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Ponticelli D, Losa L, Campagna D, Magliuolo R, Vitale A, Cacciapuoti D, Zampella A, Alleanza L, Schiavone B, Spicuzza L, Ferrara P. Smoking habits predict adverse effects following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: Empirical evidence from a pilot study. Public Health 2023; 219:18-21. [PMID: 37086592 PMCID: PMC10028337 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this research was to investigate the possible association between smoking habits and the incidence of adverse effects (AE) following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Study design A longitudinal observational study was conducted in a sample of Italian healthcare workers (HCW). Methods HCWs who were administered mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (either BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) were evaluated for the occurrence of AEs after three vaccine doses. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses were fitted to predict AE risk according to smoking characteristics – such as number of tobacco cigarettes smoked per day, smoking time and use of electronic cigarette (e-cig). Results Out of 320 total participants, 72 (22.5%) smoked cigarettes and 50 (15.6%) used e-cig, 49 of which being dual users. Tobacco smoking significantly increased the risks of muscle and joint pain during the primary COVID-19 vaccination cycle, and of chills during the whole vaccination series. The number of cigarettes smoked per day and vaping variously predicted AE onset during the whole cycle, with a tendency to respectively reduce and increase their risks. Duration of smoking did not affect any AE, except for headache after booster dose. Most results remained significant after Bonferroni adjustment of significance level. Conclusion Our pilot study indicated a possible effect of smoking habits on AE onset. Our research offers evidence that helps understanding possible predictors of the interindividual variability in COVID-19 vaccine response, serving as a reference for further studies on the effect smoking on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Losa
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - D Campagna
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; UOC MCAU, University Teaching Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Magliuolo
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - A Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | | | - A Zampella
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - L Alleanza
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - B Schiavone
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - L Spicuzza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Respiratory Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Istituto Auxologico Italiano-IRCCS, 20165 Milan, Italy.
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Dallagiacoma G, Ferrara P, Alberti F, Vecchio R, Vigezzi GP, Odone A. The use of digital tools to promote health in children: A systematic review of intervention studies. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac130.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Early childhood health interventions and educational programs are key to keeping children healthy and preventing disease during adulthood. Since several preventive strategies and campaigns targeting children have been proposed, the aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital-based interventions (e.g., cartoons, videos, video games, mobile apps, etc.) in promoting healthy behaviours in primary school-aged children.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched three electronic databases (Medline, Embase, and Scopus) up to April 11, 2022. We included randomized and non-randomized experimental studies quantifying the effectiveness of digital or audio-visual-based health promotion interventions in childhood (up to 12 years of age).
Results
The search strategy yielded a total of 1640 articles. Retrieved studies covered a wide range of health interventions - including a healthy diet, physical activity promotion, oral hygiene, skin cancer prevention, and different educational approaches (such as cartoons, interactive video games, etc.), mainly implemented in a school setting and comparing digital interventions to teacher-led interventions or no intervention at all. Data pooling suggests that digital and audio-visual-based health promotion interventions targeting children are effective in improving health literacy and healthy behaviours.
Conclusions
This systematic review adds to the body of knowledge on health promotion in children and provides actionable measures to implement straightforward educational approaches in this specific population, empowering them to adopt preventive behaviours, and ultimately promoting health at the household and societal level.
Key messages
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Affiliation(s)
- G Dallagiacoma
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - F Alberti
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - R Vecchio
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - GP Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
- Ca’ della Paglia College, Ghislieri Foundation , Pavia, Italy
| | - A Odone
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
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Zeduri M, Sgueglia AC, Vigezzi GP, Ferrara P, Lanave M, Galvi R, Abela S, Novelli V, Muzzi A, Odone A. Hospital hand hygiene after COVID-19: has the pandemic heightened healthcare workers’ awareness? Eur J Public Health 2022. [PMCID: PMC9620791 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac129.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hand hygiene (HH) is the leading measure for preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAI), and a cornerstone to prevent COVID-19 spread. Aim of the research was the assessment of HCWs’ adherence to the application of WHO optimal practices, with the goal to promote a culture of safety and quality infection prevention and control (IPC) activities. Methods Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy, implemented a HH monitoring plan in which HCWs’ adherence to HH procedures is evaluated using WHO guidelines, technical manual and observation form. Direct field observations took place in March and April 2022 by trained personnel. Process index was HH adherence, stratified by profession, opportunity and unit, which has been visited at least twice. Results Overall, 302 HCWs were observed from 18 hospital units (105 physicians, 108 nurses, 84 healthcare assistants and 5 students). Out of 1382 opportunities, global adherence was 52% with 190 handwashing and 598 hand rubbing. The indication with the highest adherence was “after body fluid exposure risk” (76%), whereas the lowest were “after touching the patient's setting” (40%) and “before touching a patient” (43%). Adherence was higher in specialistic surgeries and haematology units, while the worst performances were reported in general medicine ward (29%). Physicians’ and nurses’ adherence was respectively 45% and 61%. Audits occasionally revealed non-conformities in glove use (i.e., unnecessary use, not changed between patients, hand rubbing on gloves). Conclusions These preliminary findings could be directly linked to habits acquired during the pandemic, when HW tended to consider COVID-19 patients as a unique block to shield themselves from infections, rather than safeguarding individual patient units. HH awareness could have changed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and our study described how HCWs’ adherence to optimal practices needs specific initiatives to promote correct HH. Key messages • The COVID‐19 pandemic reinforced the importance of handwashing and IPC, showing the key role of the HCWs’ adherence to hand hygiene (HH) procedures. • HH audits play a leading part in clinical governance and IPC, aiming at enhancing the quality of care and patient safety, particularly to strengthen health system resilience in post-COVID era.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zeduri
- Department of Public Health, Università degli Studi di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - AC Sgueglia
- Department of Public Health, Università degli Studi di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - GP Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Università degli Studi di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- Department of Public Health, Università degli Studi di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - M Lanave
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo , Pavia, Italy
| | - R Galvi
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo , Pavia, Italy
| | - S Abela
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo , Pavia, Italy
| | - V Novelli
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo , Pavia, Italy
| | - A Muzzi
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo , Pavia, Italy
| | - A Odone
- Department of Public Health, Università degli Studi di Pavia , Pavia, Italy
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Lamloum D, Ferrara P, Arghittu A, Castiglia P, Gaeta M, Odone A, Campus G. Appraising the quality of guidelines for caries management using AGREE II: a systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac131.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Caries is one among the most prevalent dental disease and its prevention and treatment are crucial from both dental care and public health perspectives. Yet, caries’ management greatly varies across contexts according to the availability of specific Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Here, we present the results of a systematic review aimed at the appraisal of the current available CPGs on caries prevention and treatment.
Methods
A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and seven relevant guidelines databases up to March 2022, exploring CPGs published from 2012. The literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II checklist was used to measure the methodological rigour and quality of the retrieved CPGs.
