Diagnostic Delay of Celiac Disease in Childhood

Importance

The extent and factors associated with risk of diagnostic delay in pediatric celiac disease (CD) are poorly understood.

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic delay of CD in childhood, and to assess factors associated with this delay.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study (2010-2019) of pediatric (aged 0-18 years) patients with CD from 13 pediatric tertiary referral centers in Italy. Data were analyzed from January to June 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The overall diagnostic delay (ie, the time lapse occurring from the first symptoms or clinical data indicative of CD and the definitive diagnosis), further split into preconsultation and postconsultation diagnostic delay, were described. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models for factors associated with diagnostic delay were fitted. Factors associated with extreme diagnostic delay (ie, 1.5 × 75th percentile) and misdiagnosis were assessed.

Results

A total of 3171 patients with CD were included. The mean (SD) age was 6.2 (3.9) years; 2010 patients (63.4%) were female; and 10 patients (0.3%) were Asian, 41 (1.3%) were Northern African, and 3115 (98.3%) were White. The median (IQR) overall diagnostic delay was 5 (2-11) months, and preconsultation and postconsultation diagnostic delay were 2 (0-6) months and 1 (0-3) month, respectively. The median (IQR) extreme overall diagnostic delay (586 cases [18.5%]) was 11 (5-131) months, and the preconsultation and postconsultation delays were 6 (2-120) and 3 (1-131) months, respectively. Patients who had a first diagnosis when aged less than 3 years (650 patients [20.5%]) showed a shorter diagnostic delay, both overall (median [IQR], 4 [1-7] months for patients aged less than 3 years vs 5 [2-12] months for others) and postconsultation (median [IQR], 1 [0-2] month for patients aged less than 3 years vs 2 [0-4] months for others). A shorter delay was registered in male patients, both overall (median [IQR], 4 [1-10] months for male patients vs 5 [2-12] months for female patients) and preconsultation (median [IQR], 1 [0-6] month for male patients vs 2 [0-6] months for female patients). Family history of CD was associated with lower preconsultation delay (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.47-0.74) and lower overall extreme diagnostic delay (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56-0.99). Neurological symptoms (78 patients [21.5%]; OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03-1.78), gastroesophageal reflux (9 patients [28.1%]; OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.02-3.42), and failure to thrive (215 patients [22.6%]; OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.31-2.00) showed a more frequent extreme diagnostic delay. A previous misdiagnosis (124 patients [4.0%]) was more frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, osteopenia, and villous atrophy (Marsh 3 classification).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of pediatric CD, the diagnostic delay was rather short. Some factors associated with risk for longer diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis emerged, and these should be addressed in future studies.

Long-Term Natural History of Autoimmune Gastritis: Results From a Prospective Monocentric Series

INTRODUCTION

The natural history of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) has been poorly described. In this study, we report the long-term natural history and clinical clustering of the full spectrum of AIG, from the potential to the complicated stage.

METHODS

Prospective single-center study conducted in a tertiary referral center. Patients with AIG at any stage (0 = potential; 1 = early; 2 = florid; 3 = severe; and 4 = complicated) were enrolled (January 2000-December 2022). The histopathological evolution, the clinical presentation, and the correlates of evolution of potential AIG were assessed.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety-eight patients with AIG (mean age 56.7 ± 15.2 years, F:M ratio 2.5:1) were included, of whom 93 experienced potential AIG. The maximum disease duration was 27 years (median 18, interquartile range 14-23), while the overall median follow-up was 52 months (interquartile range 12-95). Age was significantly lower in stage 0 compared with that in the other stages. Accidental histologic evidence and hematologic findings were the most common clusters of diagnosis. The overall median rate of progression was 7.29 per 100 persons/yr (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.19-8.59), while the stage-specific rates of progression were 10.85 (stage 0; 95% CI 7.75-15.18), 14.83 (stages 1-2; 95% CI 11.89-18.49), and 2.68 (stage 3; 95% CI 1.88-3.84). Newly onset neoplastic complications at follow-up occurred in 41/483 patients (8.5%; 23 neuroendocrine tumors and 18 epithelial dysplasia). No cases of adenocarcinoma were noticed. Male sex was associated with a greater likelihood of evolving from potential AIG to overt AIG.

DISCUSSION

AIG is a progressive disorder, with a virtually absent risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients with potential AIG should be monitored because they carry a high risk of evolving into overt AIG.

