Efeitos do Programa Escola de Postura e Reeducação Postural Global sobre a amplitude de movimento e níveis de dor em pacientes com lombalgia crónica / Efectos de un Programa de Escuela de Postura y Reeducación Postural Global sobre rango de movimiento y niveles de dolor en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico (AU) / Effects of School-based exercise Program of Posture and Global Postural Reeducation on the range of motion and pain levels in patients with chronic low back pain

Objetivo. Comparar os efeitos do programa escola de postura (PEP) e reeducação postural global (RPG) sobre níveis de dor e amplitude de movimento em pacientes com lombalgia crônica. Método. A amostra foi dividida em 3 grupos de 10 sujeitos: grupo submetido ao tratamento através do PEP (idade: 46.30 ± 8.50 anos); grupo submetido ao tratamento através da RPG (idade: 43.60 ± 10.93 anos) e grupo controle (idade: 44.30 ± 10.68 anos). As intervenções foram realizadas em 10 sessões. Para avaliação do quadro álgico foi utilizada a escala subjetiva de dor CR10 de Borg. Para a análise da amplitude de movimento empregou‐se o protocolo de goniometria LABIFIE para os movimentos de extensão coxofemoral (ECF) e flexão da coluna lombar (FCL). Resultados. O teste de Wilcoxon mostrou uma redução nos escores dos níveis de dor nos grupos PEP e RPG (p < 0.0001) do pré para o pós‐tratamento. As comparações intergrupos, através do teste de Kruskal‐Wallis, apresentaram diminuição dos níveis de dor para o PEP (p < 0.0001) e o RPG (p < 0.0001) quando comparados ao CG no pós‐tratamento. A ANOVA com medidas repetidas revelou um aumento na amplitude do movimento para o PEP (ECF: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.002) e RPG (ECF: p = 0.034; FCL: p = 0.011) do pré para o pós‐tratamento. As comparações intergrupos apresentaram maiores amplitudes de movimento para o PEP (ECF: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.018) e RPG (EQ: p = 0.019; FCL: p = 0.020) quando comparados ao CG no pós‐tratamento. Não houve diferenças significativas entre o PEP e RPG. Conclusão. Os tratamentos PEP e RPG se mostraram eficientes para redução da lombalgia crónica (AU)

Objetivo. Comparar los efectos de un programa de escuela de postura (PEP) y reeducación postural global (RPG) individual sobre niveles de dolor y rango de movimiento en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico. Método. La muestra se dividió en 3 grupos de 10 sujetos: grupo tratado por PEP (edad: 46.30 ± 8.50 años), grupo tratado por RPG (edad: 43.60 ± 10.93 años) y grupo control (edad: 44.30 ± 10.68 años). Las intervenciones se llevaron a cabo en 10 sesiones. Para la evaluación del dolor se utilizó la escala subjetiva del dolor CR10 Borg. Para el análisis de rango de movimiento, se utilizó el protocolo de goniometría en los movimientos de extensión de la cadera (EC) y flexión de la columna lumbar (FCL). Resultados. La prueba de Wilcoxon mostró una reducción en los niveles de dolor en los grupos de PEP y RPG (p < 0.0001). Las comparaciones entre los grupos mediante el test de Kruskal‐Wallis mostró disminución de los niveles de dolor para el PEP (p < 0.0001) y RPG (p < 0.0001) en comparación con CG después del tratamiento. El ANOVA con medidas repetidas reveló un aumento en rango de movimiento para el PEP (EC: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.002) y RPG (EC: p = 0.034; FCL: p = 0.011). Las comparaciones entre los grupos mostraron un mayor rango de movimiento para el PEP (EC: p = 0.006; FCL: p = 0.018) y RPG (EC: p = 0.019; FCL: p = 0.020) en comparación con el GC después del tratamiento. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el PEP y RPG. Conclusión. Los tratamientos de PEP y RPG fueron eficaces para reducir el dolor lumbar crônico (AU)

