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Borrelli N, Di Salvo G, Ciriello GD, Sabatino J, Grimaldi N, Barracano R, Fusco F, Merola A, Correra A, Romeo E, Colonna D, Palma M, Scognamiglio G, Russo MG, Sarubbi B. Myocardial work impairment in children with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.028] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) has been associated with reduced local myocardium deformation during systole. According to guidelines, when the left ventricle (LV) dysfunction is present catheter ablation of the accessory pathway may be required, even in asymptomatic patients.
Purpose
The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of non-invasive myocardial work in predicting subtle myocardial abnormalities in children with WPW.
Methods
Eighty pediatric patients (age 7.91±3.2 years) were included in the study: 20 cases with manifest WPW and 60 age- and sex-matched controls (CTR). Global myocardial work index (MWI) was measured as the area of the LV pressure-strain loops. From MWI, global Constructive Work (MCW), Wasted Work (MWW) and Work Efficiency (MWE) were estimated. In addition, standard echocardiographic parameters of LV function were evaluated.
Results
Patients characteristics are summarized in the table. Despite normal LV EF and GLS, children with WPW had worse MWI (WPW 1292.90±307.67 mmHg% vs CTR 1658.73±241.74 mmHg%, p=0.0000005), MCW (WPW 1844.15±267.96 mmHg% vs CTR 2104.90±237.85 mmHg%, p=0.00009), MWW (WPW 101.5 [85–148.25] mmHg% vs CTR 72 [54.75–109.25] mmHg%, p=0.004) and GWE (WPW 94 [91.75–95] mmHg% vs 96 [95–97] mmHg%, p=0.00012) (table). In the WPW group, MWE (r=−0.6, p=0.009) and MWW (r=0.6, p=0.01) was found to correlate with a prolonged QRS (figure).
A multiple regression model was generated to identify the relation between abnormal myocardial work indices (worst interquartile range as dependent variable) and several independent variables. QRS was the best independent predictor of impaired myocardial work. In particular, a QRS>110 msec showed an 86% sensibility and 85% specificity for abnormal MWE (AUC of 0.85), and a 75% sensibility and 83% specificity for abnormal MWW (AUC of 0.83) (figure).
Conclusion
In children with WPW, myocardial work indices were found significantly reduced, even in presence of normal LV EF and GLS. Prolonged QRS independently predicted myocardial impairment. In pediatric patients with WPW, myocardial work may represent a sensitive measure of LV dysfunction and help in the decision-making.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - G Di Salvo
- University Hospital of Padova , Padua , Italy
| | - G D Ciriello
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - J Sabatino
- University Hospital of Padova , Padua , Italy
| | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - F Fusco
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - E Romeo
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - D Colonna
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | | | - M G Russo
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital , Naples , Italy
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2
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Roma AS, Fusco F, Papaccioli G, Abbate M, Scognamiglio G, Merola A, Palma M, Correra A, Borrelli N, Barracano R, Grimaldi N, Colonna D, Romeo E, Sarubbi B. COVID-19 vaccination in adults with congenital heart disease: results of 1-year prospective study. Eur Heart J 2022. [PMCID: PMC9619553 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1857] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a vulnerable population. Routine vaccination is the only strategy to prevent a life-threatening infection. However, concerns on the cardiac safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines have been raised. Aim To assess safety and efficacy of available COVID-19 vaccines in ACHD patients. Methods Data on COVID-19 infection and vaccines including booster doses and any suspected or confirmed adverse events were prospectively collected for all ACHD patients attending our tertiary centre from the beginning of the vaccination campaign (March 2021). A group of 75 healthy volunteers, matched per age and sex, was included for comparison. Antispike IgG titre was routinely obtained at the ACHD clinic. Patients' attitude towards COVID-19 was explored with a questionnaire. Results As of February 2022, 498 ACHD patients (36.7±16 years, 54% male,69% with moderate-complex defects, 48% with advanced physiological stage) were enrolled. Four hundred and sixty-one (92%) were fully vaccinated: the type of vaccine was Pfizer-BioNTech for 399 (86%) patients, Moderna for 20 (4%) and AstraZeneca for 26 (6%), 9 received a mixed vaccine regimen (2%). Forty-two (9%) had a history of previous COVID-19 infection and therefore received only one dose. Two-hundred and sixty-nine (58%) patients received a booster dose. Adverse events were mainly mild and transient. One patient complaining of chest pain following administration of mRNA-based vaccination was diagnosed with acute pericarditis, which made full remission after appropriate therapy. Two patients reported a non-specific increment of inflammatory markers. No other severe adverse events were reported. Thirty-seven (7%) refused COVID-19 vaccination being scared of potential cardiac/extra-cardiac adverse events. Among those not-vaccinated, 9 (24%) had a history of previous mild COVID-19 infection. IgG titre was measured in 243 patients at 1915 [835–5934] BAU/ml, which was significantly higher compared to controls (1196 [827–2048] BAU/ml, p=0.002). Three ACHD patients contracted COVID-19 infection after the first dose, while 65 (14%) fully vaccinated patients tested positive for COVID-19, all with mild to moderate symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms duration was significantly longer in case of infection before vaccination (10 [2.7–15] vs 3 [1.2–7], p=0.03). One Fontan patient was tested positive for COVID-19 twice, before and after COVID-19 vaccination, requiring hospitalization in both cases. Four hundred and seven patients completed the questionnaire: 128 (31%) declared to be scared of potential cardiac effects of the vaccine and that the discussion with the ACHD cardiologist was crucial to decide to undergo COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions Our data provide real-world evidence on COVID-19 vaccines safety and efficacy in ACHD patients. Patients' education from the ACHD team may play a key role in vaccine acceptance in this vulnerable population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Roma
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - F Fusco
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - G Papaccioli
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - M Abbate
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - G Scognamiglio
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - D Colonna
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - E Romeo
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
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3
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Fusco F, Scognamiglio G, Merola A, Iannuzzi A, Palma M, Borrelli N, Barracano R, Correra A, Ciriello GD, Grimaldi N, Colonna D, Romeo E, Sarubbi B. Effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a systemic right ventricle. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1849] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Sacubitril/valsartan has been proved to reduce mortality in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (EF) and is currently recommended as first-line therapy. However, effects in patients with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) have not been systematically investigated yet.
Purpose
We aimed to assess safety and efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a sRV
Methods
From September 2020 to April 2021, all patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or TGA after Senning/Mustard repair attending our tertiary centre were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years, 3-months of optimal medical therapy including ACEi/ARB and sRV EF≤40%. Patients with univentricular physiology, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30 ml/min or K >5.5 mEq/L were excluded. SBP and blood samples were obtained at 1-month of treatment. Other clinical and echocardiographic variables were reassessed at 6 and 12-month follow-up and the medication was progressively up-titrated to the highest tolerated dose.