Results
The systematic search resulted in a total of 1403 records, and 21 CPGs met the inclusion criteria. Overall, these considered different aspects of caries prevention and treatment. Regarding the appraisal through the AGREE II tool, the overall median score was 60.2% and 11 out of 21 CPGs were classified as “Recommended”, while the others as “Recommended with modification”. The domain analysis showed that the highest median scores were reached for Scope and Purpose (88.9%), Clarity of Presentation (86.9%), and Rigor of Development (67.8%), while the lowest were seen for Stakeholder Involvement (63.3%), Applicability (17.5%), and Editorial Independence (50%).
Conclusions
This systematic review showed that the rigor of CPGs for caries prevention and treatment remained suboptimal according to AGREE II evaluation, and highlighted that more efforts are needed to improve their quality. The AGREE II checklist is a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool for the development of CPGs, and its use ensures that evidence-based approaches are incorporated into consistent recommendations for the translation of evidence into practice.
Key messages
• The rigor of CPGs for caries prevention and treatment is suboptimal according to AGREE II evaluation, however, more efforts are needed to improve their quality.
• The AGREE II checklist is a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool for the development of CPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lamloum
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
- Department of Dentistry, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
| | - P Ferrara
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - A Arghittu
- Department of Dentistry, University of Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - P Castiglia
- Department of Dentistry, University of Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - M Gaeta
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - A Odone
- Department of Public Health, University of Pavia , Pavia, Italy
| | - G Campus
- Department of Dentistry, University of Bern , Bern, Switzerland
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Terzoni S, Bianchi LC, Ferrara P, Di Bari A, Destrebecq A. A new tool for assessing the risk of fall in children with severe disability: development of the ALICE scale. Ann Ig 2022; 34:375-383. [PMID: 35700029 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2022.2506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is known in the literature that the main cause of physical impairment in children with severe disabilities is falling, which can worsen their already compromised condition. There are no specific scales for this population in the literature, neither in Italian nor in other languages. We created and validated a scale for assessing the risk of falling in children with severe disabilities. STUDY DESIGN Observational prospective study. METHODS We enrolled children (inpatients or day-hospital) admitted to the "Santa Maria Bambina Centre" of the "Fondazione Onlus Sacra Famiglia" in Cesano Boscone, Milan; the Content Validity Index of the Scale was calculated to assess the content validity of a new scale (ALICE). Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) was used to examine internal consistency, Spearman's rho coefficient to test inter-rater reliability. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS Out of 48 patients enrolled, 14 fell (29.2%). The ALICE scale, with cut-off set at 16, showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 88.2%, a positive predictive value of 77.8% and a negative predictive value of 100%. The Content Validity Index of the Scale (=0.93), inter-rater reliability (rho=0.91, p<0.001) and Cronbach's alpha (=0.72) were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS The ALICE scale seems reliable and valid in the disabled population and can be applied by nurses. Further studies with larger samples and a multicentre design are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Terzoni
- San Paolo Bachelor School of Nursing, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - L C Bianchi
- General Surgery Unit, Hospital of Sesto S. Giovanni, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- San Paolo Bachelor School of Nursing, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | | | - A Destrebecq
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Ferrara P, Ponticelli D, Agüero F, Caci G, Vitale A, Borrelli M, Schiavone B, Antonazzo IC, Mantovani LG, Tomaselli V, Polosa R. Does smoking have an impact on the immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines? Evidence from the VASCO study and need for further studies. Public Health 2022; 203:97-99. [PMID: 35038631 PMCID: PMC8786634 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the possible impact of smoking on the humoral response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (also known as the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine). STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal sero-epidemiological study was conducted in sample of Italian healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS HCWs who were administered two doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, 21 days apart, between December 2020 and January 2021, were invited to undergo multiple serology tests to identify SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Participants also responded to questions about their smoking status (i.e. current smokers vs non-smokers) in a survey. RESULTS Sixty days after the completion of the vaccination cycle, serological analyses showed a difference in vaccine-induced IgG titre between current smokers and non-smokers, with median antibody titres of 211.80 AU/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 149.80-465.50) and 487.50 AU/mL (IQR 308.45-791.65) [P-value = 0.002], respectively. This significant difference in vaccine-induced IgG titres between current smokers and non-smokers remained after adjusting for age, sex, and previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS This study observed that vaccine-induced antibody titres decrease faster among current smokers than non-smokers. Further research to investigate the impact of smoking on the immunological response to COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy; Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy.
| | - D Ponticelli
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - F Agüero
- Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Caci
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - M Borrelli
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - B Schiavone
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Caserta, Italy
| | - I C Antonazzo
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - L G Mantovani
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - V Tomaselli
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Polosa
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Fornari C, Antonazzo IC, Paoletti O, Cei E, Bartolini C, Conti S, Ferrara P, Mantovani LG, Gini R, Mazzaglia G. Use of antidepressants during COVID19 outbreak: a real-world drug-utilization study. Eur J Public Health 2021. [PMCID: PMC8574249 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lockdown measures implementation (LMI) to prevent COVID19 disease diffusion was associated to increased depression and anxiety cases. The main aim was to evaluate whether LMI affected prevalence and incidence of antidepressants (ADs) use, and ADs treatment interruption (TI) in the general population. Methods Adults (≥18 years) with at least 1 dispensing of ADs between 01/01/2019-26/09/2020 were selected from a regional Italian healthcare administrative database. Patients presenting an AD dispensing in the year preceding the first observation were considered as prevalent otherwise as incident users. We divided the studied period into 3 parts: pre-lockdown (01/01/2019-08/03/2020), lockdown (09/03/2020-14/06/2020) and post-lockdown (15/06/2020-27/09/2020). The weekly prevalence (WP) and incidence (WI) per 10,000 inhabitants were compared among periods. Incidence of TI (no dispensing refill within 30 days of the end of its validity) was computed among prevalent AD users. Results The WP (mean of 552.3 per 10,000 pre-lockdown vs 505.5 lockdown phase; relative change: -9%) and WI (5.2 vs 3.7; -29%) of ADs use decreased after LMI. During the post-lockdown phase WP (505.5 vs 495.9; -2%) decreased whereas the WI (3.7 vs 4.3; 16%) slightly increased in relation to the lockdown period, although differences were not statistically significant. Conversely, the incidence of TI increased during lockdown (344.7 vs 384.3; 12%) and post-lockdown (384.3 vs 394.2; 3%) periods, even not always statistically significant. Conclusions Our analysis showed a reduction of ADs use during the early phase of lockdown. Several factors might have impacted on the observed phenomenon (i.e, patient reluctance to start new AD treatment). Considering the mutation of the virus and the potential waves that might occur in the next months, a continuous monitoring of the impact of COVID19 on mental diseases onset and treatment adherence are suggested. Key messages In Italy, the implementation of lockdown measures was followed by a reduction in antidepressants use, even though evidences are that diagnoses of psychiatric disorders increased. Future studies should monitor if these phenomena led to an increase in adverse events potentially correlated with inappropriate treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fornari
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano- Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - IC Antonazzo
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano- Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - O Paoletti
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence, Italy
| | - E Cei
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano- Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - C Bartolini
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence, Italy
| | - S Conti
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano- Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano- Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - LG Mantovani