Objective. To compare the effects of school‐based exercise program of posture (SPP) and global postural reeducation (GPR) on pain levels and range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain. Method. The sample was divided into three groups of 10 subjects: group treated by SPP (age: 46.30 ± 8.50 years) group subjected to treatment by GPR (age: 43.60 ± 10.93 years) and control group (age: 44.30 ± 10.68 years). The interventions were performed in 10 sessions. For assessment of pain was used pain subjective scale CR10‐Borg. For the analysis of range of motion, we used the protocol to goniometry LABIFIE in the movements of hip extension (HE) and flexion of the lumbar spine (FLS). Results. The Wilcoxon test showed a reduction in levels of pain scores in groups SPP and GPR (p < 0.0001) of pre to post‐treatment. Comparisons between groups by the Kruskal‐Wallis test showed decreased levels of pain for SPP (p < 0.0001) and GPR (p < 0.0001) when compared to CG post‐treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed an increase in range of motion for the SPP (HE: p = 0.006; FLS: p = 0.002) and GPR (HE: p = 0.034; FLS: p = 0.011) of pre to post‐treatment. Comparisons between groups showed greater range of motion for the SPP (HE: p = 0.006; FLS: p = 0.018) and GPR (HE: p = 0.019; FLS: p = 0.020) when compared to CG post‐treatment. There were no significant differences between the SPP and GPR. Conclusions. SPP and GPR treatments were effective for reducing chronic low back pain (AU)

A prospective comparison of bicarbonate dialysis, hemodiafiltration, and acetate-free biofiltration in the elderly.

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) and more recently acetate-free biofiltration (AFB) have shown good blood purification and cardiovascular stability in young and middle-aged hemodialysis patients. It is not clear if this is also valid for elderly patients. Twelve patients aged more than 70 years (mean age +/- SD, 76 +/- 4 years) on regular dialysis for at least 5 months were treated with bicarbonate dialysis (BD), HDF, or AFB in a randomized sequence and prospectively followed for 6 months (72 dialysis sessions/patient) for each procedure. The dialysis solution (containing bicarbonate), blood flow rate, and dialysate flow rate were the same with all the methods. During HDF and AFB solutions containing bicarbonate at a concentration of 27 to 30 mEq/L and 145 mEq/L, respectively, were infused postdilution at a rate of 66 +/- 7 mL/min and 2.81 +/- 0.12 L/hr, respectively. During the period of observation we evaluated the number of intradialytic hypotensions, the episodes of nausea, vomiting, headache (dialysis intolerance), body weight, the interdialysis weight gain, the duration of the dialysis session, the number of hospitalizations/patient, and the length of hospitalization/patient. At the end of each observation period we determined: Kt/V, protein catabolic rate, acid base balance, serum creatinine, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatases, and serum intact parathyroid hormone. After the switch from BD to either HDF or AFB, the results have shown a significant reduction of dialysis hypotension episodes (18 percent on BD, 14 percent on HDF, and 13 percent on AFB; BD v HDF, P = 0.001; BD v AFB, P = 0.0001; and HDF v AFB, P = NS) and of dialysis intolerance (3.3 percent on BD, 1.3 percent on HDF, and 1.1 percent on AFB; BD v HDF, P = 0.021; BD v AFB, P = 0.019; and HDF v AFB, P = NS). Kt/V improved significantly after the switch from BD to either HDF or AFB (1.17 +/- 0.06 on BD, 1.32 +/- 0.12 on HDF, and 1.32 +/- 0.13 on AFB; BD v HDF, P = 0.021; BD v AFB, P = 0.003; HDF v AFB, P = NS). Protein catabolic rate also improved in HDF and AFB compared with BD (0.90 +/- 0.12 on BD, 1.03 +/- 0.15 on HDF, and 1.04 +/- 0.14 on AFB; BD v HDF, P = 0.001; BD v AFB, P = 0.009; and HDF v AFB, P = NS). AFB showed a better correction of acidosis compared either with BD or HDF (serum bicarbonate, 20.3 +/- 1.1 mEq/L on BD, 20.8 +/- 2.2 mEqL on HDF, and 22.2 +/- 2.4 mEq/L on AFB; BD v HDF, P = NS; BD v AFB, P = 0.01; and HDF v AFB, P = 0.030). The other parameters observed did not differ. In conclusion HDF and AFB show a better dialysis efficiency and a better hemodynamic tolerance compared with BD. This fact is associated with an improvement in protein intake as assessed by kinetic criteria. Acetate-free biofiltration has the further advantage of a better control of the acid-base balance compared with BD and HDF. HDF and AFB are useful dialytic options to traditional BD hemodialysis even in patients older than 70 years.

