Treatment of heart failure with autologous skeletal myoblasts

The management of patients with heart failure is a daily challenge for cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Pharmacotherapy, atrio-biventricular resynchronization, myocardial revascularization, valve repair techniques, latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty, acorn cardiac support device, heart transplantation and mechanical assist devices do not cover all the needs. The recent progress in cellular and molecular biology allows the development of new therapies for heart failure. Transplantation of Autologous Cells: One of the most innovative consists in the transplantation of autologous ex-vivo expanded cells into the myocardium for heart muscle regeneration. This approach is called “cellular cardiomyoplasty”

Italian consensus conference on guidelines for conservative treatment on lower limb muscle injuries in athlete.

Provide the state of the art concerning (1) biology and aetiology, (2) classification, (3) clinical assessment and (4) conservative treatment of lower limb muscle injuries (MI) in athletes. Seventy international experts with different medical backgrounds participated in the consensus conference. They discussed and approved a consensus composed of four sections which are presented in these documents. This paper represents a synthesis of the consensus conference, the following four sections are discussed: (i) The biology and aetiology of MIs. A definition of MI was formulated and some key points concerning physiology and pathogenesis of MIs were discussed. (ii) The MI classification. A classification of MIs was proposed. (iii) The MI clinical assessment, in which were discussed anamnesis, inspection and clinical examination and are provided the relative guidelines. (iv) The MI conservative treatment, in which are provided the guidelines for conservative treatment based on the severity of the lesion. Furthermore, instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment were discussed. Knowledge of the aetiology and biology of MIs is an essential prerequisite in order to plan and conduct a rehabilitation plan. Another important aspect is the use of a rational MI classification on prognostic values. We propose a classification based on radiological investigations performed by ultrasonography and MRI strongly linked to prognostic factors. Furthermore, the consensus conference results will able to provide fundamental guidelines for diagnostic and rehabilitation practice, also considering instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment of MI. Expert opinion, level IV

Italian consensus conference on guidelines for conservative treatment on lower limb muscle injuries in athlete

Provide the state of the art concerning (1) biology and aetiology, (2) classification, (3) clinical assessment and (4) conservative treatment of lower limb muscle injuries (MI) in athletes. Seventy international experts with different medical backgrounds participated in the consensus conference. They discussed and approved a consensus composed of four sections which are presented in these documents. This paper represents a synthesis of the consensus conference, the following four sections are discussed: (i) The biology and aetiology of MIs. A definition of MI was formulated and some key points concerning physiology and pathogenesis of MIs were discussed. (ii) The MI classification. A classification of MIs was proposed. (iii) The MI clinical assessment, in which were discussed anamnesis, inspection and clinical examination and are provided the relative guidelines. (iv) The MI conservative treatment, in which are provided the guidelines for conservative treatment based on the severity of the lesion. Furthermore, instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment were discussed. Knowledge of the aetiology and biology of MIs is an essential prerequisite in order to plan and conduct a rehabilitation plan. Another important aspect is the use of a rational MI classification on prognostic values. We propose a classification based on radiological investigations performed by ultrasonography and MRI strongly linked to prognostic factors. Furthermore, the consensus conference results will able to provide fundamental guidelines for diagnostic and rehabilitation practice, also considering instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment of MI. Expert opinion, level IV

Pilot study for home monitoring of cough capacity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case series

Background: Cough capacity derangement is associated with a high risk of pulmonary complications in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients when cough assistance is not routinely performed at home. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a longâterm home based daily selfâmonitoring cough capacity. Methods: Eighteen subjects were enrolled in a 9âmonth study at home. Changes in peak cough expiratory flow, oxygen saturation, respiratory discomfort and incidence of respiratory deterioration events were evaluated. In subjects presenting respiratory deterioration events, decline in the abovementioned respiratory variables was evaluated (#NCT00613899). Results: During an average followâup of 125 ± 102 days, a total of 1175 measures were performed on 12 subjects. Mean compliance to proposed evaluations was 37 ± 32% which worsened over time. Peak cough expiratory flow decreased by 15.08 ± 32.43 L/min monthly. Five subjects reported 6 episodes of respiratory deterioration events, after a mean period of 136 ± 108 days. They had poor respiratory function and more years of disease. There was no difference in peak cough expiratory flow and its decline whether subjects presented respiratory deterioration events or not. In 4 subjects the respiratory discomfort score significantly worsened after respiratory deterioration events from 3.0 ± 1.41 to 4.25 ± 1.71. Conclusion: Daily selfâmonitoring of peak cough expiratory flow, oxygen saturation and respiratory discomfort seems difficult to obtain because of poor adherence to measures; this protocol does not seem to add anything to current practice of advising on clinical derangements. Confirmatory larger studies are necessary. Resumo: Antecedentes: A disfunção na capacidade de tosse está associada a um elevado risco de complicações pulmonares nos doentes com esclerose lateral amiotrófica, quando a sua monitorização não é realizada rotineiramente no domicílio. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de uma automonitorização domiciliária diária da capacidade da tosse, a longo prazo. Métodos: Dezoito doentes foram incluídos num estudo com duração de 9 meses, realizado no domicílio. Foram avaliadas as alterações do débito expiratório máximo da tosse, a saturação de oxigénio, o desconforto respiratório e a incidência de eventos de deterioração respiratória. Em doentes que apresentavam eventos de deterioração respiratória, foi avaliada a diminuição nas variáveis respiratórias supracitadas (#NCT00613899). Resultados: Durante um acompanhamento médio de 125 ± 102 dias, foram realizadas um total de 1.175 medições em 12 doentes. A média de cumprimento para as avaliações propostas foi de 37 ± 32%, e piorou ao longo do tempo. O débito expiratório máximo da tosse diminuíu em 15,08 ± 32,43 L/min mensalmente. Cinco doentes relataram 6 episódios de eventos de deterioração respiratória, após um período médio de 136 ± 108 dias. Tinham uma função respiratória mais alterada e mais anos de doença. Não existia diferença no débito expiratório máximo da tosse e na sua diminuição, quer os sujeitos apresentassem eventos de deterioração respiratória ou não. Em 4 doentes o resultado de desconforto respiratório piorou significativamente após os eventos de deterioração respiratória, de 3,0 ± 1,41 para 4,25 ± 1,71. Conclusão: A auto monitorização diária diária do débito expiratório máximo da tosse, da saturação de oxigénio e do desconforto respiratório parecem difíceis de obter devido à fraca adesão a sua determinação; este protocolo parece nada acrescentar à prática atual de aconselhamento sobre os distúrbios clínicos. à no entanto necessária a confirmação deste resultado em estudos posteriores com amostras de maior dimensão. Keywords: Neuromuscular diseases, Pulmonary function tests, Home care services, Cough, Home monitoring, Respiratory tract infections, Palavrasâchave: Doenças neuromusculares, Testes de função pulmonar, Serviços de cuidados domiciliários, Tosse, Monitorização doméstica, Infecções das vias respiratória