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano- Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Italy
| | - R Gini
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence, Italy
| | - G Mazzaglia
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milano- Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Ferrara P, Madotto F, Conti S, Vitale A, Della Ragione G, Romano ML, Borrelli M, Schiavone B, Mantovani LG, Ponticelli D. Field evaluation of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine response in healthcare workers: a 3-month follow-up. Eur J Public Health 2021. [PMCID: PMC8574276 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective and rapid immunologic response to vaccines is a crucial strategy for the control SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Here, we present the results of an ongoing longitudinal observational study conducted among the healthcare workers (HCWs) of the Pineta Grande Hospital (Castel Volturno, Italy), who were administered the two-dose prime-boost mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. Methods Volunteer HCWs underwent either (i) six RT-PCR assay for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs; (ii) or six quantitative serology testing for the research of virus-specific immunoglobulins (Ig) through chemiluminescent immunoassay with a reactivity cut-off of an Index of ≥ 1.0. The first tests were taken before the administration of the vaccine and then according to a predefined timeline. An active surveillance follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 infections was set amongst the vaccinees after the end of the study. Results Overall, among the 435 HCWs who accepted to participated in the study, 9.3% reported a previous laboratory-confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2, though all subjects tested negative at the time of first vaccine dose. In the swab cohort, seven subjects tested positive in the first 15 days after the first vaccine dose and one about a week from the second dose. At 45- and 60-day follow-ups all vaccinees tested negative, but two positive tests were registered at the third month. In the second cohort, two weeks after the first vaccine dose anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies exceeded the reactivity cut-off in 82.5% the participants. At one-month follow-up, almost all (98.4%) the vaccinees had reached the maximum Index value of 10. No statistically significant associations were found between antibody response and HCWs' characteristics. Conclusions Our results showed that surveillance is a critical component of providing safe healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic, also after extended vaccination campaigns, thus enhancing the protection of patients and HCWs. Key messages All healthcare facilities should implement continuous post-vaccination surveillance programs in order to ensure patients and healthcare workers safety, and limit in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Longer field follow-ups are indispensable to investigate immunogenicity trends and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines over time, and to consider booster doses, especially in high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - F Madotto
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - S Conti
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - A Vitale
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | | | - ML Romano
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - M Borrelli
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - B Schiavone
- Pineta Grande Hospital, Castel Volturno, Italy
| | - LG Mantovani
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Value-based Healthcare Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
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Della Monica A, Ferrara P, Dal Mas F, Cobianchi L, Scannapieco F, F Ruta FR. The impact of Covid-19 healthcare emergency on the psychological well-being of health professionals: a review of literature. Ann Ig 2021; 34:27-44. [PMID: 33779676 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2021.2445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China, and later caused a severe health crisis, causing massive disruptions to most healthcare systems worldwide. The Covid-19 health emergency has seen healthcare workers in the front line facing all the difficulties related to the care burden. One of the most significant and probably underinvestigated aspects is the psychological stress of the healthcare staff managing the emergency. The aim of the paper is to analyze the literature on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the psychological well-being of health professionals. Methodology We conducted a systematic review of articles published on this topic during the months from January 2020 to December 2020, searching on Pub Med, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Results Most of the issues can be summarized into five conceptual categories: Stress, Depression and Infection Anxiety, Anguish, Insomnia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicide. The literature identifies many factors contributing to the onset of anxiety, depression, and stress, like the fear of contracting the disease and transmitting it to family members and friends, stressful shifts, and little rest among several others. The literature highlights the needs for adequate measures, including proper psychological support. Conclusion The conducted review suggests that the behaviours of healthcare professionals during the emergency phase of the Covid-19 pandemic show psychological disorders that can compromise mental health. Therefore, there is a call for those in chief like hospital managers and policymakers to take action, promoting measures like surveillance, monitoring, and psychological support among others, to increase the resilience of healthcare workers, limiting stress and anxiety and allowing them to keep their performance at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Della Monica
- San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona University Hospital, Cava de' Tirreni, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- School of Nursing, S. Paolo Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - F Dal Mas
- Department of Management, Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - L Cobianchi
- Department of Clinic, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science. University of Pavia, Italy IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, General Surgery. Pavia, Italy
| | - F Scannapieco
- Department of languages and intercultural communication in the Euro-Mediterranean area, Orientale University of Naples, Italy
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Gnoni A, Ballini A, Trentadue R, Taurino F, Santacroce L, Ferrara P, Massaro F, Brienza N, Massari AM, Sardaro N, Dipalma G, Inchingolo F, Scacco S. Induction of mitochondrial dysfunction in patients under cardiopulmonary by-pass: preliminary results. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 23:8115-8123. [PMID: 31599439 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201909_19030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiac surgery is often performed by cardiopulmonary by-pass (CPB), generally associated with organ dysfunction. The aim of this work was to determine if and how this phenomenon is related to mitochondrial damage. To this purpose, the effect of the addition of serum from CPB patients to human fibroblasts cultures on mitochondrial respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activities was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum samples of five patients were obtained before (pre-CPB) and after 6 h CPB weaning (CPB). Mitochondrial OXPHOS activities were examined by polarographic and spectrophotometric assays, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by a spectrofluorimeter. RESULTS Addition of CPB serum to fibroblasts determined a decrease of mitochondrial oxygen consumption due to an inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain and some OXPHOS enzymes activities. This inhibition seems to be mainly related to a reduced activity of complex I. CONCLUSIONS Our data represent the first translational research evidence showing that CPB determines mitochondrial dysfunction which leads to impairment of OXPHOX activities and to an increase in ROS production, compromising tissue bioenergetic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gnoni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Policlinico, Bari,
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11
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Ferrara P. Economic analysis of the stand-by emergency treatment (SBET) for malaria in travellers. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Stand-by emergency treatment (SBET) is a possible approach for malaria prevention in travellers to low transmission areas (such as South-Eastern Asia [SEA]), but current evidence casts doubts on its feasibility and does not allow to decide whether this strategy is economically rational. Thus, this research aimed to appraise SBET in terms of cost-benefit/cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS).
Methods
To design a specific model, SBET benefits (valued as avoided direct and indirect costs of illness) were weighted against the costs associated with SBET doses to be prescribed in order to avoid one imported case of malaria. Direct healthcare costs were obtained allocating last surveillance data for imported malaria to the charge of the corresponding diagnosis-related group category and estimating outpatient care costs. Indirect social costs were calculated in terms of lost productivity. The economic framework was adjusted for the probability of malaria transmission in SEA region and weighed on the Italian context.
Results
In the model, for five malaria cases estimated to be imported from SEA to Italy in 2017, it was calculated that NHS would be charged with around € 22,487·50. Social costs were determined at € 7,100. Thus, the total Italian public expenditure for malaria cases in SEA travellers was of € 29,587·50 in 2017. In contrast, 50,000 doses were considered to be carried to avoid one malaria imported case, with a cost of € 2.5 million.