A Longitudinal RCT on the Effectiveness of a Psychological Intervention for Hospital Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What We Learned to Date

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant psychological distress among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs), with a particular increase in trauma-related symptoms. This study investigated the longitudinal course of trauma-associated symptoms and behaviors in HCWs and the effectiveness of a brief dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed intervention in mitigating these symptoms over 12 months. The trial included 225 HCWs randomly assigned to one of three groups: no intervention (control), in-person DBT-informed intervention, or online DBT-informed intervention. Over time, a natural decrease in PTSD symptoms was observed in all groups. Contrary to expectations, no difference was found between the control and intervention groups. However, for participants with severe PTSD symptoms, the intervention significantly mitigated their distress. No differences emerged between in-person and online interventions, suggesting equal effectiveness. Females reported higher trauma-related symptoms, while no differences emerged among different professional roles. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions for HCWs experiencing severe symptoms and highlight the potential of online modalities. Further research is needed to optimize the deployment of mental health resources within the healthcare setting, particularly during crises.

Impact of proton pump inhibitors on the onset of gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events during immunotherapy

INTRODUCTION

The gut microbiota (GM) can influence the pathogenesis of immune-mediated adverse events (irAEs). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can affect the integrity of GM, but their role in promoting irAEs is still poorly understood.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-center cohort study, the primary endpoint was the evaluation of the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) irAEs in cancer patients on PPIs (exposed) versus cancer patients who were not on PPIs (unexposed).

RESULTS

Three hundred and sixty three patients' records (248 M/115F, median age 69) were reviewed. Twenty-three exposed patients (92%) developed GI irAEs while only two unexposed patients (8%) developed GI irAEs (hazard ratio [HR] 13.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.11-56.10, p < 0.000). This HR was confirmed after weighting for the propensity score (HR15.13 95% CI 3.22-71.03, p < 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Chronic PPI use is associated with an increased risk of GI irAES.

Correlation between visual field index and quality of life in glaucoma patients: a new tool to screen quality of life perception?

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation between the visual field index (VFI) and vision-related quality of life (QoL) considering several confounding variables that may have a positive or negative effect.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, mono-centric study on glaucoma patients. Quality of life was examined with the NEI-VFQ 25 and the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS). The visual field was examined with the Humphrey Field Analyzer. The variables considered were age, gender, comorbidities, years (at diagnosis and duration of the illness), treatment and related active principles, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity. The analysis was performed on both the better and the worse eye. The linear regression univariate analysis and the multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

In total, 193 patients enrolled in the study. The mean age was 70.8 ± 10.4 years. The mean follow-up period since diagnosis 11.4 ± 9.2 years. Approximately 50% of the patients suffered from primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 45% were on monotherapy. The mean VFI was 81.3 ± 26. Regarding QoL, the NEI-VFQ total mean was 80.4 ± 17.8 and the GSS total score was 77.2 ± 21. Regarding NEI-VFQ 25, the single linear regression analysis found the following relations: age at time of visit (r = -0.30, p = 0.016), years of illness (r = -0.32, p = 0.020), the minimum and maximal visual acuity (r = 2.04 and r = 3.96, p < 0.001), the IOP min (r = 1.13, p = 0.002) and max (r = -0.52, p = 0.017), and the number of previous surgeries (r = -3.94, p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis found the following relations: gender (r = 5.13, p = 0.019), visual acuity max (r = 3.16, p < 0.001), and previous surgeries (r = -1.80, p = 0.032). Regarding GSS, the single linear regression analysis found relations with visual acuity (r = 2.37, p < 0.001), VFI (r = 0.41, p < 0.001), previous surgeries in the eye considered (r = -7.27, p < 0.001), and number of instillations (r = -3.67, p = 0.031). Data confirmed that a higher VFI has a positive impact on the score of both the NEI-VFQ 25 (r = 0.22, p = < 0.001) and the GSS questionnaire (r = 0.36, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study demonstrated a correlation between the VFI and QoL of patients and their visual and non-visual ocular symptoms and function both in the worst and in the better eye, even when accounting for several clinical and demographic confounding variables. Our data support that the visual field index is an important metric instrument in the follow up of patients with glaucoma.

Pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax Co-Administered with Posaconazole in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The Food and Drug Administration currently approves the combination of hypomethylating agents (HMA), azacytidine or decitabine with venetoclax (VEN) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients aged more than 75 years and for patients unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy. The risk of fungal infection in the early phase of treatment is not negligible; therefore, posaconazole (PCZ) is commonly administered as primary prophylaxis. A drug-drug interaction between VEN and PCZ is well known, but the trend of serum levels of venetoclax when both drugs are overlapped is not clear. In total, 165 plasma samples from 11 elderly AML patients receiving combined treatment with HMA, VEN and PCZ were analyzed by a validated analytical method (high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). Venetoclax trough plasma concentrations were detected during the 3 days of ramp-up as well as on day 7 and day 12 of treatment when the exposure as the area under the plasma concentration-time curve and the accumulation ratio were also calculated. The results were compared with the expected data for 400 mg/dose VEN administered alone-the confirmed high inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics suggests the need for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: epidemiological and clinical data from the comprehensive Italian retrospective multicenter study

Rare Disease patients manifested high concern regarding the possible increased risk of severe outcomes and worsening of disease-specific clinical manifestation due to the impact of COVID-19. Our aim was to assess the prevalence, outcomes, and impact of COVID-19 in patients with a rare disease such as Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) in Italian population. A nationwide, multicentric, cross-sectional observational study was conducted on patients with HHT from five Italian HHT centers by online survey. The association between COVID-19-related signs and symptoms and nosebleeds worsening, the impact of personal protective equipment on nosebleeds pattern, and the relationship between the presence of visceral AVMs and severe outcomes were analyzed. Out of 605 total survey responses and eligible for analysis, 107 cases of COVID-19 were reported. A mild-course COVID-19 disease, not requiring hospitalization, was observed in 90.7% of patients, while the remaining eight cases needed hospitalization, two of them requiring intensive-care access. No fatal outcome was recorded and 79.3% of patients reported a complete recovery. No difference in infection risk and outcome between HHT patients and general population was evidenced. No significative interference of COVID-19 on HHT-related bleeding was found. The majority of patients received COVID-19 vaccination, with relevant impact on symptoms and need for hospitalization in case of infection. COVID-19 in HHT patients had an infection profile similar to the general population. COVID-19 course and outcome were independent from any specific HHT-related clinical features. Moreover, COVID-19 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 measures did not seem to affect significantly HHT-related bleeding profile.

Prediction of morbidity and mortality after early cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis: results of the S.P.Ri.M.A.C.C. study

BACKGROUND

Less invasive alternatives than early cholecystectomy (EC) for acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) treatment have been spreading in recent years. We still lack a reliable tool to select high-risk patients who could benefit from these alternatives. Our study aimed to prospectively validate the Chole-risk score in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing EC for ACC compared with other preoperative risk prediction models.

METHOD

The S.P.Ri.M.A.C.C. study is a World Society of Emergency Surgery prospective multicenter observational study. From 1st September 2021 to 1st September 2022, 1253 consecutive patients admitted in 79 centers were included. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of ACC and to be a candidate for EC. A Cochran-Armitage test of the trend was run to determine whether a linear correlation existed between the Chole-risk score and a complicated postoperative course. To assess the accuracy of the analyzed prediction models-POSSUM Physiological Score (PS), modified Frailty Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologist score (ASA), APACHE II score, and ACC severity grade-receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to compare the diagnostic abilities.

RESULTS

A 30-day major morbidity of 6.6% and 30-day mortality of 1.1% were found. Chole-risk was validated, but POSSUM PS was the best risk prediction model for a complicated course after EC for ACC (in-hospital mortality: AUC 0.94, p < 0.001; 30-day mortality: AUC 0.94, p < 0.001; in-hospital major morbidity: AUC 0.73, p < 0.001; 30-day major morbidity: AUC 0.70, p < 0.001). POSSUM PS with a cutoff of 25 (defined in our study as a 'Chole-POSSUM' score) was then validated in a separate cohort of patients. It showed a 100% sensitivity and a 100% negative predictive value for mortality and a 96-97% negative predictive value for major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chole-risk score was externally validated, but the CHOLE-POSSUM stands as a more accurate prediction model. CHOLE-POSSUM is a reliable tool to stratify patients with ACC into a low-risk group that may represent a safe EC candidate, and a high-risk group, where new minimally invasive endoscopic techniques may find the most useful field of action.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04995380.