Results
Fifty-one patients (38±11 years, 60% male, 34% ccTGA) were included. Up to March 2022, 48 (92%) patients were reviewed after 6 months of therapy and 35 (68%) completed the first year of follow-up. Baseline patients' characteristics are summarized in Table 1. At 1 month, treatment did not impact on the serum potassium values (4.5±0.3 vs 4.4±0.3 mEq/L, p=0.9) and GFR (112±33 vs 112±31 ml/min, p=0.3), while SBP dropped significantly (119±13 vs 108±18 mmHg, p=0.003). Two patients ceased the treatment due to symptomatic hypotension during the first month. One patient developed a nephrotic syndrome at 4 months of follow-up, which was likely unrelated to the treatment. No other major adverse events were reported. One patient was lost to follow-up after 3 months. Despite no significant change in the NYHA class (p=0.9), the 6-minute walking distance increased significantly at 6-month (Table 2). Nt pro BNP values were significantly decreased at 6-month, and returned to baseline at 12-month. Improved sRV systolic function was demonstrated at 6 and 12-month by significant increase in fractional area change, RV global longitudinal strain and sRV EF measured with 3D echocardiography.
Conclusions
Our mid-term results showed that sacubitril/valsartan is well tolerated in patients with a sRV and leads to signficant improvement of sRV systolic function, supporting its use in this complex population.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fusco
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - G Scognamiglio
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - A Iannuzzi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - G D Ciriello
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - D Colonna
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - E Romeo
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit , Naples , Italy
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4
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Vallelonga F, Sobrero G, Merola A, Valente M, Giudici M, Di Stefano C, Milazzo V, Burrello J, Burrello A, Veglio F, Romagnolo A, Maule S. Machine learning applied to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: a new tool to diagnose autonomic failure? J Neurol 2022; 269:3833-3840. [PMID: 35192033 PMCID: PMC9217832 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomic failure (AF) complicates Parkinson's disease (PD) in one-third of cases, resulting in complex blood pressure (BP) abnormalities. While autonomic testing represents the diagnostic gold standard for AF, accessibility to this examination remains limited to a few tertiary referral centers. OBJECTIVE The present study sought to investigate the accuracy of a machine learning algorithm applied to 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) as a tool to facilitate the diagnosis of AF in patients with PD. METHODS Consecutive PD patients naïve to vasoactive medications underwent 24 h-ABPM and autonomic testing. The diagnostic accuracy of a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) model exploiting ABPM parameters was compared to autonomic testing (as per a modified version of the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score not including the sudomotor score) in the diagnosis of AF. RESULTS The study population consisted of n = 80 PD patients (33% female) with a mean age of 64 ± 10 years old and disease duration of 6.2 ± 4 years. The prevalence of AF at the autonomic testing was 36%. The LDA model showed 91.3% accuracy (98.0% specificity, 79.3% sensitivity) in predicting AF, significantly higher than any of the ABPM variables considered individually (hypotensive episodes = 82%; reverse dipping = 79%; awakening hypotension = 74%). CONCLUSION LDA model based on 24-h ABPM parameters can effectively predict AF, allowing greater accessibility to an accurate and easy to administer test for AF. Potential applications range from systematic AF screening to monitoring and treating blood pressure dysregulation caused by PD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Vallelonga
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - G Sobrero
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Merola
- Department of Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - M Valente
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M Giudici
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - C Di Stefano
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - V Milazzo
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - J Burrello
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Burrello
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" (DEI), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Veglio
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Romagnolo
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - S Maule
- Autonomic Unit and Hypertension Unit, Internal Medicine Division, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
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5
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Borrelli N, Di Salvo G, Ciriello GD, Grimaldi N, Barracano R, Fusco F, Merola A, Correra A, Colonna D, Palma M, Scognamiglio G, Russo MG, Sarubbi B. Blood flow vortices adapt their behaviour to the presence of kent accessory pathway. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab289.099] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Blood speckle imaging (BSI) is a new speckle-tracking-based technique for the evaluation of blood flow. Ventricular flow vortices have been studied in sinus rhythm in normal and dysfunctional hearts, however, data are lacking in patients with Kent accessory pathway (KAP) and short atrio-ventricular (AV) conduction.
Purpose
We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of left ventricle blood vortices in children with KAP.
Methods
Nineteen paediatric patients (age 7 ± 2.9 years) were included in the study: 13 patients with manifest KAP (KAP group) and 6 age and sex -matched controls with normal AV conduction (CTR group). A thorough echocardiographic evaluation with 2D, color doppler and BSI was performed in all the included patients. BSI was recorded in apical 3-chamber view with a 6S-D probe. Vortices characteristic were analysed during filling phase of the left ventricle. We focused on the anterior vortex generated by mitral valve, which persisted longer during the cardiac cycle and is assumed to contribute to optimizing cardiac function. A standard 12-lead ECG was also recorded for each child in KAP group to esteem KAP localization.
Results
According to Arruda criteria for KAP localization, all patients in KAP group manifested the accessory pathway in the septal region. All patients in CTR group presented one major anterior vortex during filling phase, while in KAP group 10 patients out of 13 (p= 0.009) lacked of this main anterior vortex, showing instead fragmented different vortices. There were no differences in term of left ventricle function (KAPg 59.8 ± 4.02% vs CTRg 59.0 ± 2.5%, p= 0.6) and global longitudinal strain (KAPg -18.6 ± 1.0% vs CTRg -19.6 ± 3.1%, p= 0.5) between the two groups.
Conclusion
In our preliminary analysis, in patients with septal KAP, blood vortices adapted their diastolic traces to the septal dyssynchrony showing a fragmented pattern. We speculate this fragmentation may contribute to impair the performance of the left ventricle. Abstract Figure. BSI in control vs patient with WPW
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Affiliation(s)
- N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - G Di Salvo
- University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - GD Ciriello
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - F Fusco
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - D Colonna
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | - MG Russo
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
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6
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Fusco F, Scognamiglio G, Merola A, Roma AS, Del Giudice C, Abbate M, Palma M, Correra A, Borrelli N, Barracano R, Grimaldi N, Colonna D, Romeo E, Sarubbi B. Myocardial work indices and ventricular dyssynchrony in adults with aortic coarctation. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab289.282] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Adults with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) may present residual aortic obstruction and develop arterial vasculopathy and subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Myocardial work (MW) is a novel non-invasive index of myocardial efficiency calculated from echocardiographic LV pressure-strain loops, which yields incremental information over ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain. (GLS)
Purpose
Aim of the present study is to analyze LVMW in a cohort of adult patients with operated aortic CoA
Methods
CoA patients aged > 18 years who underwent transthoracic echocardiography between September 2020 and July 2021 at our tertiary centre were included. Exclusion criteria were significant recoarctation, impaired LVEF, significant valvular disease and suboptimal image quality. A group of healthy individuals with no cardiac abnormalities. GLS and peak strain dispersion(PSD) were measured. MW indices were calculated using the blood pressure measured in the right arm at the time of the exam.