Predictive value of dialysis adequacy and nutritional indices for mortality and morbidity in CAPD and HD patients. A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of dialysis inadequacy on patient survival and nutritional status and that of malnutrition on survival have not been clearly assessed. Studies comparing dose/mortality and morbidity curves on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and on haemodialysis (HD) are also needed, to assess adequate treatment on CAPD. METHODS: We have evaluated the effects of age, 13 pretreatment risk factors, serum albumin, transferrin, normalized protein catabolic rate, Kt/V, normalized weekly creatinine clearance, residual renal function and subjective global assessment of nutritional status on survival and morbidity, in a 3-year prospective study of 68 CAPD and 34 HD patients. RESULTS: Survivals did not differ for CAPD and HD patients. In the Cox hazard regression model, age, peripheral vasculopathy, serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl and Kt/V < 1.0/treatment on HD and < 1.7/week on CAPD were independent factors negatively affecting survival. On the contrary, adjusted survivals were not affected by gender, modality, other comorbid factors, normalized protein catabolic rate, or subjective global assessment of nutritional status. Persistence of residual renal function significantly improved survival. Observed and adjusted survival did not significantly differ for CAPD and HD patients with either low (HD, < 1.0/treatment; CAPD, < 1.7/week) or high ( > or = 1.0 and > or = 1.7) Kt/V. On HD, adjusted survivals were similar for 1.0 < or = Kt/V < 1.2 or > or = 1.2. On CAPD, Kt/V > or = 1.96/week was associated with definitely better survival, with only one death/23 patients versus 19/45, with Kt/V < or = 1.96. Survival was not different for 1.96 < or = Kt/V < 2.03 and > or = 2.03. Normalized weekly creatinine clearance and wKt/V were positively related on CAPD (r 0.39, P < 0.01) and wKt/V = 1.96 corresponded to 58 litres of normalized weekly creatinine clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Indices of adequacy were predictors of mortality and morbidity, both on CAPD and HD, whereas normalized protein catabolic rate and subjective global assessment of nutritional status were not. Serum albumin did not decrease during dialysis; hence its predictive effect for survival is due to the predialysis condition and not to dialysis-induced malnutrition.

[Low levels of somatomedin C and short stature in the Silver-Russell syndrome]. / Bassi livelli di somatomedina C e ipostaturalità nella sindrome di Silver-Russell.

The authors describe one case of Silver-Russell syndrome, emphasized the etiopathogenetic aspects connected to it. As regards the short stature, they have proved that the syndrome is related to low levels of somatomedin C (SmC). Moreover, they emphasized that ambiguous genitalia gets more and more frequently a peculiar features of syndrome.

[Atrial natriuretic factor in normal newborn infants and its effects on kidney function in anoxic syndrome and respiratory distress]. / Studio sul comportamento del fattore atriale natriuretico nei neonati normali e suoi effetti sulla funzionalità renale in corso di sindrome anossica e di distress respiratorio.

The Authors have studied 26 newborns suffering from anossic syndrome and/or respiratory distress. In them are valued as well as the renal function, also the behaviour of atrial natriuretic factor (F.A.N.). As a group of control 25 healthy and to term newborns were studied. In all subjects studied, but more specifically in the anossic, it became evident a net increase of F.A.N., which however was within the normal ranges about the 15th year of life. The Authors conclude that in normal newborn this behaviour of F.A.N. reflects the important circulation modification which is certified after birth, whereas in pathological newborns, in whom 69% of cases a functional renal failure is present, the increase of F.A.N. is not without significance in the shortening of time of re-establishment of renal function.

[Aluminum lung as an occupational disease. Case reports]. / Il polmone da alluminio come malattia professionale. Contributo casistico.

The cases are examined of 13 males, mean age 53, granted disability pensions by the Turin I.N.A.I.L. in 1975-86 as suffering from lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust and exhalation of aluminium. The patients had worked in bauxite smelting for Al2O3 production and the preparation of synthetic abrasives (8 cases), in milling using synthetic abrasives (1 case) in the cold grinding of aluminium for paint production (3 cases) and in the electrolytic processing of aluminium (1 case). In line with the latest reports in the literature the present series confirms the possibility that interstitial fibrosis can be caused by exposure to aluminium in industries other than bauxite processing. The relatively benign character of modern aluminium lung is also confirmed.

[Talcosis as an occupational disease. Case histories]. / La talcosi come malattia professionale. Contributo casistico.

The case are examined of 49 people (45 males, 4 females), mean age 60 exposed to the risk of talc inhalation in a talc processing and packing factory who were granted disability pensions by the Turin I.N.A.I.L. on the grounds of silicosis in 1975-86. Radiologically the cases presented small round patches in 28 subjects small irregular ones in 15 and large patches in 6. In functional terms, examination revealed ventilatory insufficiency that was primarily restrictive in 17 cases, obstructive in 11 and mixed in 21.

[Blood copper levels in a group of patients with asbestosis]. / Tassi sierici di cupremia in un gruppo di soggetti affetti da asbestosi.

