Minerva medica
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Historical Article
[Big epidemics in Piemonte from the 14th to the 19th century].
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Starting with the conviction that chronic oncological pain needs an interdisciplinary approach, the use of antidepressant tricyclic compounds in association with other techiques in antalgic therapy is commented on. In spite of the possible side effects, it is concluded that the drugs are definitely effective, and that in addition to combating the depressive component, when present, their analgesic action potentiates the effect of other drugs.
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Fibroendoscopic and histobioptic study of the distal oesophageal mucosa has been carried out in a series of patients suffering from gastro-oesophageal regurgitation. The regurgitation condition was verified and its extent established by means of anamnestic, spot-fluorographic and manometric-pHmetric investigations. On the basis of the analysis of relations between the extent of the oesophagitis assessed on the basis of endoscopy and that arising out of microscopic examination of the biopsy, it is concluded that there is no complete correspondence between the two techniques insofar as endoscopy can give false positive or false negative results. On the basis of these results and of those of functional investigations, histology is considered desirable even when the oesophageal mucosa is normal, if there are clinical and/or laboratory signs of gastro-oesophageal regurgitation.
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The Authors produce a further contribution on metabolic post-hypercapnic alkalosis on the basis of clinical observation of a patient with severe hypercapnia and respiratory failure undergoing intensive care as well as treatment with iron lung (Pulmolife). The improvement of respiratory acid-base umbalance was associated with alteration of electrolytic assessment, especially of the plasmatic chloride ratio. The Authors consider this remark as a starting point for a physiopathological pattern and a more complete analysis of the pathways which generate the metabolic post-hypercapnic alkalosis condition in such patients.