Results
Sixty patients (26[22-33]years, 66%male) were included. Data on previous medical history, clinical status at last assessment and Coa-related echocardiographic findings are showed in table 1. No significant differences in traditional parameters of LV systolic and diastolic function were found between groups (EF 60[57-64] vs 57[53-61],p = 0.6), however Coa patients had higher LVmass (84[75-97] vs 68[56-75]g). GLS and MW indices in the study population and in the control group are reported in table 2. Coa group showed lower GLS values and higher PSD (p < 0.0001 for both). Global work index(GWI) and global constructive work(GCW) values were not significantly different between groups, whereas CoA group showed significant increase of global wasted work(GWW) and impaired global work efficiency(GWE,p = 0.003 and 0.0005 respectively). Spearman’s linear method illustrated that both GCW and GWI had a moderate positive relation with mean gradient across the descending aorta at continuous wave Doppler. PSD was positively related to GWW and inversely related to GWE(Figure 1). Using linear regression model with the log of GWE values as dependent variable,PSD,age(β:-0.002,p = 0.03) and LVmass(β:-0.06,p = 0.004)were related to GWE. However, only PSD retained a significant relation on multivariable analysis(β:-0.002,p > 0.0001).
Conclusion
MW indices assessment is feasible in Coa patients may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the overall myocardial mechanics and performance. In particular, MW demonstrated impaired LV efficiency, which was strongly related to increased mechanical dispersion in Coa patients. Abstract Figure. Abstract Figure.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fusco
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - G Scognamiglio
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - AS Roma
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - C Del Giudice
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - M Abbate
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - D Colonna
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - E Romeo
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
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7
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Borrelli N, Di Salvo G, Ciriello GD, Sabatino J, Bucciarelli V, Grimaldi N, Barracano R, Fusco F, Merola A, Correra A, Romeo E, Palma M, Scognamiglio G, Russo MG, Sarubbi B. Impaired myocardial work in paediatric patients with wolff-parkinson-white syndrome. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab289.098] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) has been associated with reduced local myocardium deformation during systole. Left ventricle (LV) dysfunction due to electrical dyssynchrony may require catheter ablation of the accessory pathway, even in asymptomatic patients.
Purpose
The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of non-invasive myocardial work in predicting subtle myocardial abnormalities in patients with WPW.
Methods
Forty-four paediatric patients (age 8.2 ± 4.3 years) were included in the study: 12 cases with manifest WPW and 32 age-, sex- and arterial pressure- matched controls (CTR). LV ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were evaluated. Global myocardial work index (MWI) was measured as the area of the LV pressure-strain loops. From MWI, global Constructive Work (MCW), Wasted Work (MWW) and Work Efficiency (MWE) were estimated.
Results
Despite normal LV systolic function by standard echocardiographic parameters, patients with WPW had lower MWI (1233.5 ± 281.6 mmHg% in WPW vs 1624.0 ± 305.8 mmHg% in CTR, p = 0.0004), MCW (1833.4 ± 257.9 mmHg% in WPW vs 2069.0 ± 319.9 mmHg% in CTR, p= 0.03), MWW (187.6 ± 117.7 mmHg% in WPW vs 90.9 ± 58.9 mmHg% in CTR, p= 0.0008) and GWE (90.5 ± 4.8% in WPW vs 95.2 ± 2.2% in CTR, p= 0.00006). There were no significant differences in GLS and EF between patients with WPW and controls.
Conclusion
Myocardial work indices were found significantly reduced in patients with WPW, even in presence of normal LV EF and GLS. In patients with WPW, MWI may represent a sensitive measure of myocardial dysfunction and help in the decision-making for catheter ablation. Abstract Figure. Myocardial work in WPW Abstract Figure. Myocardial work in control patient
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Affiliation(s)
- N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - G Di Salvo
- University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - GD Ciriello
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - J Sabatino
- University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - F Fusco
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - E Romeo
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | - MG Russo
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
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8
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Fusco F, Merola A, Scognamiglio G, Palma M, Correra A, Barracano R, Borrelli N, Grimaldi N, Spinelli Barrile C, Puzone N, Ciriello GD, Colonna D, Romeo E, Sarubbi B. Effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a systemic right ventricle: early evidence of exercise tolerance and systolic function improvement. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1877] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity inpatients with heart failure and reduced systolic function. However, the effects of this novel association in patients with congenital heart disease and a systemic right ventricle (sRV) have not been investigated yet.
Purpose
We aimed to assess tolerability and efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a sRV
Methods
From September 2020 to March 2021, 38 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries or transposition of the great arteries after Senning or Mustard repair were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years, optimal medical therapy including ACEi/ARB for at least 6 months and EF of the sRV ≤40%. Patients with univentricular physiology, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90mmHg, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30ml/min or K >5.5mEq/L were excluded. RV systolic function was assessed on echocardiography using a multiparametric evaluation. The study protocol contemplates serial assessments at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation.
Results
Up to March 31th, 23 patients completed 1-month and 15 completed 3-month assessment after treatment initiation. Baseline patients' characteristics are summarized in table 1. The medication dose was up-titrated to the highest tolerated dose during follow-up. During early follow-up, no major adverse events were reported. Treatment did not impact significantly on the values of serum potassium (basal K+ 4.4 [4.2–4.6] mEq/L, K+ at 3 months 4.4 [4.3–4.6] mEq/L, p=0.7) and GFR (basal GFR 113.9±35ml/min, GFR at 3 months 107.8±21 ml/min, p=0.7). Although SBP did not change significantly (114±12 vs 113.9±19 mmHg at 1-month and 117.3±12 mmHg at 3 months; p=0.9 for both), 2 (5%) patients ceased the treatment due to symptomatic hypotension during the first month of treatment. There was no significant change in the NYHA class. However, the 6-minute walking distance increased significantly after 3 months (365±120 vs 498.3±71 min; p=0.01). Furthermore, while traditional echocardiographic parameters of RV systolic function (TAPSE, s wave and FAC) did not change significantly, RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall GLS demonstrated subclinical improvement in right ventricular systolic function (table 2).
