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Biomedical subjects

M Antonelli

Publications and source records attributed to M Antonelli.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Effects of the heat-moisture exchangers on dynamic hyperinflation of mechanically ventilated COPD patients.

In recent years the use of devices called Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HME) has become widespread as gas conditioners for ICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation. As an important variation of the resistive properties of the HME, related to flow and duration of use, has recently been pointed out during "in vitro" studies, the use of these devices in COPD patients could increase the levels of auto PEEP and dynamic hyperinflation. In this study we have compared the levels of auto PEEP and difference in functional residual capacity (delta FRC) in a group of COPD patients, requiring controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), at basal conditions and after the insertion into the circuit of three HMEs (Dar Hygrobac, Pall Ultipor, Engstrom Edith) at random: the results obtained excluded a significant increase of auto PEEP and delta (FRC) both with "new" HMEs and after 12 h of continuous use.

Aged↗

Auto-PEEP and dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients during controlled mechanical ventilation and high frequency jet ventilation.

We investigated the levels of auto-PEEP and dynamic hyperinflation during high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) and controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) in six patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within the first 36 h of acute exacerbation. The comparative evaluation was performed at similar conditions of gas exchange in HFJV and CMV: PaO2 77.6 +/- 11 mmHg vs 80.8 +/- 12 mmHg; PaCO2 46.8 +/- 2.5 mmHg vs 47 +/- 2.8 mmHg; pH 7.38 vs 7.38. In this situation, the values of auto-PEEP and dynamic hyperinflation, expressed as delta over the apneic functional residual capacity (FRC) did not differ: (auto-PEEPHFJV 8.9 +/- 3.8 cmH2O; auto-PEEPCMV 8.8 +/- 4.7 cmH2O; delta FRCHFJV 0.56 +/- 0.19 l; delta FRCCMV 0.54 +/- 0.2 l). This result suggests that, with a suitable machine setting and similar gas exchanges, HFJV produces the same level of auto-PEEP and dynamic hyperinflation as CMV in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aged↗

The genotype of a new linked DNA marker, MP6d-9, is related to the clinical course of cystic fibrosis.

The clinical symptoms of a cohort of cystic fibrosis patients were related to their genotypes using RFLPs shown with MspI and the closely linked DNA marker MP6d-9. In the majority of CF chromosomes, the restriction site for MspI was present, and the genotype 2/2 was found most often in patients who were severely affected by the disease. The genotype 1/2 was significantly over-represented in patients with very mild clinical manifestations, including pancreatic sufficiency, absence of meconium ileus, and absence of Pseudomonas colonisation. When pancreatic dysfunction was present, the 1/2 genotype was associated with a mild form, while the 2/2 genotype was found in patients with severe insufficiency. None of our patients had the 1/1 genotype. These results indicate that the newly isolated MP6d-9 marker correlates with some important symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis↗

Beneficial effect of prolonged total parenteral nutrition in a very malnourished cystic fibrosis patients.

A very malnourished Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient was treated with integrative Parenteral Nutrition (PN). With a mean caloric supplementation of 2,550 Kcal/day a weight gain of 6.5 Kg was achieved. In spite of severe pulmonary complications (pneumotorax and pneumomediastinum), pO2 increased from 53 to 72 mmHg and pCO2 from 38 to 56 mm Hg. General conditions improved, appetite was restored and the patient cleared off continuous oxygen therapy; he left the hospital and did not present any more pulmonary exacerbations. In the following 8-month period he maintained a daily caloric intake of 80 Kcal/kg with a further weight gain of 4.5 Kg.

Adult↗

Hepatobiliary involvement in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis.

Fifty nine C.F. pts (38 males) aged 14-41 years have been considered, for all of them the following parameters were taken into account: Shwachman clinical score modified (radiological evaluation emended), steatorrhea, liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, GT, Bilirubin, AP, Quick T.), A and B hepatitis markers and ultrasonographic scan of pancreas and hepatobiliary system. 23 pts (38%) presented well recognized hepatobiliary involvement: 2 pts (3%) evident cirrhosis, 3 pts (5%) cirrhosis with portal hypertension and esophageal varices, 5 pts (8%) were affected with signs of chronic hepatopathy, 13 pts (22%) presented gallbladder stones.

Adolescent↗

[Peripheral rheumatoid neuropathy. Description of a clinical case].

After describing peripheral rheumatoid neuropathy and pointing out its increased frequency after the advent of steroid therapy, the Authors describe a case brought to their attention at the Rheumatology Division of the Ospedale San Camillo De Lellis.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Differential evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage cells and leukotrienes in unilateral acute lung injury and ARDS patients.