Prediction of morbidity and mortality after early cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis: results of the S.P.Ri.M.A.C.C. study

Background

Less invasive alternatives than early cholecystectomy (EC) for acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) treatment have been spreading in recent years. We still lack a reliable tool to select high-risk patients who could benefit from these alternatives. Our study aimed to prospectively validate the Chole-risk score in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing EC for ACC compared with other preoperative risk prediction models.

Method

The S.P.Ri.M.A.C.C. study is a World Society of Emergency Surgery prospective multicenter observational study. From 1st September 2021 to 1st September 2022, 1253 consecutive patients admitted in 79 centers were included. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of ACC and to be a candidate for EC. A Cochran-Armitage test of the trend was run to determine whether a linear correlation existed between the Chole-risk score and a complicated postoperative course. To assess the accuracy of the analyzed prediction models—POSSUM Physiological Score (PS), modified Frailty Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologist score (ASA), APACHE II score, and ACC severity grade—receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to compare the diagnostic abilities.

Results

A 30-day major morbidity of 6.6% and 30-day mortality of 1.1% were found. Chole-risk was validated, but POSSUM PS was the best risk prediction model for a complicated course after EC for ACC (in-hospital mortality: AUC 0.94, p < 0.001; 30-day mortality: AUC 0.94, p < 0.001; in-hospital major morbidity: AUC 0.73, p < 0.001; 30-day major morbidity: AUC 0.70, p < 0.001). POSSUM PS with a cutoff of 25 (defined in our study as a ‘Chole-POSSUM’ score) was then validated in a separate cohort of patients. It showed a 100% sensitivity and a 100% negative predictive value for mortality and a 96–97% negative predictive value for major complications.

Conclusions

The Chole-risk score was externally validated, but the CHOLE-POSSUM stands as a more accurate prediction model. CHOLE-POSSUM is a reliable tool to stratify patients with ACC into a low-risk group that may represent a safe EC candidate, and a high-risk group, where new minimally invasive endoscopic techniques may find the most useful field of action.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04995380.

POS0887 CHORIORETINAL MICROVASCULAR INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background

The optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new non-invasive imaging technique that can detect flow and provide information about the vessel density (VD) at different layers in the eye. The ocular microvascular network has been only occasionally addressed as disease target in scleroderma (SSc) considering the relatively low prevalence of ocular symptoms in these patients.

Objectives

The study aims to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris microvasculature in a group of SSc patients compared to matched controls (HC)and according to disease characteristics, capillaroscopy findings and pulmonary function tests.

Methods

VD was assessed through OCTA at the retinal superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexus, at the foveal avascular zone perimeter (FAZP) and at the choriocapillaris (CC) of 30 SSc patients compared to 30 sex- and age-matched subjects without any retinal disease.

Results

The SSc patients (age 57.3±10.0, female 86.7%) had diffuse cutaneous skin disease in 30.0% of the cases, an average disease duration of 10.4±7.2 yy, and anti-centromere and anti-Scl70 antibody positivity in 40.0%and in 30.0% of the cases, respectively. Compared to the HC, SSc showed an impaired VD at SCP (47.7±3.6 vs59.1±3.5%, p=0.009), DCP (50.0±6.7 vs 54.3±6.4%, p=0.015), FAZP (48.7±4.55 vs 51.0±3.55%, p=0.034) and CC(67.1±2.2 vs 68.6±1.7, p=.005). Moreover, in the SSc group, the presence of digital ulcers (46.7%),telangiectasias (43.3%) and interstitial lung disease (46.7%) was related to reduced VD at FAZP (46.8±4.1 vs50.3±4.3%, p=0.033), CC (66.1±1.4 vs 67.9±2.4%, p=0.004), and DCP (47.2±8.8 vs 51.9±4.3, p=0.004),respectively. Lastly, the average capillary density on capillaroscopy showed a positive correlation with VD at FAZP (r=0.474, p=0.008), DCP (r=0.414, p=0.023), and foveal CC (r=0.482, p=0.007) and there was also a correlation between CC and both DLco (r=0.467, p=0.009) and FVC/DLco (r=-0.436, p=0.004).