Conclusions
Our short-term results from an ongoing prospective study showed that sacubitril/valsartan is well tolerated in patients with a sRV with early evidence of improvement in exercise tolerance and sRV systolic function. Longer follow-up is warranted to confirm these data.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Table 2
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fusco
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - G Scognamiglio
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - C Spinelli Barrile
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - N Puzone
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - G D Ciriello
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - D Colonna
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - E Romeo
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
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9
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Fusco F, Scognamiglio G, Guarguagli S, Merola A, Palma M, Borrelli N, Barracano R, Grimaldi N, Correra A, Piccolo G, La Rocca F, Del Giudice C, Colonna D, Romeo E, Sarubbi B. Prognostic relevance of thyroid disease in adults with congenital heart disease. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1879] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are frequently affected by thyroid diseases (TD). However, the clinical relevance of TD in ACHD remains unknown.
Purpose
We aimed to describe the prevalence of TD in the ACHD population and to ascertain whether TD are associated with worse outcome.
Methods
Clinical data on all consecutive patients aged >18 years attending our ACHD unit for a day-case between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively collected. For statistical analysis, a composite endpoint was created combining the following events at follow-up: hospitalization for heart failure, new-onset tachyarrhythmic or bradyarrhythmic events and death.
Results
Four hundred ninety-five ACHD patients with a median age of 32.2 [24.5–45.6] years (46% male) were included. There was an overall prevalence of patients with moderate or complex lesions (414=84%). Compared to the group with no history of TD, patients in the TD were older, (41.9 [29.7–53.5] vs 30.2 [24.3–39] years; p<0.0001) and mainly female (77% vs 46%; p<0.0001) and more likely to have undergone at least two cardiac catheterization procedures (29 vs 13%; p<0.0001). Genetic disorders including Down syndrome were more prevalent in the group with TD (p<0.0001). Moreover, at last follow-up, those with TD had higher pro-BNP-nt values (243.5 [96.5–523] pg/ml Vs 94 [45–207] pg/ml; p<0.0001) and were in a more advanced NYHA class (27% vs 13% in class III-IV; p=0.0002). Echocardiography showed lower EF in the TD group (55 [55–60]% vs 60 [55–65]%; p=0.0002).
Median follow-up was 9.4 [4.5–13.1] years. Patients with TD had a higher unadjusted mortality rate, with a trend towards statistical significance (p=0.07). Sixty-four (42%) patients in the TD group and 43 (12.5%) met our composite endpoint, leading to a 10-year survival free from events of 53.7% Vs 86.5%, respectively (p<0.0001, Figure1). Multivariate analysis showed that age, ejection fraction, previous surgical palliation, advanced physiological stage and TD were independent predictors of our composite endpoint, even after stratification for genetic disorders as reported in table1. After adjustment for baseline differences between groups with propensity matching score using age, sex, disease complexity, physiological stage, previous palliative or reparative surgery, normal or reduced systemic ventricle ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cyanosis and presence of systemic right ventricle as independent variables, TD remained a strong predictor of cardiac events at follow-up with an hazard ratio of 4.47 (95% CI 2.42–8.28; p<0.0001).
Conclusion
TD is a strong predictor of adverse outcome in the ACHD population after exclusion of potential confounding factors, being related to a fourfold increased risk of events at follow-up.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Table 1
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fusco
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - G Scognamiglio
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - S Guarguagli
- Ospedale SS Giovanni e Paolo AULSS3 Serenissima Venezia, Venice, Italy
| | - A Merola
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - M Palma
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - N Borrelli
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - R Barracano
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - N Grimaldi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Correra
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - G Piccolo
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - F La Rocca
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - C Del Giudice
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - D Colonna
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - E Romeo
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - B Sarubbi
- AO dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, Naples, Italy
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10
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Fabbri M, Zibetti M, Beccaria L, Merola A, Romagnolo A, Montanaro E, Ferreira JJ, Palermo S, Lopiano L. Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion and weight loss in Parkinson's disease. Eur J Neurol 2018; 26:490-496. [PMID: 30347489 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Weight loss (WL) is a frequent yet under-recognized complication of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion, as well as a milestone of Parkinson's disease (PD) disability progression. The complex association between WL, poor nutritional status, motor complications and PD progression, however, remains unclear. METHODS Consecutive consenting patients with PD treated with LCIG (n = 44; PD duration, 18.3 ± 6.5 years) were enrolled in an open-label observational study assessing the extent of WL occurring during LCIG treatment. As secondary aims, we correlated the nutritional status, as detected by the Mini Nutritional Assessment, with the severity of motor symptoms [Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III], motor complications (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part IV), activities of daily living (Schwab and England scale), cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), difficulties in feeding (Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Questionnaire) and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD). RESULTS There was an average WL of 9.9 ± 10.5% (7.6 ± 7.1 kg) over an LCIG treatment period of 51.6 ± 28.5 months. The extent of WL correlated with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia (P < 0.05). The nutritional status correlated with motor symptom severity (P < 0.01), dysphagia (P < 0.01) and LEDD (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Weight loss may occur in patients with PD undergoing LCIG in correlation with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia. Regardless of the extent of WL, the nutritional status correlated with higher LEDD, as well as with indices of disease progression, such as motor symptom severity and dysphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fabbri
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - M Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - L Beccaria
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - A Merola
- Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - A Romagnolo
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - E Montanaro
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - J J Ferreira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Palermo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Lopiano
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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11
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Artusi CA, Zibetti M, Romagnolo A, Rizzone MG, Merola A, Lopiano L. Subthalamic deep brain stimulation and trunk posture in Parkinson's disease. Acta Neurol Scand 2018; 137:481-487. [PMID: 29285760 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the efficacy of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD)-associated trunk posture abnormalities retrospectively analyzing data from 101 patients reporting mild-to-severe trunk posture abnormalities of a cohort of 216 PD patients treated with STN-DBS at our center. METHODS Abnormal trunk posture was rated on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (marked flexion with an extreme abnormality of posture) as per the grading score reported in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. The independent effect of STN-DBS on trunk posture was assessed comparing Medication-Off (presurgery) vs Stimulation-On/Medication-Off (post-surgery). The combined effect of STN-DBS plus levodopa was evaluated comparing Medication-On (presurgery) vs Stimulation-On/Medication-On (post-surgery). Analyses were conducted considering both the entire cohort of patients and the subgroup with camptocormia (CMC) and Pisa syndrome (PS). RESULTS The independent effect of STN-DBS resulted in a 41.4% improvement in abnormal trunk posture severity (P < .001), with 78.2% of patients (n = 79) reporting an improvement of at least 1 point. The combined effect of STN-DBS and levodopa resulted in a 30.9% improvement (P = .061), with 54.5% of patients (n = 55) reporting an improvement of at least 1 point. The subanalysis of patients with CMC (n = 23) and PS (n = 5) showed a 42.7% improvement in abnormal posture severity when considering the independent effect of STN-DBS (P < .001) and 30.5% when considering the combined effect of STN-DBS and levodopa (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS STN-DBS may have the potential for improving posture in patients with advanced PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. A. Artusi
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - M. Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - A. Romagnolo
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - M. G. Rizzone
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - A. Merola
- Department of Neurology; Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders; University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - L. Lopiano
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”; University of Turin; Turin Italy
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12
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Merola A, Mandybur G, Biddell K, Tareen TK, Wilson-Perez H, Espay AJ, Duker AP. Subthalamic or red nucleus? A puzzling question arising during intraoperative recording for DBS. Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 128:558-560. [PMID: 28231473 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.01.011] [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] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Merola
- Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
| | - G Mandybur
- Mayfield Clinic, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA.
| | | | - T K Tareen
- Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
| | - H Wilson-Perez
- Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
| | - A J Espay
- Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, 234 Goodman Street Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
| | - A P Duker
- Mayfield Clinic, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA.