Patients with unilateral acute lung injury (UALI; n = 6) and ARDS (n = 4) were evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage, as controls we used 5 patients suffering from cerebral hemorrhage and without pulmonary, cardiac or infectious disease who were mechanically ventilated. For each group of patients two independent bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) were performed. The BAL fluid recovered from the two lungs was immediately analyzed for leukotrienes (LTS) by means of RP-HPLC and stained for cell counts. The BAL from the control group did not show any LTS and the percentage of neutrophils was within the normal range: 1 +/- 0.2% right lung and 1.2 +/- 0.4% left lung. The BAL fluid from UALI patients showed two different patterns, the injured lung showed high levels of LTS (39.1 +/- 8 ng ml-1 LTB4; 25 +/- 6 ng ml-1 LTD4 and 27.8 +/- 8.2 ng ml-1 11-trans LTC4) and an increased percentage of neutrophils (74.2 +/- 7%) compared to controls. Only 2 out of the 6 patients from the UALI group showed small amounts of LTB4 (4 ng ml-1) and LTD4 (3.2 ng ml-1). The BAL obtained from the "healthy lung" in both cases showed values of LTS almost eight fold lower than those present in the injured lung. The percentage of neutrophils from the unaffected lungs (4.3 +/- 7%) was not significantly different from controls. Lavage fluid from ARDS patients showed a similar picture to that of the affected lung from UALI patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Detection of leukotrienes B4, C4 and of their isomers in arterial, mixed venous blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from ARDS patients.

Seven patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were studied. As a control group we used 6 surgical patients who underwent minor surgical operation (inguinal hernia). For both groups the same sample collection and analysis was used. The presence of leuktorienes (LTs) B4 and C4 and of their isomers 11-trans LTC4 and delta 6-trans-12-epi LTB4 was determined in arterial, mixed venous blood and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The samples, analysed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), showed a similar chromatographic picture among ARDS patients, while the control group showed no detectable amounts of LTs in BAL or blood. The distribution of these arachidonic acid metabolites in mixed venous blood, arterial blood and BAL seems to suggest pulmonary metabolism and/or inactivation. It is suggested that these mediators act as humoral factors in pathogenesis of the ARDS.

Adult↗

Pressure support ventilation (PSV) reverses hyperinflation induced isorhythmic A-V dissociation.

We report a case of hyperinflation induced isorythmic atrio-ventricular dissociation with circulatory failure in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The arrythmia was successfully treated by applying "pressure support ventilation" (PSV: 20 cmH2O) which, by decreasing the respiratory rate and increasing the expiratory time reduced the level of auto-PEEP. In order to explain this result the Authors recorded, in the same patient, the level of auto-PEEP and delta FRC obtained with Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV), Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV) and PSV at the same gas exchange values. PSV showed a dramatic reduction of both these parameters. (Auto-PEEP: IPPV 12 cmH2O, IMV 17 cmH2O, PSV 7 cmH2O).

Aged↗

High frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) has no better haemodynamic tolerance than controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) in cardiogenic shock.

Six patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock were studied in order to compare the haemodynamic tolerance of controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) and high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV). The comparative analysis of the two techniques was performed with the same levels of PaO2 (CMV: 101 +/- 13 mmHg; HFJV: 104.2 +/- 14 p = ns); and PaCO2 (CMV: 37 +/- 1.7; HFJV: 35.7 +/- 1.4 p = ns). In this situation the values of mean airway pressure (Paw) did not differ significantly (CMV: 13 +/- 3 cm H2O; HFJV: 12.6 +/- 3.8 cm H2O) and no statistically significant difference in haemodynamic values was observed. These results demonstrate that in patients with cardiogenic shock, there is no difference between HFJV and CMV in terms of haemodynamic tolerance. Because of the more difficult clinical management of HFJV, this technique does not seem indicated as ventilatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock states.

Aged↗

[Respiratory physio-kinesitherapy in cystic fibrosis: the parents' viewpoint].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the problems found in performing chest physiotherapy (PKT) by patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and by their families. The research has been based upon processing 389 questionnaires (46 items) that were compiled by the families. Thirteen CF centers all over the nation have participated in this study. Patients' mean age was 7.4 years (range 2 months to 14 years). Data about the socio-economic status and illness severity were available for every patient. Many graphs (line connects points with a line = n. 8; bar charts = n. 17; pie charts = n. 13) show the results and their statistical processing. Our purpose was to solve the following problems: 1) What is the extent of the compliance? 2) Who perform, or should perform, PKT in the family environment? 3) What is the kind and extent of the help request? 4) What are the mistakes made in executing PKT? 5) What is the usefulness of precursors and aerosol therapy? 6) What is the link between physical activity and PKT? 7) What are the main difficulties in performing PKT? 8) How effective is PKT? 9) What is the extent of the parents' faith in their capabilities? 10) Are there any prejudices against PKT? Three major findings emerge from this study: 1) the compliance appeared good; 2) the average family understood the meaning of PKT correctly and 3) PKT is usually executed properly. As for negative results are concerned, it is to be noted that the burden of performing PKT is usually up to the mother. This finding is linked both to the socio-economics status of the family and to the severity of the illness. On the other hand, a home PKT service is only asked in very extreme situations such as sudden worsening of the patient's illness. The difficulties met in performing PKT range from the patient's refusal to logistical and organization problems, which are correlated with the socio-economic status of the family. The relationship between PKT and sport is understood well and there is a high percentage of patients doing regular physical activity, even if it is often hindered by the severity of the disease. In conclusion, although there are many problems, there are also many methods to use in order to improve the acceptance and the effectiveness of the PKT.