Conclusions
At cost-effectiveness analysis, reimbursement strategy does not lead to a favourable gain owing to the total cost of the SBET doses to be prescribed for avoiding one malaria case. The appraisal of costs and benefits brings into question the economic validation of SBET, also calling for further strategies to be reassessed for travellers to low-risk areas.
Key messages
Besides the evidence of incorrect SBET use among travellers, the appraisal of costs and benefits brings into question the economic validation of this strategy. Reimbursement for SBET seems to be not cost–effective from the perspective of National Health Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Research Center on Public Health, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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12
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Conti S, Ferrara P, D'Angiolella LS, Lorelli SC, Agazzi G, Fornari C, Cesana G, Mantovani LG. The economic impact of air pollution: a European assessment. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In 2017, the Global Burden of Disease Study estimated that in Europe 0.42 million deaths and 8.9 million disability-adjusted life years were attributable to air pollution. Monetizing this burden is a key step for estimating benefits of exposure reduction strategies. However, robust and synthetic estimates of direct (e.g. due to hospitalizations or medications) and indirect (e.g. due to premature mortality or loss of productivity) health-related costs of air pollution seem to be still lacking. We carried out a systematic review, aimed at identifying evidence from research in Europe.
Methods
We searched 5 electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web Of Science) in which we applied algorithms tracing keywords such as “cost of illness”, “health care costs”, “economics” and synonyms, together with “air pollution” and synonyms. We limited our search to articles written in English and Italian, without date restriction.
Results
The initial search retrieved 2420 records. 200 were classified as relevant, and 38 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Most of them (68%) were published after 2010. 26% were multi-country studies, while the remaining focused on a single country or city. Investigated pollutants were usually particulate matter (79% of the studies) and nitrogen oxides (37%). The approaches to the economic analysis were heterogeneous: estimates could include direct and/or indirect costs. Among the studies, the most comprehensive one (12 countries) estimated that complying with WHO guidelines would avert €31 billion yearly, of which €19 million due to hospitalizations.
Conclusions
Over the last decade, progress has been made in evaluating the economic burden of air pollution. However, estimates based on indirect costs are affected by high levels of uncertainty, while those based on direct costs are more robust and should be further investigated, since they are crucial information for healthcare policy makers.
Key messages
Air pollution poses a high economic burden on European countries, mainly due to social costs. More attention should be devoted to estimating direct healthcare costs of air pollution, in order to properly inform policy makers about the impact on healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Conti
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - L S D'Angiolella
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - S C Lorelli
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - G Agazzi
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - C Fornari
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - G Cesana
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - L G Mantovani
- Research Centre on Public Health, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
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13
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Ferrara P, Agüero F, Conti S, Masuet-Aumatell C, Mantovani L, Ramon-Torrell JM. An exploration of cancer-related mortality attributable to infections in Italy. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Previous attempts estimated the impact of infectious agents on cancer incidence in Italy, but the burden of carcinogenic infections on cancer mortality remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a preliminary analysis in order to estimate this burden at country level.
Methods
We applied the global, regional, or national population attributable fractions for Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8), and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) - all microorganisms ranked as group 1 carcinogenic agents in human beings by the International Agency for Research on Cancer - to 2015 cancer-related deaths recorded according to the 10th International Classification of Diseases coding system in Italy.
Results
We estimated a total of 14,120 deaths attributable to carcinogenic infections, being 8.3% of the total of cancer-related deaths (n = 170,339). 58.8% of those occurred in men. H. pylori, HCV, HBC, and HPV accounted for 96.4% of the whole mortality burden attributable to carcinogenic infections in both sexes. H. pylori was responsible for 8,116 (57.5%) deaths due to gastric carcinoma (non-cardia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). Hepatitis-related liver cancer accounted for a total 4,372 deaths: 3,812 due to HCV infection and 560 to HBV. Cancers related to HPV infection represented the third most frequent cause of deaths due to carcinogenic infections in women.
Conclusions
We estimated that one out of 12 cancer deaths in Italy was attributable to an infection sustained by carcinogenic agents. Such mortality burden is potentially avoidable, given that these infections are both potentially preventable and treatable. Thus, these estimates provide actionable metric of the burden for the implementation of specific public health measures. Further analyses will provide more accurate estimates of this disease burden.
Key messages
In Italy, one out of 12 cancer-related deaths is attributable to infections sustained by preventable or treatable carcinogenic agents. These estimates provide metric of carcinogenic infections for the implementation of specific public health measures to avert the related mortality burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Research Center on Public Health, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - F Agüero
- Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge - IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Clinical Science Department, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Conti
- Research Center on Public Health, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - C Masuet-Aumatell
- Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge - IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Clinical Science Department, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Mantovani
- Research Center on Public Health, University of Milan - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - J M Ramon-Torrell
- Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge - IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Clinical Science Department, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Fantacci C, Fabrizio GC, Ferrara P, Franceschi F, Chiaretti A. Intranasal drug administration for procedural sedation in children admitted to pediatric Emergency Room. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 22:217-222. [PMID: 29364490 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201801_14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pain relief is a very important aspect in Pediatrician's clinical practice. It is often thought that young children, particularly infants, do not perceive as much pain as adults because of their immature nervous system and that untreated pain would not have adverse long-term consequences. Instead, it has been demonstrated that infants and children experience pain in a similar manner to adults. Many factors, particularly emotional factors, can increase the child's pain perception. Children live with anxiety even minor procedures. This suggests the need for an adequate sedation and the way of sedation should be free of pain itself. We believe the route to be followed may be the intranasal (IN) administration of sedative drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have conducted a brief review of the literature by Pubmed about the most commonly used sedative drugs: sufentanyl, fentanyl, midazolam, ketamine, nitrous oxide and dexmedetomidine. We have investigated in the literature the type of administration of IN drugs: drop instillation or by a mucosal atomizer device (MAD). RESULTS In our study, it was noted that IN drugs administration is an effective and safe method to reduce anxiety and to deliver analgesia because it is practical and non-invasive. Moreover, therapeutic levels of sedatives are low due to the presence of a rich vascular plexus in the nasal cavity, which communicates with the subarachnoid space via the olfactory nerve and reduce the time of medication delivery, that is, the onset of action. The use of MAD even gives as better bioavailability of drugs. CONCLUSIONS IN sedation via MAD is effective and safe and should be one of the first choices for procedural sedation in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fantacci