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13
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Merola A, Romagnolo A, Zibetti M, Bernardini A, Cocito D, Lopiano L. Peripheral neuropathy associated with levodopa–carbidopa intestinal infusion: a long‐term prospective assessment. Eur J Neurol 2015; 23:501-9. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Merola
- Department of Neuroscience University of Turin Torino Italy
| | - A. Romagnolo
- Department of Neuroscience University of Turin Torino Italy
| | - M. Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience University of Turin Torino Italy
| | - A. Bernardini
- Department of Neuroscience University of Turin Torino Italy
| | - D. Cocito
- Department of Neuroscience University of Turin Torino Italy
| | - L. Lopiano
- Department of Neuroscience University of Turin Torino Italy
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14
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Merola A, Zibetti M, Rizzone MG, Troiano M, Artusi CA, Angrisano S, Cocito D, Lopiano L. Prospective assessment of peripheral neuropathy in Duodopa-treated parkinsonian patients. Acta Neurol Scand 2014; 129:e1-5. [PMID: 23834498 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although peripheral neuropathies (PN) have been described in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) treated with oral dopaminergic therapies, anecdotal reports of subacute severe PN have been reported during treatment with enteral levodopa/carbidopa infusion (Duodopa). AIM OF THE STUDY We prospectively assessed clinical and electrophysiological data of 15 consecutive patients with PD treated with Duodopa for a mean follow-up of 9 months. METHODS Nerve conduction studies and a clinical evaluation with a standardized battery of peripheral neuropathy scales were performed at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 9 months. RESULTS At baseline, mild signs of PN were observed in three subjects, and vitamin B12 serum levels were found to correlate with the amplitude of sural sensory action potentials. Follow-up data were available for 10/15 subjects: one patient developed a subacute sensory-motor PN and three subjects with pre-existing PN showed a moderate worsening of electrophysiological and clinical features. Subclinical electrophysiological alterations of peripheral nerves were observed in two subjects. No significant changes were observed in vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels. CONCLUSIONS In this consecutive series of patients treated with Duodopa, we observed one subacute sensory-motor PN and few length-dependent alterations of peripheral nerves, similar to those described during oral levodopa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Merola
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
| | - M. Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
| | - M. G. Rizzone
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
| | - M. Troiano
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
| | - C. A. Artusi
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
| | - S. Angrisano
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
| | - D. Cocito
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
| | - L. Lopiano
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Turin; Torino Italy
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15
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Zibetti M, Merola A, Artusi CA, Rizzi L, Angrisano S, Reggio D, De Angelis C, Rizzone M, Lopiano L. Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion in advanced Parkinson's disease: a 7-year experience. Eur J Neurol 2013; 21:312-8. [PMID: 24313838 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion is nowadays becoming an established therapeutic option for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with fluctuating symptoms unresponsive to conventional oral treatment. As the implementation of LCIG therapy is increasing, there is a need for safety and efficacy data from current clinical practice. METHODS All PD patients treated with LCIG at our centre over a 7-year period were analysed to determine the duration of treatment, retention rate, reasons for discontinuation, LCIG efficacy in motor complications, modifications of concomitant therapy and adverse events. RESULTS Of the 59 patients, seven subjects (12%) died of causes unrelated to LCIG infusion and 11 patients (19%) discontinued therapy prior to the cut-off date. Duodopa improved motor complications and over 90% of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life, autonomy and clinical global status. The most common adverse events were dislocation and kinking of the intestinal tube. CONCLUSIONS LCIG infusion is effective for the long-term treatment of advanced PD patients and exerts a positive and clinically significant effect on motor complications with a relatively low dropout rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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16
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Zibetti M, Rizzone M, Merola A, Angrisano S, Rizzi L, Montanaro E, Cicolin A, Lopiano L. Sleep improvement with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion in Parkinson disease. Acta Neurol Scand 2013; 127:e28-32. [PMID: 23311399 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disorders are common in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Nocturnal akinesia and sleep fragmentation frequently coexist with daytime sleepiness, influencing daytime functioning. Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion has been shown to improve motor complications in advanced PD, and preliminary findings suggest that sleep might improve following LCIG infusion. OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of LCIG infusion on sleep symptoms and daytime sleepiness in patients with PD. METHODS Twelve consecutive patients with PD completed the PD-Sleep-Scale-version-2 (PDSS-2) and the Epworth-Sleepiness-Scale (ESS) at baseline and after 2-4 months of LCIG treatment. Activities of daily living, motor symptoms and complications were assessed with the Unified-PD-rating-Scale section II, III, and IV. RESULTS Nocturnal sleep improved substantially in all patients switched to LCIG infusion. PDSS-2 total score and subscores for 'Disturbed sleep', 'Motor symptoms at night', and 'PD symptoms at night' were significantly reduced. ESS measures of daytime sleepiness also improved. Motor complications and activities of daily living improved significantly with LCIG. CONCLUSION Subjective measures of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness improve in patients with advanced PD undergoing LCIG infusion. Further studies with a larger number of patients and polysomnographic recordings are needed to confirm the beneficial effect on sleep and clarify the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Zibetti
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
| | - M. Rizzone
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
| | - A. Merola
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
| | - S. Angrisano
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
| | - L. Rizzi
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
| | - E. Montanaro
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
| | - A. Cicolin
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
| | - L. Lopiano
- Department of Neuroscience; University of Torino; Torino; Italy
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17
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Marana R, Ferrari S, Merola A, Astorri AL, Pompa G, Milardi D, Giampietro A, Lecca A, Marana E. [Role of a mini-invasive approach in the diagnosis and treatment of tubo-peritoneal infertility as an altenative to IVF]. Minerva Ginecol 2011; 63:1-10. [PMID: 21311415] [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: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM Tubal factor infertility accounts for approximately 25-35% of cases of female infertility. Identifiable causes of tubal infertility are postinfectious tubal damage, postsurgical adhesion formation, and endometriosis-related adhesions. Aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a diagnostic/therapeutic minimally invasive approach in patients with suspect or ascertained mechanical infertility in terms of obtained pregnancies. METHODS The study enrolled 143 patients who underwent diagnostic or operative laparoscopy, with chromopertubation, peritoneal or endometrial culture, salpingoscopy when indicated and diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy. Nine patients with submucous-intramural or multiple intramural fibroids underwent miomectomy by minilaparotomy following hysteroscopy and chromopertubation. Patients were contacted periodically by telephone to monitor the onset and outcome of pregnancy. The mean length of follow- up was 49 months (range: 11 to 118 months). RESULTS Of the 152 patients considered in the study, 61 became pregnant (40%). Twenty-three pregnancies resulted in miscarriage, two in tubal pregnancy and one patient aborted after a diagnosis of Down syndrome. In total, 32% of the patients achieved a term pregnancy. CONCLUSION The diagnostic/therapeutic mini-invasive approach allows women to become pregnant naturally and it is, therefore, an option for couples with ethical and religious concerns. The percentage of pregnancies is higher than after in-vitro fertilization. When efficacious, this approach allows additional spontaneous conceptions without renewed therapy and the course of pregnancy and the type of delivery will not differ from those in a normal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Marana
- Dipartimento per la Tutela della Salute della Donna e della Vita Nascente, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Roma, Italia.
