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Biomedical subjects

M Grimaldi

Publications and source records attributed to M Grimaldi.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Role of immunosuppressive regimen on the incidence and characteristics of cytomegalovirus infection in heart transplantation: a single-center experience with preemptive therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective single-center report sought to evaluate the relation of immunosuppressive regimen with the incidence and characteristics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection from 1999 to 2003. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine microemulsion (Neoral), azathioprine (AZA), and prednisolone associated with either thymoglobulin or ATG high-dosage induction from 1999 to 2000 (AZA, 64 patients [AZA-Thymo = 38 patients and AZA-ATG 26 patients]), or cyclosporine microemulsion (Neoral), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisolone with low-dose thymoglobulin induction from 2001 onward (n = 52 patients). Ganciclovir preemptive therapy was guided by pp65 antigenemia monitoring without CMV prophylaxis. RESULTS: The study groups were homogeneous with respect to major perioperative risk factors. Comparing the two AZA subgroups no difference emerged as to percentage of pp65 antigenemia-positive, preemptively treated patients reflecting CMV disease incidence and relapses. AZA-Thymo patient showed significantly shorter time to first positive pp65-antigenemia and higher viral load (AZA-Thymo vs AZA-ATG, P = .004 and P = .009). The two subgroups did not differ with regard to incidence of rejection, superinfection, and graft coronary disease. By shifting from AZA to MMF no difference emerged as to incidence and characteristics of CMV infections, but there was a significant reduction in acute rejection and superinfection (AZA vs MMF P = .001 and P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: The distinct immunological properties of thymoglobulin versus ATG significantly altered the pattern of CMV expression. MMF with reduced-dose induction did not engender a higher CMV morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Discriminant analysis for the diagnosis of childhood celiac disease.

A new statistical approach to the analysis of laboratory data has been introduced to optimize the use of absorption tests and gliadin antibody measurement for the diagnosis of childhood celiac disease. Serum antigliadin antibodies, as well as blood xylose, iron, and tryglycerides after oral load, were evaluated in 40 celiac children and 43 age-matched patients affected by other gastrointestinal diseases. Each test evaluated individually gave a considerable rate of false-positive and false-negative results. Discriminant coefficients produced for each test were used to compute a score that allowed correct classification of 99% of patients; 2.3% of false-positive and no false-negative results were recorded. This approach improves significantly the overall sensitivity and specificity for celiac disease of these laboratory tests and we propose its use for screening patients to be submitted to jejunal biopsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Case control study on nutritional risk factors in celiac disease.

This study explored whether risk or protective nutritional factors have a role in childhood celiac disease. The effect of bottle feeding and early introduction of gluten to the diet was evaluated in a case control study. For each case, about 10 controls were recruited: sample size was determined as required for the evaluation of the study hypothesis. Patients were significantly less breast fed than were controls. Bottle-fed children had an earlier introduction of gluten to the diet than did controls, but when early gluten introduction was analyzed across strata of breast-fed or bottle-fed children, no risk was attributed to it. Bottle feeding appeared to be a significant risk factor in children who received gluten early as well as in those who received gluten later. Breast-feeding rates for patients and controls were equal at birth, but lower for patients by the age of 1 month: from then onward, there was a constant difference between patients and controls regarding the percentage still at breast. Interruption of breast feeding was a risk factor in celiac disease, but early gluten introduction did not appear to be a similar risk factor in the present study.

Bottle Feeding↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Glycosaminoglycans as a possible tool for micro- and macroalbuminuria in diabetic patients. A pilot study.

The aim was to investigate sulodexide as a possible therapeutic tool for treating micro- and macroalbuminuria in diabetic patients. Fifteen patients (13 micro- and 2 macroalbuminuric) with Type II diabetes, were treated with 600 lipoprotein-lipase releasing units of sulodexide by the intramuscular route, daily for 28 days, and followed up for 2 months. The main evaluation parameter was the albumin excretion rate. At the end of treatment, six of the 13 microalbuminuric patients showed a decrease in the albumin excretion rate, which increased again in three of the six during follow-up. In the two macroalbuminuric patients the albumin excretion rate decreased at the end of treatment and remained unchanged after a further 2 months. Overall analysis (15 patients) showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the albumin excretion rate compared with baseline. Metabolic control and blood pressure remained unchanged during the entire period of study. No adverse events were registered. It is concluded that sulodexide administration has a favourable effect in reducing the albumin excretion rate in Type II diabetic patients with micro- and macroalbuminuria.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Skull base fractures with TMJ involvement: literary review and case report].

The authors report their experience in the treatment of middle skull base fractures with TMJ involvement of ten patients affected by fractures of the glenoid cavity and of the petrous part of the temporal bone, with TMJ disfunction and facial nerve palsy. The treatment has been based on functional rest, a liquid diet for 5 days and than a functional physiotherapy aimed at rehabilitation of the TMJ. The efficacy of treatment has been showed after 2 months by restoring the dental occlusion and the TMJ's function in nine out of ten cases. Three out of four patients (75%) at the same control showed a full resolution of the facial nerve palsy. At an eighth month's follow-up all the cases had a complete resolution of the symptoms. Finally no significant studies have been reported in literature to set standardized protocols for the treatment of glenoid cavity fractures. According to the experience of authors the fractures of the medium cranial base involving the glenoid cavity should be treated as the current trends of intracapsular TMJ fractures. The orthopedic-functional treatment turns out particularly efficacious when there isn't a reduction of mandibular vertical heights.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Gingival hyperplasia induced by cyclosporin A].

Cyclosporine-A (Cy-A) selectively inhibits T cell function with minimal effect on humoral immunity. It is used specially in transplantation patients and in some cases, like other drugs, it causes gingival hyperplasia. In this article, after a review of the most recent pathogenetic hypothesis, the authors present their experience based on 10 cases of gingival hyperplasia in kidney transplantation patients in treatment with Cy-A.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Surgery of epithelioma in the outer canthus].

We review the tumors localized in the orbito-palpebral region. Their prevalence varies between 2.5 and 16.8%. Skin epitheliomas are more frequently seen. We discuss the surgical techniques for the repair and reconstruction of the orbital region.

Carcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Bilateral ovariectomy in gonadal dysgenesis with a Y chromosome].

The Authors report 4 cases of gonadal dysgenesis with a Y chromosome. Every patient underwent bilateral oophorectomy. Two cases of streak gonads, 1 case of streak gonad and gonadoblastoma and 1 case of non metastasizing bilateral gonadoblastoma with foci of dysgerminoma have been found. The Authors emphasize the importance of early bilateral gonadectomy in all cases of gonadal dysgenesis with a Y chromosome.

Adolescent↗