[Therapeutic effects of prostaglandin E1 in diabetic patients]. / Approccio terapeutico alla neuropatia diabetica mediante PGE1.

AIM: The therapeutic effect of prostaglandin E1 in 26 diabetic patients with symptomatic and disabling neuropathy has been examined. Authoritative experiments in the literature describe the potential coexistence, in diabetic neuropathy, of vascular and metabolic deficiencies that may justify the use of vasodilators. METHODS: The biological effect of PGE1 seems to meet these requirements; it has in fact a multifactorial action mechanism, c-AMP mediated, selectively acting on the microvascular district improving the tissular perfusion and favouring an aerobic metabolism. In diabetics suffering from neuropathy, a reduction of psychophysical and working abilities due to chronicity of pain, sensitive disorders and hyposthenia with early muscular fatigability is often detectable. It is not difficult to imagine how heavily this pathology can affect the quality of life in patients of different ages and social conditions. RESULTS: The results of our studies confirm the possibility of a direct relation between microvascular damage and interference with the normal nervous tissue conduction, as described in the literature. After a 4-week therapy, data obtained from electrophysiologic and vibrometric tests show in many diabetic patients a significant functional improvement in the peripheral nervous system and, in more than 90% of the cases, of neurological symptomatology. CONCLUSION: The methods needed to standardize therapeutic protocols are still to be verified, keeping in mind that the persistence of physiopathologic factors responsible for neurophathy may lead to the risk of relapses.

[Principles of a rehabilitation treatment for returning to work after a stabilization intervention with the Colorado method]. / Principi di trattamento riabilitativo per il reinserimento occupazionale dopo intervento di stabilizzazione con sistema Colorado.

The Authors report their experience on the method of Colorado Spinal System for reduction in spondylolisthesis; they describe a postoperative rehabilitative programme for a complete and quick functional recovery. They eventually report the clinical results achieved in 15 patients.

[Selection of antidecubitus cushion seats]. / Selezione dei cuscini antidecubito.

The choice of anti-pressure cushion presupposes two fundamental requisites: a correct assessment of the patient and a precise understanding of the properties of the aids available. The prescription of such cushions is not a simple task in that the physical and clinical needs of each individual patient must be taken into account. The prevention of pressure ulcers is essential for both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the patient and avoids any slowing of the pace of rehabilitation programmes. The protection of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue on the areas of bone prominence is extremely important for those patients who pass much or all of the day seated in a wheelchair. In this talk, we hope to provide some practical advice concerning the choice of cushion that is best for each patient, not forgetting that the final success depends on the maintenance of a correct sitting position.

[Rheumatism caused by anticonvulsants: presentation of 2 clinical cases with work reintegration]. / Il reumatismo da anticonvulsivanti: presentazione di due casi clinici con reinserimento lavorativo.

We present two cases of rheumatism induced by phenobarbital therapy. The duration of treatment before the onset of this condition was 12 months and 20 years, respectively. In both cases, a therapeutic exercise program and drug therapy provided lasting resolution of symptoms.