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18
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De Marco A, La Tessa G, De Falco A, De Falco F, Merola A, Sirabella G. Multiple Cerebral Aneurysms Associated with Atrial Myxoma. Neuroradiol J 2010; 23:62-8. [DOI: 10.1177/197140091002300111] [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] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 09/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac myxoma is a tumor of mesenchymal origin accounting for half of all primary cardiac neoplasms. Intracranial involvement by atrial myxoma is a rare cause of neurologic deficit. When the myxoma arises in the left atrium, systemic emboli from a cardiac myxoma can lead to infarction, cerebral hemorrhage and aneurysm formation. In the light of the potentially preventable nature of these lesions, the diagnosis of myxomatous aneurysms should be considered in any patient with neurologic symptoms and a history of cardiac myxoma. Because aneurysms are often stable over several years, conservative management with careful clinical and radiological follow-up with MRI and angiography seems sensible. We describe a case in which MR imaging and angiography were used to diagnose multiple cerebral aneurysms caused by left atrial myxoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. De Marco
- Department of Neuroradiology, Santa Maria di Loreto Nuovo Hospital; Naples, Italy
| | - G. La Tessa
- Department of Neuroradiology, Santa Maria di Loreto Nuovo Hospital; Naples, Italy
| | - A. De Falco
- Department of Neurology, Santa Maria di Loreto Nuovo Hospital; Naples, Italy
| | - F.A. De Falco
- Department of Neurology, Santa Maria di Loreto Nuovo Hospital; Naples, Italy
| | - A. Merola
- Department of Neuroradiology, Santa Maria di Loreto Nuovo Hospital; Naples, Italy
| | - G. Sirabella
- Department of Neuroradiology, Santa Maria di Loreto Nuovo Hospital; Naples, Italy
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Fragomeni G, Merola A, Serra R, de Franciscis S, Amato F. A nonlinear lumped parameters model to analyze the dynamics of venous reflux. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2009; 2008:1407-10. [PMID: 19162932 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2008.4649429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to formulate a lumped parameters model of the venous tree of the lower limbs in order to study the effects and the possible clinical treatments for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a pathology characterized by an important socio-economic impact due to its relevant prevalence, the costs for its diagnosis and treatment being more frequently widespread among the working population. The planning of haemodynamic surgical operations is critical to treat a pathological pattern of venous blood flow; such planning, in turn, depends on the right analysis of the possible consequences of flow modification. To this regard, the blood flow correction allows to solve the most important venous pathologies, in order to guarantee the restoration of normal blood flow by means of proper modifications of the venous tree. The developed model preserves the geometry of the venous network and considers some non linear resistive and capacitive effects. In fact, the study of the variability of some parameters (i.e. vessel radius) is very important to allow a correct diagnosis of vascular diseases. This variability causes a non linear behaviour of resistance and compliance effects. With the aid of the developed model we evaluate the time profile of blood velocity, flow and pressure in the entire venous network, both in physiological and pathological cases. The obtained results are discussed in comparison with available experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fragomeni
- School of Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Campus Universitario di Germaneto, 88100, ITALY
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Vercellino M, Romagnolo A, Mattioda A, Masera S, Piacentino C, Merola A, Chiò A, Mutani R, Cavalla P. Multiple sclerosis relapses: a multivariable analysis of residual disability determinants. Acta Neurol Scand 2009; 119:126-30. [PMID: 18684216 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2008.01076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery from multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses is variable. The factors influencing persistence of residual disability (RD) after a relapse are still to be thoroughly elucidated. AIMS OF STUDY To assess RD after MS relapses and to define the factors associated with persistence of RD. METHODS Data were retrospectively collected for all relapses in a population of relapsing-remitting MS patients during 3 years. Relapse severity and RD after 1 year were calculated on Expanded Disability Status Scale basis. A multivariable analysis for factors influencing RD and relapse severity was performed (variables: age, gender, disease duration, oligoclonal bands, relapse severity, monosymptomatic/polysymptomatic relapse, immunomodulating treatment, incomplete recovery at 1 month). RESULTS A total of 174 relapses were assessed. RD after 1 year was observed in 54.5% of the relapses. Higher risk of RD was associated with occurrence of a severe relapse (P = 0.024). Incomplete recovery at 1 month was highly predictive of RD at 1 year (P < 0.0001). Risk of a severe relapse was associated with age <or= 30 years (P = 0.025) and inversely associated with the use of immunomodulating treatment (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Incomplete recovery at 1 month is a predictor of long-term persistence of RD. Higher relapse severity is associated with higher risk of RD. Risk of severe relapses is lower in patients treated with immunomodulating drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vercellino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy
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21
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Merola A, Cosentino C, Amato F. An insight into tumor dormancy equilibrium via the analysis of its domain of attraction. Biomed Signal Process Control 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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22
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Fragomeni G, Merola A, De Franciscis S, Amato F. A haemodynamic model of the venous network of the lower limbs. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2007; 2007:1002-5. [PMID: 18002129 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2007.4352463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The pathologies of the venous system are characterized by a relevant socioeconomic impact in western countries. To this regard, the blood flow correction allows to solve the most important venous pathologies. In these cases, in order to guarantee the restoration of normal blood flow by means of proper modifications of the venous network, the correct planning of haemodynamics surgical operations is needed; such planning in turn depends on the right analysis of the possible consequences of flow modification. To this end, a mathematical model, that allows to precisely study the physiological and pathological behaviour of the venous network of the lower limbs, has been developed. The final goal is to use this model as an instrument helpful to plan surgical operations and give guidelines for the design and the test of new artificial devices. As for the modelling processing, a lumped parameters model has been derived with a resolution which allows to take into account the anatomic characteristics of the venous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fragomeni
- School of Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di, Catanzaro, Campus Universitario di Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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23
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Bellieni CV, Buonocore G, Bagnoli F, Cordelli DM, Gasparre O, Calonaci F, Filardi G, Merola A, Petraglia F. Is an excessive number of prenatal echographies a risk for fetal growth? Early Hum Dev 2005; 81:689-93. [PMID: 16005167 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2005.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2004] [Revised: 05/09/2005] [Accepted: 05/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess whether a very high number of prenatal ultrasonographies affects birthweight. POPULATION AND METHODS We studied 1203 consecutive women who delivered in Siena Hospital. Exclusion criteria were the following: twin pregnancy, maternal smoke or alcohol ingestion in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, placenta or umbilical cord defects, gestational age at birth <37 weeks, and major malformations. We analysed birthweights in relation to the number of ultrasound examinations. 120 women had undergone a minimum number (three or less-base group) and 167 a maximum number (nine or more-intensive group) of fetal US scans. We compared the birthweight of the children born in these two groups and the correlation between number of US scans and birthweight in the whole population. RESULTS Mean birthweights of the base and the intensive groups were 3389.5+/-434 g and 3268+/-438 g, respectively (p=0.0206). Nevertheless, the regression study did not show a significant correlation between birthweight and number of US scans. The mean age of the base group was 30.1+/-5.3 years and that of the intensive group was 32.09+/-4.99 years (p=0.0018). Eighteen women of base group underwent amniocenteses vs. 71 in the intensive group (p<0.001). In the base group 57.5% of the mothers had low school level vs. 24.4% in the intensive group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION More studies are needed to confirm or exclude any relationship between an intensive use of prenatal ultrasounds and birthweight, and to exclude other effects of ultrasounds on children's health. Moreover, our study shows an excess of prenatal diagnostic procedures, the causes of which should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C V Bellieni
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Italy.
