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R M Scarpa

Publications and source records attributed to R M Scarpa.

64 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Cytogenetics of bladder cancer: rearrangements of the short arm of chromosome 11.

The presence of nonrandom chromosomal defects has been reported in a number of leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors. Primary karyotypic changes have been described in bladder carcinoma. We report the finding of chromosomal derivative markers 11 in three cases of bladder cancer. These markers were observed in all interpretable metaphases obtained by a direct method. The involvement of the short arm of chromosome 11 in the carcinogenetic process is discussed.

Aged↗

Identification of marker chromosomes in bladder tumor.

Sequential staining with Giemsa and quinacrine mustard on direct cytogenetic preparations was employed to characterize the karyotype of five bladder tumors of different stage and grade (TNM classification). The use of QFQ-banding allowed: the characterization of 2 euploid and 1 pseudodiploid cases, and the identification, in the two hyperdiploid cases, of a number of rearranged chromosomes otherwise morphologically indistinguishable from the normal ones. The importance of banding technique on direct cytogenetic preparations is stressed.

Adult↗

Derivative 11 marker chromosome in bladder carcinoma.

Cytogenetic studies on bladder carcinomas from two patients were carried out on preparations obtained by a direct method. The chromosome mode was 49 and 55, respectively. Several karyotypic changes were found in the tumors. Moreover, the analysis of Q-banded chromosomes revealed the presence in both cases of a chromosome 11p+. These rearranged chromosomes showed a very similar banding pattern. The finding of a der(11) chromosome marker in two patients is intriguing, and suggests the possibility of nonrandom chromosome changes in bladder carcinoma, as already found in other kinds of tumors. The occurrence of chromosome #11 aberrations in tumors of the urinary tract is discussed in connection with the current theories on oncogenesis.

Aged↗

Bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome: a comparison between laparoscopy and open surgery.

We report our experience with bilateral adrenalectomy for treatment of Cushing's syndrome and we compare the outcome of laparoscopy with open surgery in terms of effectiveness and safety. A series of 23 patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy for treatment of Cushing's syndrome [Cushing's disease in 16, ectopic ACTH syndrome in 2, and ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) in 5 cases]. From 1993 to 1996, all patients were treated using an open approach (Group A), while from 1997 all patients were treated using a transperitoneal laparoscopic approach (Group B). The comparison between the 2 groups was performed considering patients characteristics, operative times, blood losses, intraoperative and post-operative complications, analgesic consumption, post-operative hospital stay and recovery. Open surgery was performed in 10 patients and laparoscopy in 13 patients. No significant difference was recorded between the two groups as to patients' characteristics and complications. Mean operative time was significantly increased in Group B, while post-operative hospital stay was significantly longer in Group A. Laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy can be safely and effectively employed to treat Cushing's syndrome. However, long operatives times may represent a limitation especially in high risk patients.

Adrenalectomy↗

Metabolic effects of single-dose pamidronate administration in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases.

BACKGROUND: Increased osteolysis usually accompanies sclerotic bone metastases from prostate cancer. This provides a rationale for the use of bisphosphonates to treat bone pain and prevent skeletal complications. METHODS: The fasting urinary levels of calcium, hydroxyproline (OHPRO), pyridinolines (PYD), deoxypyridinolines (DPYD), collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) and the serum values of calcium, total alkaline phosphatase and relevant bone isoenzyme, bone gla protein (BGP), carboxy-telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were determined at baseline and on the 15th, 30th, 60th and 90th days after single-dose (90 mg) pamidronate administration in 35 consecutive prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. These biochemical indices and serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also measured after four days in the last consecutive 17 cases. RESULTS: PYD, DPYD and NTX showed a significant decrease lasting four weeks (p<0.01, <0.01 and <0.001, respectively). OHPRO and ICTP did not change significantly. The NTX decline was greater than that of PYD and DPYD (maximum percent decrease: -71.3, -23.1 and -28.2, respectively). Bone formation markers and serum calcium did not change significantly. Serum PTH showed a rapid initial increase followed by a slow decrease (p<0.001). DPYD and NTX patterns did not correlate with changes in bone pain. As observed in the last 17 cases, the maximum osteolysis inhibition after pamidronate occurred on the fourth day after drug infusion. Serum IL-6 levels showed a short-lived decrease preceded by a transient rise on the fourth day. CONCLUSIONS: Pamidronate is able to induce a decrease in bone resorption without significantly influencing bone formation. The maximum decrease in bone resorption occurs very early. NTX is the most sensitive bone resorption marker in bisphosphonate therapy monitoring. Changes in IL-6 but not bone resorption markers may be useful in the prediction of symptomatic response.

Adult↗

[Antibiotic prophylaxis with netilmicin in patients undergoing cystoscopic study].

Thirty adults of either sex, in several cases affected by severe urinary pathology, underwent check cystoscopy. An intramuscular injection of netilmicin 200 mg was administered one hour before the diagnostic procedure as antibiotic prophylaxis. Treated patients were controlled up to three months after cystoscopy, in order to verify the presence of urinary infections. Data obtained proved the efficacy of netilmicin in preventing postcystoscopy urinary infections in 87% of the cases. Safety was very good in all patients.

Adult↗