Adolescent↗

Protocol for prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis based on studies of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes.

Amniotic fluid analysis of microvillar enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) total activity and ALP isoenzymes, has been widely experimented with and used for the prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in the second trimester of gestation. Since the development of cystic fibrosis molecular analysis, interest in these biochemical tests has been maintained for those instances in which the pregnancy is not fully informative by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or DNA is not available from the index-affected child. However, recommended biochemical protocols do not provide clear-cut diagnostic results in a minority of cases. We have tested the reliability of cystic fibrosis biochemical prediction by ALP high-resolution electrophoresis and ALP kinetic studies after inactivation by urea. With this approach, all the amniotic fluid samples that had not been unambiguously classified as affected or unaffected by standard microvillar enzymes analysis were definitely categorized. The proposed method seems to improve the diagnostic accuracy in pregnancies with a one in four risk of resulting in a child with cystic fibrosis.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Clinical use of differential continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of unilateral acute lung injury.

In some instances of unilateral acute lung injury (ALI) refractory to conventional ventilatory support, the intact lung is still able to ensure an efficient CO2 washout, the concomitant hypoxaemia being due to the loss of volume of the injured parenchyma. In these cases, the administration of a sufficient selective continuous distending pressure by means of differential continuous positive airway pressure may restore to normal the resting volume and thus the ventilatory performance of the affected lung, contemporarily avoiding the occurrence of pulmonary and systemic barotrauma.

Adult↗

Entomophthoromycosis due to Basidiobolus in Somalia.

The clinical picture, histopathology of the lesion, microscopic identification of fungus and treatment of entomophthoromycosis due to Basidiobolus in a seven-year-old boy are described. This is the first case recognized in Somalia and confirms that this condition is common and widely distributed in tropical countries.

Child↗

Polylysine-containing peptides, including the carboxyl-terminal segment of the human c-Ki-ras 2 protein, affect the activity of some key membrane enzymes.

Polylysine-containing peptides are found to affect membrane protein kinases, phosphatidylinositol kinases, and adenylate cyclase. Poly(L-lysine), poly(D-lysine), random copolymers of lysine and serine or lysine and alanine, and poly(L-ornithine) produced large increases in the in vitro phosphorylation of some membrane proteins present in Xenopus laevis oocyte membranes. Poly(L-arginine) did not cause a similar stimulation. In these membranes the phosphorylation of polydisperse protein of approximately 25 kDa was also greatly increased by 1 mM spermine and spermidine, by 10 microM histone H1, or by 200 microM peptide containing the 14-residue sequence at the carboxyl terminus of the human c-Ki-ras 2 gene product, which has eight lysines. Similar specific stimulation of protein phosphorylation was observed with membranes of NG-108-15 nerve cells in culture. Polylysine peptides, including the c-Ki-ras 2 segment, also stimulate the in vitro phosphorylation of membrane inositolphospholipids, to produce mainly phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and less phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Polylysine also alters the activity of oocyte adenylate cyclase, assayed in the presence of either F- or 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate.

1-Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase↗

Some aspects of the mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in human atrial tissue during cardiopulmonary by-pass.

Following previous research on the hypoxic cell in human circulatory shock, the present work has investigated some mitochondrial oxidative aspects in atrial biopsies taken during cardiopulmonary by-pass. Cardioplegic solution and hypothermia were administered to 10 patients and the atrial samples were collected before and after aortic clamping. The results show a cellular protective effect of cardioplegia and hypothermia on the electron-transport chain, even if the enzymes with high KmO2 appear to be more sensitive to ischaemia. The results suggest a metabolic injury rather than an oxidative damage due to the induced ischaemia, alterations to fatty-acid beta-oxidation being especially notable. Because of the unchanged oxidative capacities, the oxyradical generation and the peroxidative damage appear to be irrelevant in the ischaemic period and during the course of reperfusion. Further studies are needed to elucidate the metabolic damage and the therapeutic implications due to the induced ischaemia in the myocardial cell during the aortic clamping.

Adult↗

Occurrence of a circadian rhythmicity for blood pressure in patients with circulatory shock.

Ten patients hemodynamically in shock were monitored for blood pressure along the 24-hr span while under antishock therapy. Time-qualified data were analyzed by means of the cosinor procedure. The fit of a 24-hr cosine function was able to reject the null hypothesis of amplitude = O in the majority of patients under intensive care. The blood pressure circadian rhythm was found to be independent of whether the patient was responsive or refractory to therapy. This phenomenon demonstrates that the maintenance of a blood pressure circadian rhythm is a characteristic intrinsic to hemodynamic shock even if blood pressure falls to very low values along the time scale.

Adult↗