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24
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Merola A. [Organization of the territorial health services in the Lazio Region]. Ann Ig 2002; 14:25-32. [PMID: 12389434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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25
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Merola A, O'Brien MF, Castro BA, Smith DAB, Eule JM, Lowe TG, Dwyer AP, Haher TR, Espat NJ. Histologic characterization of acute spinal cord injury treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. J Orthop Trauma 2002; 16:155-61. [PMID: 11880777 DOI: 10.1097/00005131-200203000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many substances have been investigated for attenuation of spinal cord injury after acute trauma; however, pharmacologically only steroid administration has shown clinical benefits. This study attempts to characterize local spinal cord histologic response to human dose equivalent (HDE) intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) administration in a rodent model of acute spinal cord injury. DESIGN Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into control and experimental groups. Each group was subdivided into eight sets of three animals each, according to postinjury intervals. Paraplegia after lower thoracic laminectomy was achieved using a standardized weight drop technique. INTERVENTION Within one hour, experimental animals were treated with HDE MP followed by 23-hour continuous infusion of HDE MP. Spinal cords were harvested at variable intervals postinjury and prepared for histologic/immunohistochemistry examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Edema, necrosis, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positivity in the specimens from treated/control groups were graded by microscopy and immunohistochemistry staining and compared in a blinded manner by a qualified neuropathologist and senior authors. RESULTS Minimal differences were observed between control and MP-treated animals at zero and four hours. At eight hours, increased white matter and medullary edema was evident in control versus MP-treated rats. This trend continued through twelve, sixteen, twenty-four, forty-eight, and seventy-two hours. No difference was observed in the astrocytic response to injury by GFAP immunohistochemistry between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Histologically, MP reduces the development of severe edema and preserves spinal cord architecture adjacent to the site of injury. In contrast, MP does not alter the development of spinal cord necrosis or astrocytic response at the zone of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Merola
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Health Science Center at Brooklyn, State University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 10011, USA.
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D'Andrea LP, Betz RR, Lenke LG, Clements DH, Lowe TG, Merola A, Haher T, Harms J, Huss GK, Blanke K, McGlothlen S. Do radiographic parameters correlate with clinical outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2000; 25:1795-802. [PMID: 10888948 DOI: 10.1097/00007632-200007150-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A radiographic assessment has been developed to include coronal, sagittal, and axial parameters. OBJECTIVE To determine the correlation of postoperative radiographic results and percentage postoperative radiographic improvement with patient clinical self-assessment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA With the increasing interest in outcome studies, the authors wanted to determine whether Scoliosis Research Society clinical questionnaire results would correlate with objective radiographic improvement. METHODS INCLUSION CRITERIA adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with anterior or posterior instrumentation, a solid fusion, minimum 2-year follow-up, and a completed postoperative Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire. Seventy-eight patients met the criteria. Measurements included in the radiographic score: Cobb angles of the coronal curve, C7 to the center sacral vertical line, apical translation, apical vertebral rotation, T1 rib angle, end-instrumented vertebrae angulation, angulation of the disc below the end-instrumented vertebra, and curve type. Sagittal measurements included T2-T12, T5-T12, T2-T5, T12-L2, and L1-S1. RESULTS The preoperative radiographic score of these 78 patients was mean 60.1 +/- 9.7 (range 41-88, maximum radiographic score, 100). The 2-year postoperative radiographic score was mean 83.8 +/- 8.8 (range, 65-100). The median Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire score was 98 +/- 12.3 (range, 58-116, maximum score, 125, showing that the patient is highly satisfied and asymptomatic). The postoperative radiographic score versus the questionnaire score showed a Spearman rank correlation of 0.04 (P = 0.68, little or no correlation throughout). Percentage improvement of the radiographic score versus the questionnaire score showed a Spearman rank correlation of 0.1 (P = 0.38, little or no correlation throughout). CONCLUSION In this initial group of patients, the radiographic assessment shows a significant improvement between preoperative and 2-year postoperative scores. However, little correlation between the radiographic assessment and the questionnaire scores was found in this adolescent population, suggesting that separate analyses of radiographic and clinical outcome data are required when evaluating results of postoperative scoliosis surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P D'Andrea
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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Saporosi A, Giacchi E, Squintani M, Merola A, Mancini A, Cappella A, Brown J. Update on ovulation and fertility monitoring by cervical mucus symptom and urinary hormone assay. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(00)82077-9] [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: 10/26/2022]
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Ferrazzani S, Merola A, De Carolis S, Carducci B, Paradisi G, Caruso A. Birth weight in pre-eclamptic and normotensive twin pregnancies: an analysis of discordance and growth restriction. Hum Reprod 2000; 15:210-7. [PMID: 10611214 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/15.1.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify whether twin pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia were associated with a higher rate of inter-twin weight discordance or an increased prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates than in normotensive twin pregnancies. A 17 year retrospective study was undertaken by examining 76 twin pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and comparing them with 400 normotensive twin pregnancies. The case notes were reviewed in reference to birth weight differences, birth order, pregnancy outcome and inter-twin birth weight discordance. Statistical analyses were performed with t-test, contingency tables, regression curves, rank sum test and non-parametric survival plots. Power analysis was also carried out. Pre-eclamptic twin pregnancies were delivered at similar weeks of gestation to normotensive. They resulted in a smaller size for the second twin the earlier the delivery week, while in normotensive twin pregnancies no significant difference occurred at any week. Twin pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia showed higher rates of SGA neonates among second twins than those with normal pressure. The >25% discordance was associated with lower gestational age at delivery in each group [mean (range) 33 weeks (27-38) versus 37 (29-41), P < 0.005 pre-eclampsia and 35 weeks (25-41) versus 38 (25-42), P < 0.001 normotensive]. In pre-eclampsia the concomitant occurrence of SGA second twin and the discordance >25% was associated with shorter gestation while the presence of SGA second twin alone was not.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ferrazzani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catholic University, School of Medicine, 00168 Rome, Italy