Colorimetry was used to assay blood copper levels in 13 asbestosis patients (mean age 55.5) selected by excluding all cases with an evident clinical anamnesis of dietary imbalances or other significant pathologies. The results show increased blood copper in 11 out of 13 patients, the mean level in this group being significantly higher than that in a control group (p less than 0.01). The phenomenon, already described in other interstitial lung diseases, may well be attributable to enhanced reabsorption of the metal due to the intensified activity of a copper enzyme lysyl oxidase that is involved in collagen synthesis.

[Respiratory functional decline after 5 years in patients with silicosis and asbestosis]. / Declino funzionale respiratorio a 5 anni nei soggetti affetti da silicosi e asbestosi.

A retrospective study of 561 patients with silicosis and 234 with asbestosis was performed to assess whether lung function decline in five years is related to the type (restrictive or obstructive) and/or to the degree of initial damage. Based on lung function tests, three groups of patients were identified: NC with normal lung function tests, CR with restrictive impairment and CO with airway obstruction. The degree of impairment was classified as mild, moderate and severe. Patients were considered worse if five years later they presented a higher degree of impairment. The prevalence of CR was significantly higher in asbestosis, that of NC and CO in silicosis (p less than 0.01). Among subjects with normal starting lung function, 9% only developed CR or CO 5 years later. The prevalence of subjects with worsened lung function in the CR groups was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in asbestotics (36%) than in silicotics (14%) and was closely related to starting functional impairment. In the CO group the prevalence of worsened subjects was significantly higher than in CR (p less than 0.001), similar in the two diseases and independent of starting lung impairment.

[Data on cellular subpopulations in bronchoalveolar lavage in silicosis and asbestosis patients. Case contribution]. / Dati sulle sottopopolazioni cellulari nel lavaggio broncoalveolare nei silicotici ed asbestosici. Contributo casistico.

Data on the cytology of BAL performed on 8 silicosis and 5 asbestosis patients with different degrees of radiological profusion and functional impairment are examined. The prevalently neutrophilic alveolitis reported in the literature in these forms of pneumoconiosis is confirmed, while differences were found between the percentage of lymphocyte subpopulations in the two diseases.

[Functional compromise of the small airways in subjects exposed to SiO2]. / Compromissione delle piccole vie aeree nei soggetti esposti a SiO2.

Aims of our study were: to evaluate small airway function of subjects with past or present silica dust exposure and normal spirometric values; to investigate whether small airway disease is related to radiographic signs of silicosis, to cumulative dust exposure (ES) and to cigarette smoking. Maximal expiratory flow at 50% (MEF50) and 25% (MEF25) of forced expired vital capacity were measured in 112 subjects, 69 with radiographic signs of silicosis, group I, and the remaining 43 with normal chest X-rays. Even if age and ES were significantly higher in group I, no significant difference in respiratory function tests and in prevalence of small airway disease was found between the two groups. In both groups small airway function was significantly negatively related to smoking habits, while it was independent of the other variables considered. Multiple regression analysis with MEF50 and MEF25 as dependent variables did not show any significant relationship. We conclude that small airway disease due to encroachment of bronchiolar walls by SiO2 deposition is masqued by the damage produced by cigarette smoking, even in the presence of radiographic signs of silicosis.

[Occupational asthma from the use of synthetic resins. Personal case histories and a review of the literature]. / L'asma professionale da impiego di resine sintetiche. Casistica personale e revisione della letteratura.

33 cases of occupational asthma in plastics workers encountered by Turin INAIL in 1971-85 are examined. Functional and immunological test data reveal the possibility of various asthmogenic mechanisms both immune and non-immune.

Nd-YAG laser in our experience.

The authors report on their experience with Microruptor 2, Fankhauser's YAG laser. Over a period of about 18 months, approximately 500 patients with different pathological conditions of the eye were treated. The treatments were noninvasive and given to outpatients under surface anesthesia. The instrument is suitable for use in cases requiring splitting of cataract residues, in capsulotomies (also in the presence of intraocular lenses), in the treatment of iridocorneal adhesions, in the prophylaxis of acute attacks of glaucoma, in ectopia pupillae, and in selected cases of vitreous membranes and strands.

Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in silicosis.

Circulating Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) level, chest X-rays and respiratory function tests were determined in 76 male patients with silicosis. Mean serum ACE in the patients was significantly higher than in 30 healthy controls (129.8 +/- 4 U/ml and 92.4 +/- 22.7 respectively), although individual values were in the normal range in about half of the patients. Enzyme levels were independent of silica dust exposure, X-ray changes, functional lung impairment, age, smoking habits, and presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, patients with more severe radiological changes tended to have lower ACE values. Our data confirm that serum ACE level is frequently raised in silicosis, but does not give further information in the evaluation of the disease.