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of The Sacred Heart, School of Medicine Gemelli Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Loparco D, Orlando L, Caloro M, Caliolo C, Quaranta A, Schiavone P, Fedele P, Rendini M, Varriano R, Morleo A, Falcone L, Lotti G, Cinefra M, Ferrara P, Rizzo P, Marino A, Calvani N, Mazzoni E, D’Amico M, Cinieri S. Final results of scalp cooling for hair preservation: A single- institution prospective study. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz240.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Antonello G, Belgeri M, Ferrara P, Fontana R, Gasparet D, Monaco CL, Molino C, Napoli P, Nigra M, Panero C, Pezzati L, Rossetti S, Scavuzzo M, Sfriso A, Solimando D. HbS/Hb Nouakchott: Double heterozygosity, observed for the first time in Italy, visible only in capillary electrophoresis. Clin Chim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.03.916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Buonsenso D, Plosnic M, Bersani G, Monaco S, Ferrara P, Chiaretti A. Paroxysmal non-epileptic events in the pediatric emergency department. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23:2188-2193. [PMID: 30915765 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201903_17265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Paroxysmal non-epileptic events (PNEs), or pseudoseizures (PS) resemble epileptic seizures. They are considered part of a personality disorder and have a higher incidence among adolescents. Patients describe episodes (lasting up to 20 minutes) of loss of consciousness, twitching or jerking and unusual emotional states. Unlike epileptic seizures, they are not associated with electroencephalographic abnormalities. Distinguishing epileptic seizures from PNEs is not easy. 20% of patients with seizures have a final PNEs diagnosis but recognizing them on the first examination is difficult. Due to the severe initial clinical presentation, these patients are often admitted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and may be over-treated. We report two cases admitted to our PICU for apparent status epilepticus, in which the final diagnosis was PNEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Buonsenso
- Department of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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18
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Loparco D, Orlando L, Caloro M, Fedele P, Schiavone P, Quaranta A, Caliolo C, Cinefra M, Ferrara P, Falcone L, Capone V, Destro C, Morleo A, Ricco A, Bonuso V, Lotti G, D'amico M, Rizzo P, Marino A, Cinieri S. Bald is beautiful: No more. The stigma of alopecia during chemotherapy: Brindisi oncology department experience. Ann Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy300.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Ciatto S, Bonardi R, Ravaioli A, Canuti D, Foglietta F, Modena S, Zanconati F, Cressa C, Ferrara P, Marrazzo A. Benign Breast Surgical Biopsies: Are They Always Justified? Tumori 2018; 84:521-4. [PMID: 9862509 DOI: 10.1177/030089169808400502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the study To evaluate the indications for open surgical biopsy of breast lesions resulting in a benign histologic report. Methods A consecutive series of 754 benign breast biopsies was collected from six Italian centers previously participating in a multicenter study on the benign/malignant biopsy ratio. Histologic diagnosis, diagnostic tests performed, final clinical diagnosis and the indication for surgical biopsy were compared. Results Fibrocystic alterations represented the most frequent histologic type (43.2%), followed by fibroadenomas (34.5%). Atypical hyperplasia, phyllode tumors and cancerlike lesions (radial scar, sclerosing adenosis) accounted for a minority of cases. The diagnostic approach was different among centers, with mammography, ultrasonography or cytology being underused in some of them. Suspicion of cancer was an indication for surgical biopsy in 66.7% of cases. In the remaining cases the final report was negative or benign, but biopsy was advised for growing lesions (11.3%) or for cosmetic (3%) or psychological reasons (8.2%). In 4% of cases surgical biopsy was presumably advised for the concurrent influence of high-risk conditions such as previous breast cancer (0.7%), family history of breast cancer (2%) or contralateral synchronous breast cancer (1.3%). In 6.8% of the cases biopsy was advised elsewhere for unknown reasons. The indications for biopsy differed among centers, with one center having a low rate of suspicious cases (37%) and a high rate of reported “cosmetic” or “psychological” reasons (47%). Conclusions Leaving aside differences in diagnostic approach and aggressiveness, two thirds of all lesions were biopsied in order to exclude cancer. The routine use of a more complete diagnostic protocol and/or alternative methods to obtain a histologic diagnosis (e.g. core biopsy) might substantially reduce the need for open surgical biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ciatto
- Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, Firenze, Italy.
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20
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Ferrara P, Ianniello F, Vescovo ED, Sodero G, Gatto A, Ruggiero A. Oral Desmopressin Lyophilisate Formulation (MELT): Efficacy and Safety in Children and Adults. Biomed Pharmacol J 2018; 11:171-177. [DOI: 10.13005/bpj/1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common disorder in childhood and desmopressin is one of the most widely and well-tolerated medications for NE. The recent oral lyophilisate formulation of desmopressin (MELT) is effective in the treatment of NE in children and nocturia in adults. A MEDLINE literature search MEDLINE (2000-July 2017) was performed using the search terms MELT enuresis, MELT desmopressin, sublingual desmopressin, lyophilisate desmopressin. Twenty articles were analyzed with a number of patients of 3448. In 12 articles were reported 1275 pediatric patients (<18 years old), and in 8 articles 2213 adult patients. In pediatric population the indication was enuresis in 1269 patients and central diabetes insipidus in 6 patients. In adult population the indication was nocturia in 1941 patients, renal colic in 259 patients, healthy volunteers 13 patients. In 17 studies desmopressin was administered alone while in 3 studies in association respectively with Tolterodina, Ketorolac and Tamsulosin. In 7 studies were reported side effects in only 81 patients, 60 in pediatric population and 21 in adult population. The reported side effects in pediatric population were nausea, lethargy, lower limb weakness, headache, diarrhea, viral gastroenteritis. The reported side effects in adult population were asymptomatic hyponatriemia, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, symptomatic hyponatriemia. Our review confirm that the MELT formulation of desmopressin guarantee the same response of other formulations with a lower doses and a lowest number of side effects. We believe according with the literature that this formulation is actually the first line and safety treatment for nocturnal enuresis and nocturia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Ferrara
- Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Ianniello
- Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy
| | | | - G. Sodero
- Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Gatto
- Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Ruggiero
- Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy
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21
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Ferrara P, Ianniello F, Del Vescovo E, Sodero G, Gatto A, Ruggiero A. Safety of the Recent Oral Lyophilisate Formulation (MELT) in Pediatric Patients-A Review. Biomed Pharmacol J 2017; 10:1611-1617. [DOI: 10.13005/bpj/1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
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Greco M, Ferrara P, Farello G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Electroclinical features of epilepsy associated with 1p36 deletion syndrome: A review. Epilepsy Res 2017; 139:92-101. [PMID: 29212048 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
1p36 terminal deletion is a recently recognized syndrome with multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disability. It occurs approximately in 1 out of 5000 to 10,000 live births and is the most common subtelomeric microdeletion observed in human. Medical problems commonly caused by terminal deletions of 1p36 include developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures, vision problems, hearing loss, short stature, brain anomalies, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, renal anomalies and distinctive facial features. Although the syndrome is considered clinically recognizable, there is significant phenotypic variation among affected individuals. Genotype-phenotype correlation in this syndrome is complicated, because of the similar clinical evidence seen in patients with different deletion sizes. We review 34 scientific articles from 1996 to 2016 that described 315 patients with 1p36 delection syndrome. The aim of this review is to find a correlation between size of the 1p36-deleted segments and the neurological clinical phenotypes with the analysis of electro-clinical patterns associated with chromosomal aberrations, that is a major tool in the identification of epilepsy susceptibility genes. Our finding suggest that developmental delay and early epilepsy are frequent findings in 1p36 deletion syndrome that can contribute to a poor clinical outcome for this reason this syndrome should be searched for in patients presenting with infantile spasms associated with a hypsarrhythmic EEG, particulary if they are combined with dismorphic features, severe hypotonia and developmental delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Greco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - P Ferrara
- Institute of pediatrics, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy,.
| | - G Farello
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy,.
| | - P Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 'G. Gaslini' Institute, Genova, Italy,.
| | - A Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy,.