Conclusion

The SSc patients in our cohort showed lower ocular vessel density at different levels compared to HC. Furthermore, impaired VD at different levels of the eye correlates with the organ involvement and the degree of digital and pulmonary microvascular impairment. According to those data, the OCTA could be proposed as a biomarker tool to investigate the microvascular abnormalities in SSc.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

[Mechanism of action of quinapril in the treatment of primary arterial hypertension]

The effects of a long-term therapy with quinapril on plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide and left ventricular mass were analysed in patients with mild to moderate systemic hypertension. Fifteen patients (4 women) were treated for one year with quinapril 10 or 20 mg once daily, reducing hereby the systolic and diastolic blood pressure from 167.5 +/- 11.3 to 141 +/- 6.7 mmHg p < 0.001 and from 105.3 +/- 5 to 90 +/- 7 mmHg respectively, within the first two weeks. Blood pressure remained stable during the following 52 weeks. After 6 and 52 weeks of therapy, as expected, we observed an increase of plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone decrease from 262.6 +/- 88.1 to 178.8 +/- 79.9 p = 0.01 and to 170.3 +/- 64.3 ng/ml p = 0.006 respectively. Atrial natriuretic peptide levels were not significantly altered. After 52 weeks of treatment left ventricular mass index decreased from 107.9 +/- 16.2 to 90.1 +/- 13.4 g/m2 p = 0.0001. It is concluded that treatment with quinapril for 1 year in addition to controlling blood pressure also reduced left ventricular mass probably by a favourable effect on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

[24-hour ambulatory monitoring of arterial blood pressure and the sympathetic nervous system in hypertensive smokers]

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that heavy smoking may interfere with the variation in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and sympathetic nervous system in essential hypertension.

METHODS

We compared the office and 24-hour ABP of 48 untreated hypertensive smokers (> 20 cigarettes daily) with 90 non-smoking hypertensives matched for age, sex and body mass index. ABP was recorded using fully automatic SpaceLabs 90,207 units set to take a measurement every 15 minutes during the day (7.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.) and every 20 minutes during the night (10.00 p.m.-7.00 a.m.). Urine collection for urinary sodium, potassium, epinephrine and norepinephrine excretion was performed during the 24-hour period of ABP monitoring. Catecholamines were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The office blood pressure readings of the smoking and non-smoking groups were 156.7/103.4 and 156.5/103.9 mmHg respectively. During the day-time period, ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the smokers (146 +/- 12 vs 140.4 +/- 13 mmHg, p < 0.02; 96.4 +/- 8.15 vs 93.1 +/- 10 mmHg, p < 0.05 respectively). This difference was greater among patients under the age of 50 (145.9 +/- 13 vs 136.6 +/- 11 mmHg, p < 0.001 and 97.1 +/- 8.7 vs 92.3 +/- 9.9 mmHg, p < 0.02). Blood pressure during the night-time period did not differ between the two groups (130.5/81.3 vs 126.3/79.5). No differences were detected among the groups as far as urinary catecholamine excretion is concerned.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that among hypertensive subjects, smokers maintain a higher day-time ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure than non-smokers, particularly in the younger patients, even though casual blood pressure is similar.

Comparison of inter-observer reproducibility between conventional chest radiography and AMBER in the evaluation of silicosis

The aims of this study were to test inter-observer and intraobserver agreement in the diagnosis of silicosis using conventional chest radiography and AMBER. One hundred and fifteen patients underwent chest x-rays and AMBER for the diagnosis of silicosis. Five readers blindly and independently evaluated the radiograms with standard ILO/UC classification scales. Reproducibility was assessed using ANOVA repeated measurements methods. AMBER showed a better technical quality of radiograms than conventional chest x-rays; interobserver reproducibility was high and similar (R = 0.75); intraobserver agreement between chest x-rays and AMBER was high ranging from 0.62 to 0.86 for the 5 readers. Notwithstanding the absence of standards for profusion classification, the interobserver reproducibility with AMBER was similar to that obtained with chest x-rays. Moreover, the intraobserver agreement in profusion scoring between AMBER and chest radiography was high, suggesting that AMBER and chest radiography provided similar information in the evaluation of silicosis.

[Transvaginal echography in patients with postmenopausal metrorrhagia]

Forty-one postmenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding were scheduled for endometrial sampling in a week from the measurement of endometrial thickness by transvaginal ultrasonography. If the cut-off limit was 5 mm, the endometrial thickness was correlated with the presence of pathologic endometrium with a sensitivity of 87.5%, a specificity of 76%, a positive predictive value of 70% and a negative predictive value of 90.5%. Endometrial hyperplasia and polyp represented the two false negative cases. Waiting for a study on a sufficiently large series, the authors think that also an endometrial thickness of a few millimeters doesn't justify the non-recourse to endometrial biopsy in the presence of repeated haemorrhagic episodes or specific risk factors.

