Pain and microcrystalline arthritis.

Microcrystals are responsible for some of the most common and complex arthropathies which are often accompanied by intense, severe pain and inflammatory reactions. The main pathogens are crystals of monosodium urate (MSU), responsible for the gout, calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), which deposits also in various clinical forms of arthopathies, and basic calcium phosphate associated with osteoarthritis. In this context, the microcrystal arthritis is characterized by multiple, acute attacks followed by chronic pain, disability, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality. Given their chronic nature, they represent an ever more urgent public health problem. MSU and CPP crystals are also able to activate nociceptors. The pain in mycrocrystalline arthritis (MCA) is an expression of the inflammatory process. In the course of these diseases there is an abundant release of inflammatory molecules, including prostaglandins 2 and kinins. Interleukin-1 represents the most important cytokine released during the crystal-induced inflammatory process. Therefore, clinically, pain is the most important component of MCA, which lead to functional impairment and disability in a large proportion of the population. It is fundamental to diagnose these diseases as early as possible, and to this aim, to identify appropriate and specific targets for a timely therapeutic intervention.

[Methoxybutropate in the therapy of PID (pelvic inflammatory diseases)]. / Il metossibutropato nella terapia delle PID.

A study has been carried out on patients suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in chronic form, so as to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with methoxybutropate (Benflogin-Angelini). The study was carried out on 20 outpatients treated for eight weeks with 300 mg of methoxybutropate three times a day. The results have highlighted the noteworthy effectiveness and high tolerance of methoxybutropate in the treatment of PID.

[Dynamics of the cervical mucosae during hormonal contraception by low-dose estrogens. A controlled prospective clinical study]. / Dinamica delle mucose cervicali in corso di contraccezione ormonale a basso dosaggio di estrogeni. Studio clinico prospettico controllato.

The Authors report the results of a prospective clinical study by means of colposcopy, planimetric measurements of iodine-light areas, cytology and target biopsy on 140 women taking low-dosage oral contraceptives and 140 controls. A basal examination and a follow up control at a mean interval of 13 months (min. 6, max. 30 months) have been performed. Colposcopy has shown no qualitative changes during follow up, neither in cases nor in controls. Planimetric measurements have shown a significant reduction of Ectropion and AnTZ in cases in comparison to controls, and more NTZ both in cases and controls. Cytology has shown at follow up a higher and significant reduction of phlogosis and viral cytopathic effect in cases. The results related to CIN, although non significant because of the small case group and the relatively short follow up, appeared more favorable in cases. In conclusion, oral contraception appears not to negatively affect the uterine cervix as far as cervical cancer is concerned but possibly to be protective. Nevertheless a longer follow up and a wider case group are needed in order to reach definitive results.

[Colposcopic evaluation of cervical epithelium during oral contraception. A controlled clinical study]. / Valutazione colposcopica degli epiteli cervicali in corso di contraccezione orale. Studio clinico controllato.

The Authors report the results of a controlled clinical study by means of colposcopy, cytology and target biopsy on 525 oral contraceptive (O.C.) users and 519 controls. Except for age class 31-35, more iodine dark cervices are found in cases, more iodine light (AnTZ and/or ectropion) in controls. The difference, although not statistically significant, suggests a protective role of O.C. on cervical epithelia. In 34 women (15 cases and 19 controls) CIN has been diagnosed. O.C. users show a more favorable situation, except for ages over 30 exposed to O.C. for less than 24 months. The Authors hypothesize a protective role of O.C. in younger women. While women aged 30 or more still appear protected when exposed to O.C. for more than two years (possibly from younger ages), these results suggest some caution in beginning oral contraception after the 30th year of age.