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Orlando L, Caloro M, Lutrino E, Loparco D, Caliolo C, Schiavone P, Quaranta A, Fedele P, Rizzo P, D'Amico M, Chetrì M, Marino A, Mazzoni E, Calvani N, Nacci A, Sponziello F, Cinefra M, Ferrara P, Falcone L, Cinieri S. We are all Jews of somebody: migration and genetic. The story of Jewish settlements in Italian Salento. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx424.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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24
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Loparco D, Caloro M, Orlando L, Lutrino E, Schiavone P, Caliolo C, Quaranta A, Fedele P, Mazzoni E, Calvani N, Cinefra M, Ferrara P, Falcone L, Lanzilotti A, Capone V, Cristina D, Lotti G, Ricco A, Morleo A, Cinieri S. Alopecia/hair loss in all patients treated with trastuzumab and paclitaxel: myth or reality? Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx424.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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25
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Caloro M, Orlando L, Lutrino E, Quaranta A, Caliolo C, Schiavone P, Aprile G, Chetrì M, D'Amico M, Rizzo P, Fedele P, Loparco D, Mazzoni E, Marino A, Calvani N, Sponziello F, Nacci A, Cinefra M, Ferrara P, Cinieri S. BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations in a Mediterranean population (Apulia Region) with breast or ovarian cancer: a single center experience. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx424.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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26
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Lutrino E, Loparco D, Orlando L, Caloro M, Fedele P, Mazzoni E, Chetrì M, D'Amico M, marino A, Sponziello F, Nacci A, Calvani N, Rizzo P, Caliolo C, Quaranta A, Schiavone P, Cinefra M, Ferrara P, Lanzilotti A, Cinieri S. Bald is beautiful: no more. The stigma of alopecia during chemotherapy: Brindisi Oncology Department experience. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx424.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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27
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Fantacci C, Ferrara P, Franceschi F, Chiaretti A. Pneumopericardium, pneumomediastinum, and pneumorrachis complicating acute respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in children. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21:3465-3468. [PMID: 28829494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We report 2 children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection complicated with spontaneous pneumopericardium (PP) and pneumomediastinum (PM), one also associated with pneumorrhachis (PR). PATIENTS AND METHODS Two previously healthy children presented with fever, violent dry cough, dyspnea, and tachypnea. Chest X-ray and CT scans showed sizeable PP and PM in both patients. One of them also presented PR. Children were initially treated with intravenous antibiotics, antipyretics, and a cough sedative. Because of worsening of respiratory distress syndrome, children underwent helmet-delivered CPAP with oxygen supplementation. The patients' clinical conditions quickly improved and they were discharged in good conditions. RESULTS Pathogenetic mechanism of spontaneous PP and PM complicating RSV infection could be related to the cough, causing intrathoracic pressure increase and rupture of alveoli near the mediastinal pleura. Nevertheless, RSV seems to play a role in facilitating such complications, attenuating the cough threshold in infected children. CONCLUSIONS RSV bronchiolitis can lead respiratory and systemic consequences, so their prompt recognition is essential to establish a fast and adequate therapy, especially control of cough and respiratory distress syndrome treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fantacci
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Internal Medicine; Gemelli Fundation, Medical School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Farello G, Ferrara P, Antenucci A, Basti C, Verrotti A. The link between obesity and migraine in childhood: a systematic review. Ital J Pediatr 2017; 43:27. [PMID: 28270183 PMCID: PMC5341414 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-017-0344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and headache are two highly prevalent diseases both in adults and children and they are associated with a strong personal and social impact. Many studies suggest that obesity is comorbid with headache in general, and migraine in particular and obesity seems to be a risk factor for migraine progression and for migraine frequency both in adults and in children. Research shows that there are multiple areas of overlap between migraine pathophysiology and the central and peripheral pathways regulating feeding: inflammatory mediators such as the calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP), neurotransmitters such as serotonin, peptides such as orexin and adipocytokines such as adiponectin (ADP) and leptin could explain the common pathogenesis. In this paper we discussed the association between obesity and migraine through the analysis of the most recent studies in children and we reviewed data from literature in order to assess the association between obesity and headache and to clarify the possible common pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Farello
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - P Ferrara
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University, A. Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - A Antenucci
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Basti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Casale M, Vella P, Moffa A, Oliveto G, Sabatino L, Grimaldi V, Ferrara P, Salvinelli F. Corrigendum to "Hyaluronic acid and upper airway inflammation in pediatric population: A systematic review" [Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. 85 (June 2016) 22-26]. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 90:63. [PMID: 27729155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Casale
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Vella
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - A Moffa
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - G Oliveto
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - L Sabatino
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | | | - P Ferrara
- Unit of Pediatry, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - F Salvinelli
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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Tudisco S, Altana C, Lanzalone G, Muoio A, Cirrone GAP, Mascali D, Schillaci F, Brandi F, Cristoforetti G, Ferrara P, Fulgentini L, Koester P, Labate L, Palla D, Gizzi LA. Investigation on target normal sheath acceleration through measurements of ions energy distribution. Rev Sci Instrum 2016; 87:02A909. [PMID: 26931970 DOI: 10.1063/1.4934691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
An experimental campaign aiming at investigating the ion acceleration mechanisms through laser-matter interaction in femtosecond domain has been carried out at the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory facility with a laser intensity of up to 2 × 10(19) W/cm(2). A Thomson parabola spectrometer was used to obtain the spectra of the ions of the different species accelerated. Here, we show the energy spectra of light-ions and we discuss their dependence on structural characteristics of the target and the role of surface and target bulk in the acceleration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tudisco
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - C Altana
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - G Lanzalone
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - A Muoio
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - G A P Cirrone
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - D Mascali
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - F Schillaci