[Increase in absolute atmospheric pressure in hyperbaric chamber in cirrhosis with ascites: lack of natriuretic response and increase of atrial natriuretic peptide]

In normal subjects increasing atmospheres of absolute pressure (ATA) on the cardiopulmonary system, in a hyperbaric chamber, results in a marked diuresis and an increase of circulating concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). The present investigation was designed to determine the effect of ATA in a group of 5 sodium-retaining cirrhotic patients on hydro-saline balance, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and ANP. After seven days on a 10 mEq sodium intake, each patient was studied on both a control and experimental (4-hour stay at 2-ATA in hyperbaric chamber) day. On each day, measurement of the following were obtained: plasma ANP, plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone, electrolytes, creatinine clearance, volume and sodium and potassium urinary excretion. The increasing ATA lacked to induce both diuresis, natriuresis and increase in ANP plasma concentration. In these patients baseline, pre-hyperbaric, mean levels of PRA, aldosterone and ANP were 15.5 +/- 11.5 ng/ml/h, 808.4 +/- 360 pg/ml, 86 +/- 10.1 pg/ml, respectively, and were significantly elevated compared with normal range for control subjects without sodium restriction. In conclusion, increasing pressure at 2-ATA, in a hyperbaric chamber is unable to elicit both diuresis and natriuresis as well as modification on ANP and renin-angiotensin-aldo-sterone system in sodium-retaining cirrhotic patients.

[Atrial natriuretic peptide, left ventricular mass and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in essential arterial hypertension of a mild or moderate degree]

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and left ventricular mass in essential hypertension was assessed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Immunoreactive ANP in 10 normal subjects and 20 untreated patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension was compared with echocardiographic measurement of cardiac size, function and blood pressure. Venous plasma concentrations of ANP were also studied in relation to urinary sodium and potassium excretion, as well as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

RESULTS

Plasma ANP was higher in hypertensive patients (25.3 +/- 13.3 pg/ml; p = 0.003) than normotensive subjects (11.1 +/- 2.7 pg/ml). In hypertensive patients, plasma ANP was inversely related to plasma renin activity (PRA) (r = -0.6; p = 0.009). No relationship was found between ANP and blood pressure, nor between the indices of left ventricular mass and function or urinary electrolytes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that circulating ANP is, in average, significantly increased in hypertensive patients, consistent with previous reports. Our data do not support a direct link between left ventricular mass and increased plasma ANP levels in hypertensive patients. Whether the inverse relationship between ANP and PRA in this pathologic state is a direct one or merely a secondary association has not been clearly established.

[Anesthetic gases and neuropsychological tests]

The Authors observed, in a group of 15 subjects working in operating theatres and occupationally exposed to anesthetic gases, an increase of simple reaction average times and an increase of the latency of the wave V of the brainstem auditory evoked potentials. The small number of subjects doesn't allow to draw conclusions. Nevertheless the findings agree with first analogous studies. The Authors, therefore, think opportune to continue the research to acquire further evidence and to ascertain the validity of the current TLV.

Acute and short-term effects of nitrendipine and diltiazem at rest and during exercise in hypertensive patients

The subjects were 30 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension randomly assigned to receive 10 mg of nitrendipine twice daily or 60 mg of diltiazem thrice daily for 14 days. On days 1 and 14 the patients performed an effort test (to a maximum of 100 W) before and after drug administration. Both nitrendipine and diltiazem reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure; after 14 days of treatment, the reductions in blood pressure were significantly greater in the nitrendipine-treated patients than in the diltiazem-treated patients. Blood pressures were reduced at maximum effort in both treatment groups before drug administration on day 14 compared with day 1. Two hours after drug administration on days 1 and 14, the reductions in effort blood pressures were significantly greater after nitrendipine than after diltiazem. No side effects were noted in either group. It is concluded that nitrendipine is safe and effective in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension at rest and during exercise.