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De Carolis S, Carducci B, De Santis L, Ferrazzani S, Noia G, Merola A, Caruso A. Therapeutic amnioinfusions and fetal fibronectin pattern in a case with preterm ruptured membranes that resealed. Fetal Diagn Ther 1998; 13:66-8. [PMID: 9650648 DOI: 10.1159/000020807] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determination of fetal fibronectin (fFN) levels in a patient at risk of preterm delivery and having premature rupture of the membranes. PATIENT AND METHODS The present case report concerns a pregnant woman with premature rupture of the membranes at 16 weeks of gestation who was submitted to repeated therapeutic transabdominal amnioinfusions and had a spontaneous resolution of the rupture at 32 weeks of gestation. RESULTS A good pregnancy outcome was observed. High cervicovaginal fFN levels were observed during the period of membrane rupture with following drop of fFN levels during this period and spontaneous reseal of the membranes. CONCLUSIONS Active expectant management, using repeated amnioinfusions, probably played a useful role in the therapeutic success of this pregnancy. Further, fFN was a reliable marker of the rupture of membranes. The possible role of fFN in the clinical management of high-risk pregnancies is confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S De Carolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
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Iannello S, Campanile E, Cipolli D, Gallina M, Merola A, Puglisi S, Tabita V, Belfiore F. [A rare case of juvenile diabetes mellitus associated with APECED (autoimmune poly-endocrinopathy, candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophy) with strong X-linked familial inheritance]. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 1997; 22:51-9. [PMID: 9304048] [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: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The polyglandular autoimmune syndromes (PGA) are well known and are distinguished into type I, type II and type III. PGAI, also called APECED (autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophy), is an autosomal recessive disorder, appearing in childhood and typically characterized by hypoparathyroidism (unusual in PGAII and PGAIII) and adrenal insufficiency. In APECED, autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells with development of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes is possible, but less frequent than in the other PGAs, especially PGAII. The pathogenesis of this unique autoimmune disease is unknown. No HLA association seems to exist and genetic studies have assigned the autosomal APECED locus to chromosome 21. The case of a 28-years-old female suggesting the diagnosis of APECED, is presented, characterized by psycho-somatic abnormal development, teeth alterations, post-puberal gonadal failure with dystrophic hypoplasia of external genitalia, previous vaginal candidiasis, a slowly developing juvenile brittle diabetes. Intestinal malabsorption induced by Giardia lamblia occurred (probably resulting, like candidiasis, from immunological anergy). A strong familiarity linked to female sex was noticed (the mother, a sister, the little nice and some maternal female cousins being affected) while the father and a brother were healthy. Diabetes seems to be characterized by early onset and severe complications. In this patient no organo-specific antibodies were detected and the only immunologic disorder was a small decrease of CD3 and CD4/CD8 ratio, both CD4 and CD8 being at the lower normal range. This patient (and her female maternal relatives) needs a long-term follow-up in order to evaluate the function of endocrine glands and to initiate early treatment for hormonal deficits, as well as to detect the non-endocrine components of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Iannello
- Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Ospedale Garibaldi, Calania
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Haher TR, Merola A, Zipnick RI, Gorup J, Mannor D, Orchowski J. Meta-analysis of surgical outcome in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A 35-year English literature review of 11,000 patients. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1995; 20:1575-84. [PMID: 7570172 DOI: 10.1097/00007632-199507150-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Meta-analysis of the English literature on the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVE To gather comparable data from a number of different sources and combine the data to create a larger, more statistically significant pool of information for the analysis of surgical outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Meta-analysis is a technique of scientific literature review used in outcome evaluation of medical treatment. This technique has been applied to the surgical outcome of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS A structured literature review was performed that cross-referenced English literature articles pertaining to the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a focus on patient-based outcomes. Measures of patient satisfaction were compared with process measures of care. RESULTS A number of patients (10,989) were reviewed in 139 patient populations. Unspecified curve types (9424) and King curve types (1565) were reviewed over a 35-year period from 1958 to 1993. Of the patients, 87.32% were studied retrospectively and 12.70% prospectively. Effect-weighted follow-up was 6.8 years. Only studies with complete process and patient data for unspecified or King curve types were included for satisfaction correlation calculations. Pearson product moment correlation for n = 33 studies, n' = 2926 patients revealed a positive r' = 0.628 correlation between degree of curve correction and percent satisfaction per study. To determine the degree of curvature correction resulting in patient satisfaction, a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed with level of confidence (P < or = 0.05). Of significance was that the degree of curvature corrected accounted for all the satisfaction variance predicted. A significant correction exists between degree of curve correction and percent of patients satisfied. The percent of correction and the Group type (either unspecified or King classified), did not significantly alter this prediction. The best predictor of satisfaction appears to be degree of curve correction according to these data. CONCLUSION Patients appear to be more satisfied by the magnitude of curve correction rather than the percent of curve correction. The degree of curvature before surgery did not predict patient satisfaction. Pearsons r' = 0.045. Satisfaction appears to be best predicted by the degree of correction only and not by the percent curve correction, the curve magnitude before surgery, nor the Group type (King, unspecified). Patient satisfaction is subjective. It does not reflect the benefits of surgery with respect to the future preservation of pulmonary function in thoracic curves nor the prevention of osteoarthritis in lumbar curves.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Haher
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center of New York, New York, USA
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Moneta E, Parlati E, Merola A, Muscianisi G. [Beta-thalassemia and pregnancy. Case reports and excretion of urinary total estrogens]. Minerva Ginecol 1976; 28:562-71. [PMID: 1018845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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