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - F Brandi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - G Cristoforetti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - P Ferrara
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - L Fulgentini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - P Koester
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - L Labate
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - D Palla
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - L A Gizzi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Ferrara P, Guadagno C, Sbordone A, Amato M, Spina G, Perrone G, Cutrona C, Basile MC, Ianniello F, Fabrizio GC, Pettoello-Mantovani M, Verrotti A, Villani A, Corsello G. Child Abuse and Neglect and its Psycho-Physical and Social Consequences: A Review of the Literature. Curr Pediatr Rev 2016; 12:301-310. [PMID: 27634538 DOI: 10.2174/1573396312666160914193357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Child maltreatment is a complex life experience occurs when a parent or caregiver does an intentional or potential damage to a child, including acts of commission and omission. Child abuse is not an uncommon event, but it is not always recognized. Identifying the real number of maltreated children is a challenge because of the large variability in reported prevalence data across studies. Unfortunately, in the United States, it affects 1 in 8 children, by the age of 18 years, annually. Paediatricians may encounter a variety of forms of maltreatment such as neglect, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. These aspects should be recognised, examined and evaluated by employing a systematic approach and focusing on basic needs of children that may not be met. Child maltreatment is a global problem with serious life-long physical and psychological or psychiatric outcomes. It is associated with important economic and social costs (such as physical and mental health, productivity losses, child welfare, criminal justice and special education costs) due to its high prevalence and its long-term and short-term consequences. In the United States, the average cost of nonfatal maltreatment is $210,012 per children and the cost of fatal maltreatment is $1,272,900. General Practitioners are quite prepared to face the problem of child maltreatment: since they have the opportunity to meet several members of the same family, they can detect stressors that put children at risk of maltreatment. All health professionals have the responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University Medical School, L.go Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
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Terzoni S, Ferrara P, Cornelli R, Ricci C, Oggioni C, Destrebecq A. Violence and unsafety in a major Italian hospital: experience and perceptions of health care workers. Med Lav 2015; 106:403-411. [PMID: 26621061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Workers' experience of violence and perceived unsafety can have a profound impact on job satisfaction, job performance, and workers' decision to leave. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of physical and non-physical violence among hospital workers, explore the complaints and reactions of victims, assess the relationship between violence and psychosocial/work factors and analyze the levels of perceived unsafety. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted, via a structured self-administered questionnaire given to all the employees of a major hospital in Italy. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used for data analysis. RESULTS 903 questionnaires out of 1853 (48.7%) were correctly returned; 11.5% had experience of physical violence and 40.2% had been victims of verbal violence in the previous 12 months. The most common consequences were fear, anger, frustration, and anxiety. Verbal violence was influenced by age, role, department, night/holiday shift work and experience in the current ward. Experiences of physical violence were related to gender, role, and department; 469 responders (51.9%) reported feelings of unsafety, which were related to their professional role, department, shift work, experience of physical or psychological violence, having seen episodes of violence and having received specific training. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that several factors are associated with workplace violence in health care settings and some of these also influenced the levels of perceived unsafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Terzoni
- Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Milano.
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Orlando L, Lutrino E, Fedele P, Quaranta A, Caliolo C, Schiavone P, Fontanella C, Nacci A, Calvani N, D'Amico M, Marino A, Mazzoni E, Rizzo P, Sponziello F, Chetrì M, Ferrara P, Cinefra M, Cinieri S. Lapatinib and continuous metronomic capecitabine in HER2 positive advanced breast cancer (ABC): a single center experience. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv336.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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34
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Carfagno T, Semeraro L, Nardone V, Vischi G, Ferrara P, Ambrosio M, Barone A, Martino E, Pastina P, Pirtoli L, Correale P. Inflammatory status and lymphocyte of infiltration of primary tumor predict survival of prostate cancer patients undergone prostate radical radiotherapy. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv341.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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35
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Ferrara P, Romano V, del Bufalo E, Bottaro G, Caporale O, Del Volgo V, Vena F, Pecoraro R, Malamisura M, De Angelis MC, Fasano A. Humanitarian mission improves health conditions of schoolchildren in Ethiopia. the case of Adwa. Pediatr Med Chir 2014; 35:259-62. [PMID: 24620552 DOI: 10.4081/pmc.2013.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to compare health conditions of schoolchildren receiving aids from the mission Kidane Mehret Integrated Project (KMIP) in the city of Adwa, Ethiopia, with the ones of the general population. METHODS From September, 2008, to November, 2008, 400 children were randomly selected in the school inside KMIP and in the one of Adi Abetu. In phase 1, a questionnaire was distributed to children's families. In phase 2, children underwent physical examination. RESULTS Girls from KMIP started weaning on average at 7.3+/-3.9 vs 8.3+/-4.7 months of the control group (p>0.05); boys from KMIP started weaning on average at 6.7+/-4.1 vs 8.7+/-5.1 months of the control group (p<0.01). Centiles for height for age, weight for age and BMI for age were significantly higher in girls attending KMIP compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS Merged data suggests the significant impact of KMIP on the schoolchildren of Adwa. Moreover, women and youngest children, usually the most discriminates, were the band of the society that benefited most from the aids coming from the mission.
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Ferrara P, Ciofini M, Esposito L, Hostaša J, Labate L, Lapucci A, Pirri A, Toci G, Vannini M, Gizzi LA. 3-D numerical simulation of Yb:YAG active slabs with longitudinal doping gradient for thermal load effects assessment. Opt Express 2014; 22:5375-5386. [PMID: 24663877 DOI: 10.1364/oe.22.005375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a study of Yb:YAG active media slabs, based on a ceramic layered structure with different doping levels. We developed a procedure allowing 3D numerical analysis of the slab optical properties as a consequence of the thermal load induced by the pump process. The simulations are compared with a set of experimental results in order to validate the procedure. These structured ceramics appear promising in appropriate geometrical configurations, and thus are intended to be applied in the construction of High Energy Diode Pumped Solid State Laser (DPSSL) systems working in high repetition-rate pulsed regimes.