Absence of effects of ketanserin on renal prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 in essential hypertension

The anti-hypertensive effect of ketanserin, a new antagonist of 5-HT2-serotonergic receptors, was evaluated in 10 patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension. At the end of 2 weeks of placebo wash-out and following 2 and 4 weeks of treatment with ketanserin (20 mg twice daily), blood pressure and heart rate were measured both in the supine and standing position. In addition, before and at the end of treatment, plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma concentration of aldosterone and the nocturnal urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2, the two metabolites that largely reflect the renal synthesis of prostacyclin and thromboxane, respectively, were determined. The study was carried out in a metabolic ward where the intake of sodium was adjusted to 100-120 mmol day-1. Ketanserin significantly reduced blood pressure both in the supine and standing position with no significant change of heart rate. The treatment did not produce any variation of PRA, aldosterone, urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha or TXB2. These results indicate that ketanserin reduces blood pressure without interfering with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system or the renal synthesis of prostacyclin and thromboxane.

[Transluminal percutaneous angioplasty in renovascular hypertension caused by monolateral fibromuscular dysplasia]

The authors, following recent observation of two cases of renovascular hypertension, one related to single right renal artery stenosis and the other to fibromuscular dysplasia of the left renal artery, examine the value of the Captopril-Test and treatment with Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA), in the diagnosis and therapy of this form of hypertension. According to the latest experience, reported in the literature, the Captopril-Test yields valid information as regards the dependence of hypertension on the renin-angiotensin system, while PTA represents the primary procedure in the treatment of renovascular hypertension when some conditions are satisfied as in our cases.

[Effects of ketanserin on arterial pressure at rest and during physical exercise in essential arterial hypertension]

The antihypertensive effect of ketanserin, a recent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) antagonist, which acts on the 5-HT2-subtype receptor, was evaluated in 10 patients of both sexes (age range 35-69 years) with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured at rest, in supine and standing position at the end of two weeks of placebo washout and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment with ketanserin 20 mg twice daily as monotherapy, while the changes of blood pressure and heart rate during static (hand-grip) and dynamic (bicycle ergometer) exercise were evaluated at the end of placebo and of the fourth week of therapy. The treatment induced a highly significant reduction of supine and standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure during rest, without any significant change in heart rate. During dynamic exercise, the increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate was not blunted by ketanserin, while the drug reduced systolic blood pressure and heart rate increase, during static exercise, with no change of diastolic blood pressure. From these data it may be concluded that ketanserin lowers blood pressure in essential hypertension without any interference with cardiovascular reflexes related to standing or dynamic exercise, and reduces the increase of systolic blood pressure and heart rate during static exercise with favourable interference on myocardial oxygen consumption. This sparing effect on myocardial oxygen demand is particularly relevant in hypertensive patients with asymptomatic coronary disease engaged in normal daily physical activity which includes many forms of static exercise.

[Comparison of the efficacy of captopril and enalapril in single doses in the treatment of arterial hypertension. Evaluation by means of non-invasive ambulatory monitoring]

The study was designed to compare the efficacy of captopril and enalapril, both orally active inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme, in the treatment of primary hypertension when administered in a single daily dose. After placebo washout for two weeks, 20 hypertensive patients (I-II class, according to WHO), were admitted to active treatment, in a randomized sequence, with captopril (50 mg) and enalapril (20 mg) once a day in the morning (8 a.m.). Supine and erect blood pressure and heart rate were measured weekly, 24 hours after drug administration by using a mercury standard sphygmomanometer. In all patients ambulatory noninvasive blood pressure monitoring was performed after 4 weeks of treatment. The data confirmed the efficacy of both drugs in lowering blood pressure. However, while the antihypertensive effect of enalapril was prolonged throughout 24 hours, captopril was effective only for about 22 hours, a period longer than previously suggested on the basis of serum ACE inhibition, but not sufficient to cover the whole day. Therefore, if captopril therapy has to be used in a single daily dose an attempt should be made using an increased dosage or by employing the drug in some retarded pharmaceutical form. The need to prolong the antihypertensive effect of captopril to 24 hours is based on the clinical experience according to which the smaller the number of tablets to be taken the better the compliance. This is particularly true for cases of asymptomatic hypertension which nevertheless require lifelong therapy.

Recurrent vascular myelopathy. Report of a case with autopsy

A case of ischemic myelopathy which was marked by two clinical episodes, separated by a 4-month interval and affecting the same level of the spinal cord, is reported. A wide-ranging search through the literature shows that the recurrent type of ischemic vascular myelopathy is very rare.