvic actinomycosis with paculiar clinical manifestation is presented. A 42 years-old patient came to our emergency service for an abdominal pelvic pain and fever. Past history showed IUD in situ for over 15 years. The patient was submitted to a ultrasonographic scan and a complete hematological screening was performed. The diagnosis was of subacute abdomen, and an exploratory laparotomy was carried out. During laparotomy an atypical reactive tissue and a suppurative cavity were found. The histological finding of tissue biopsy showed pelvic actinomycosis. On the basis of these findings the conclusion is drawn that a better prevention of pelvic actinomycosis is necessary of its diffusion in the last years due to sexual habit changes.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed2001

Pelvic actinomycosis in menopause: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between the use of intra uterine device (IUD) and the risk of actinomycosis in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We report a case of pelvic actinomycosis in a postmenopausal woman who was wearing an IUD for 14 years until 20 months after the beginning of menopause. In the last 5 years the patient had been suffering occasionally from pain, abdominal tension and rectal tenesmus. The disease was revealed clearly 18 months after removing the intrauterine device. RESULTS: The diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis was only possible after hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy and multiple biopsies. At histological features a focus with actynomycetes colonies was evident. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the previously reported association between the pelvic location of actinomycosis and the use of the IUD. The removal of IUD should be mandatory in postmenopausal women.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed2001

Changes in inhibins and activin secretion in healthy and pathological pregnancies.

Inhibin-related proteins are involved in the control of the feto-maternal communication required to maintain pregnancy. Human placenta, decidua, and fetal membranes are the major sites of production and secretion of activin A, inhibin A and inhibin B in maternal serum, amniotic fluid, and cord blood. The availability of suitable assays developed in the last years has enabled the measurement of inhibins and activin A in their dimeric forms, in order to investigate their role in physiological conditions of pregnancy. The studies conducted on inhibin-related proteins and human pregnancy suggested the possibility of an involvement of inhibin A and activin A in the pathogenesis of gestational diseases. In fact, several lines of evidence underline the potential role and the clinical usefulness of inhibin-related proteins measurement in the diagnosis, prevention, prognosis and follow-up of different gestational pathologies such as early pregnancy viability, Down's syndrome, fetal demise, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction. The measurement of inhibin A and activin A into the biological fluids of pregnancy will offer in the future, further possibilities in the early diagnosis, prediction, and monitoring diseases of pregnancy.

Activins↗
PubMed2001

Ultrasound diagnosis and Doppler monitoring of a pelvic spleen in pregnancy.

We describe a patient with a pelvic spleen diagnosed during pregnancy and monitored through gestation which we believe to be the first reported case. A 40-year-old woman was referred at 8 weeks of gestation because of a chronic intense pain in the left iliac cavity which had spread to her lower back. Clinical examination revealed a poorly defined pelvic mass. Pelvic ultrasound demonstrated a gestational sac containing a viable embryo whose size was consistent with the period of amenorrhea. While the splenic area in the left hypocondrium was found to be empty, a homogeneous and elongate mass measuring 152 x 123 mm with a maximum thickness of 53.4 mm was observed in the left iliac cavity above the uterus. This mass, the ectopic spleen, was monitored by Doppler velocimetry at monthly intervals until delivery and no variation throughout gestation was observed; therefore, despite the occasional occurrence of heavy pain, it was possible to exclude circulatory complications such as thrombosis or torsion. Doppler ultrasound proved to be a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of this rare anatomical variation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Human placenta as a source of neuroendocrine factors.

Progress in the understanding of the physiological and pathological functions of the placenta introduced the concept that the placenta is a neuroendocrine organ, since it shows local production and release of substances analog to neurohormones. These products act as endocrine, paracrine and autocrine factors to control the secretion of other regulatory molecules, including the pituitary hormones of both mother and fetus and their placental counterparts. Furthermore, they may play a role in the regulation of maternal and fetal physiology during pregnancy, ranging from the control of placental anchoring to fetal growth and maturation, fine regulation of uterine blood flow and/or initiation of labor. All this evidence underlines the decisive contribution of the placenta to all phases of gestation, through a range of substances largely exceeding the classically known sex steroids and chorionic gonadotropin, throughout normal pregnancy as well as in the presence of gestational diseases.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Blood growth hormone-binding protein levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: roles of body weight and estrogen levels.

A substantial proportion of GH circulates bound to high affinity GH-binding protein (GHBP), which corresponds to the extracellular domain of the GH receptor. Current evidence indicates that nutritional status has an important role in regulating plasma GHBP levels in humans. In the present study the relationship among plasma GHBP levels, body composition [by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)] and serum estradiol (E(2)) was evaluated in premenopausal (n = 92) and postmenopausal (n = 118) healthy women with different body weight [three groups according to body mass index (BMI): normal, 18.5-24.99; overweight, 25-29.99; obese, 30-39.99 kg/m(2)]. Plasma GHBP levels were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography gel filtration. GH and insulin-like growth factor I levels were determined by immunoradiometric assay and RIA, respectively. GHBP levels were significantly higher in premenopausal women with BMI above 25 kg/m(2) (overweight, 3.789 +/- 0.306 nmol/L; obese, 4.372 +/- 0.431 nmol/L) than those observed in postmenopausal women (overweight, 1.425 +/- 0.09 nmol/L; obese, 1.506 +/- 0.177 nmol/L). No significant differences were found between normal weight premenopausal (1.741 +/- 0.104 nmol/L) and postmenopausal (1.524 +/- 0.202 nmol/L) women. In premenopausal women GHBP levels correlated positively with BMI (r = 0.675; P < 0.001), fat mass (FM; r = 0.782; P < 0.001; by BIA; r = 0.776; P < 0.001; by DEXA), truncal fat (TF; r = 0.682; P < 0.001), waist to hip circumference ratio (WHR; r = 0.551; P < 0.001), and E(2) (r = 0.298; P < 0.05), whereas no significant correlation was found in postmenopausal women between GHBP levels and BMI, FM, TF, WHR, or E(2). In normal weight pre- and postmenopausal women GHBP levels did not change between the ages of 20 and 69 yr. No statistically significant correlation was found between GHBP and age for all groups studied. Moreover, in two distinct subgroups of pre- and postmenopausal women, aged 40-49 yr, the direct relationship between GHBP levels and all indexes of adiposity were only observed in premenopausal women [BMI: r = 0.836; P < 0.001; FM: r = 0.745 (BIA) and r = 0.832 (DEXA); P < 0.001; TF: r = 0.782; P < 0.001; WHR: r = 0.551; P < 0.05], but not in postmenopausal women. In conclusion, the present data indicate a strong direct correlation between GHBP and body fat in premenopausal, but not in postmenopausal women, whereas they failed to detect a relationship between GHBP and age. Therefore, these results suggest that endogenous estrogen status may be an important determinant of the changes in GHBP levels in women with different body weights.

Adult↗