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Ferrara P, Ianniello F, Romani L, Fabrizio GC, Gatto A, Chiaretti A. Five years of experience in nocturnal enuresis and urinary incontinence in children: where we are and where we are going. Urol Int 2013; 92:223-9. [PMID: 24246887 DOI: 10.1159/000354388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a very common pediatric disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with NE or urinary incontinence (UI) during a period of 5 years to increase the knowledge on these conditions and optimize their diagnosis and treatment. METHODS We enrolled 278 children with NE or UI referred to the pediatric nephrology ambulatory, 'A. Gemelli' University Hospital of Rome, from December 2006 to December 2011. RESULTS We observed that heredity, parasomnias, left-handedness, polythelia and constipation are correlated to NE and UI. CONCLUSIONS We wanted to clarify the definition of NE and UI and describe our experience on the main characteristics of these conditions by referring to the latest knowledge reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Institute of Pediatrics, 'A. Gemelli' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Ferrara P, Pierri F, Zenzeri L, Vena F, Ianniello F, Chiaretti A. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome secondary to rotavirus infection. Med Mal Infect 2013; 43:398-400. [PMID: 23978516 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Institute of pediatrics, "A. Gemelli" university hospital, L.go A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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Ferrara P, Del Bufalo F, Ianniello F, Franceschini A, Paolini Paoletti F, Massart F, Saggese G. Diet and physical activity "defeated" Tuberil® in treatment of childhood obesity. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 2013; 38:181-185. [PMID: 23732372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM Childhood obesity is remarkably spreading worldwide, involving both industrialized and low-income countries. Its prevalence, outcome and socioeconomic impact call for the attention of medical community. We conducted a monocentric, open, two-arm, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy at reducing appetite and increasing dietary compliance of obese children of Tuberil®, a weight-loss supplement derived from potato and devoid of side effects. METHODS We recruited participants, children with BMI ≥ 85th, through direct referrals in pediatrician's surgeries. Children were randomized to receive Tuberil® (group A) or nothing (group B), following a chronological order (A-B-A-B). Every child received a nutritionally balanced diet and had to record their appetite and to describe their meals in a diary. RESULTS Even if we found a significant reduction in BMI, weight and waist circumference in both groups, no statistically significant differences between groups were noted. We did not found any significant differences in appetite between group A and B. CONCLUSION Our data show that Tuberil® has no efficacy neither in reducing appetite in children nor in increasing dietary compliance. We believe that only a nutritionally balanced diet and our attention in verifying their compliance led to the reduction in BMI, weight and waist circumferences noted in our series.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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40
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Raby AC, Holst B, Le Bouder E, Diaz C, Ferran E, Conraux L, Guillemot JC, Coles B, Kift-Morgan A, Colmont CS, Szakmany T, Ferrara P, Hall JE, Topley N, Labeta MO. Targeting the TLR Co-Receptor CD14 with TLR2-Derived Peptides Modulates Immune Responses to Pathogens. Sci Transl Med 2013; 5:185ra64. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3005544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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41
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Aulisa AG, Guzzanti V, Galli M, Bottaro G, Vitelli O, Ferrara P, Logroscino G. The familiarity of idiopathic scoliosis: statistical analysis and clinical considerations. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2012; 23:781-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s00590-012-1060-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ferrara P, Del Bufalo F, Nicoletti A, Romano V, Gatto A, Leoni C, Zampino G. Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome with improvement of renal function. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:1283-4. [PMID: 20425837 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a chromosomal disorder characterized by partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4. We describe a girl with a de novo unbalanced traslocation t(4;7)(p16.2;p22), associated with a mild version of a classical WHS phenotype. She did not present major urinary tract abnormalities but had parenchymal hyperechogenicity at renal ultrasound at the birth with normal renal scintigraphy. She had also a reduction of GFR with elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum potassium until the age of 6 months. We followed the patient with periodic clinical examination and laboratory and radiological investigations and observed at the age of 5 years a normal renal ultrasound without parenchymal hyperechogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Catholic University, A. Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Ferrara P, Cicala M, Tiberi E, Spadaccio C, Marcella L, Gatto A, Calzolari P, Castellucci G. High fat consumption in children with celiac disease. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2009; 72:296-300. [PMID: 19902861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study was to estimate the caloric intake and fat consumption in children with celiac disease (CD) following a gluten-free diet (GFD). PATIENTS AND METHODS This study enrolled 100 subjects, including 50 children with CD on a gluten-free diet and a control group of 50 healthy children. Statistical analysis to compare groups was performed using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS A significant increase in fat consumption was observed in children with CD as compared to healthy children. The daily fat intake was 72.5 +/- 37.2 g per 100 g of food in the CD group and 52.9 +/- 35.4 g per 100 g of food in the control group (p < 0.008). A significant difference in fat intake was found between celiac and healthy females (10.21 +/- 3.15 g/100 g in the celiac group vs 7.46 +/- 2.91 g/100 g in the control group), p = 0.004. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a significantly higher fat consumption in patients with CD on GFD as compared to controls. This increase was more pronounced in females and during the puberal age. Based on these interesting preliminary results we estimate that further investigations are necessary, such as a randomized multicentre study on the long-term effects of GFD with particular attention to the imbalance in daily fat intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Zakin MM, Poskus E, Langton AA, Ferrara P, Santomé JA, Dellacha JM, Paladini AC. Primary structure of equine growth hormone. Int J Pept Protein Res 2009; 8:435-44. [PMID: 965151 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3011.1976.tb02523.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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46
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Liberati AM, Schippa M, Festuccia V, Albanesi M, Ferrara P, Gunnellini M, Di Loreto V, Pace R, Siepi D, Falchi L. The yield of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in hematological or solid tumour patients treated with high dose chemotherapy and hemopoietic growth factors. J Clin Oncol 2008. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.26.15_suppl.22220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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48
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Rouget-Quermalet V, Giustiniani J, Marie-Cardine A, Beaud G, Besnard F, Loyaux D, Ferrara P, Leroy K, Shimizu N, Gaulard P, Bensussan A, Schmitt C. Protocadherin 15 (PCDH15): a new secreted isoform and a potential marker for NK/T cell lymphomas. Oncogene 2006; 25:2807-11. [PMID: 16369489 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells are well known to play an important role in immune defense against tumor development and viral infections. To further characterize new functionally relevant structures in these cells, we studied a series of monoclonal antibodies that we have raised against the NK cell line YT. One of these antibodies previously described as AY19, recognizes a 85 kD surface glycoprotein. Here we report the identification of a new secreted isoform of protocadherin 15, PCDH15C, which represents a potential associated protein for p85. Importantly, whereas protocadherins are absent from the surface of normal hematopoietic cells, we describe, for the first time, that PCDH15 is expressed in cytotoxic tumor-derived T- and NK-cell lines as well as in biopsies of nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas.
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49
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Liberati A, Cerroni P, Zanotti R, Spina M, Viviani S, Cervetti G, Stelitano C, Ferrara P, Merluzzi M, Vitolo U. Features of relapsed disease in lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin’s disease patients. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.6688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Liberati
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - P. Cerroni
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - R. Zanotti
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - M. Spina
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - S. Viviani
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - G. Cervetti
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - C. Stelitano
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - P. Ferrara
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - M. Merluzzi
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
| | - U. Vitolo
- Med Interna e Scienze Oncologiche, Perugia, Italy; Ematologia, Verona, Italy; Ctr di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; Oncologia, Milano, Italy; Ematologia, Pisa, Italy; Unità Operativa di Ematologia, Reggio Calabria, Italy; Ematologia, Torino, Italy
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Ferrara P, Costa S, Rigante D, Mule A, D'Aleo C, Pulitanò S, Belli P, Menchinelli P, Caldarelli M. Intramedullary epidermoid cyst presenting with abnormal urological manifestations. Spinal Cord 2003; 41:645-8. [PMID: 14569267 DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3101482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Report of an epidermoid cyst with intramedullary localization. OBJECTIVE To describe an atypical presentation of intramedullary epidermoid cyst. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Intramedullary epidermoid cysts are rare entities with a marked variability in the clinical presentation, essentially of neurological pertinence. METHODS Case report of a spinal epidermoid cyst in a 13-year-old girl presenting with urological symptoms: she had a 12-month history of recurrent low urinary tract infections, urinary frequency and nocturnal enuresis. A urodynamic evaluation was performed and showed the presence of involuntary bladder contractions with detrusor instability and low bladder compliance. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated an intramedullary lesion of the dorsal spinal cord. RESULTS The mass was excised and 6 months after surgical excision, urological manifestations improved with decreased detrusor hyper-reflexia, increased bladder capacity and compliance and no later report of urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS In our patient, unusual clinical manifestations of the tumor have delayed the diagnosis, but its complete removal has led to remission of symptoms. Detailed neurological examination and investigations are indicated in patients with clinical and urodynamic features, suggestive of neuropathic bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University--A Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
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