Pilot study for home monitoring of cough capacity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case series

Background: Cough capacity derangement is associated with a high risk of pulmonary complications in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients when cough assistance is not routinely performed at home. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a long-term home based daily self-monitoring cough capacity. Methods: Eighteen subjects were enrolled in a 9-month study at home. Changes in peak cough expiratory flow, oxygen saturation, respiratory discomfort and incidence of respiratory deterioration events were evaluated. In subjects presenting respiratory deterioration events, decline in the abovementioned respiratory variables was evaluated (#NCT00613899). Results: During an average follow-up of 125 ± 102 days, a total of 1175 measures were performed on 12 subjects. Mean compliance to proposed evaluations was 37 ± 32% which worsened over time. Peak cough expiratory flow decreased by 15.08 ± 32.43 L/min monthly. Five subjects reported 6 episodes of respiratory deterioration events, after a mean period of 136 ± 108 days. They had poor respiratory function and more years of disease. There was no difference in peak cough expiratory flow and its decline whether subjects presented respiratory deterioration events or not. In 4 subjects the respiratory discomfort score significantly worsened after respiratory deterioration events from 3.0 ± 1.41 to 4.25 ± 1.71. Conclusion: Daily self-monitoring of peak cough expiratory flow, oxygen saturation and respiratory discomfort seems difficult to obtain because of poor adherence to measures; this protocol does not seem to add anything to current practice of advising on clinical derangements. Confirmatory larger studies are necessary. Resumo: Antecedentes: A disfunção na capacidade de tosse está associada a um elevado risco de complicações pulmonares nos doentes com esclerose lateral amiotrófica, quando a sua monitorização não é realizada rotineiramente no domicílio. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de uma automonitorização domiciliária diária da capacidade da tosse, a longo prazo. Métodos: Dezoito doentes foram incluídos num estudo com duração de 9 meses, realizado no domicílio. Foram avaliadas as alterações do débito expiratório máximo da tosse, a saturação de oxigénio, o desconforto respiratório e a incidência de eventos de deterioração respiratória. Em doentes que apresentavam eventos de deterioração respiratória, foi avaliada a diminuição nas variáveis respiratórias supracitadas (#NCT00613899). Resultados: Durante um acompanhamento médio de 125 ± 102 dias, foram realizadas um total de 1.175 medições em 12 doentes. A média de cumprimento para as avaliações propostas foi de 37 ± 32%, e piorou ao longo do tempo. O débito expiratório máximo da tosse diminuíu em 15,08 ± 32,43 L/min mensalmente. Cinco doentes relataram 6 episódios de eventos de deterioração respiratória, após um período médio de 136 ± 108 dias. Tinham uma função respiratória mais alterada e mais anos de doença. Não existia diferença no débito expiratório máximo da tosse e na sua diminuição, quer os sujeitos apresentassem eventos de deterioração respiratória ou não. Em 4 doentes o resultado de desconforto respiratório piorou significativamente após os eventos de deterioração respiratória, de 3,0 ± 1,41 para 4,25 ± 1,71. Conclusão: A auto monitorização diária diária do débito expiratório máximo da tosse, da saturação de oxigénio e do desconforto respiratório parecem difíceis de obter devido à fraca adesão a sua determinação; este protocolo parece nada acrescentar à prática atual de aconselhamento sobre os distúrbios clínicos. É no entanto necessária a confirmação deste resultado em estudos posteriores com amostras de maior dimensão. Keywords: Neuromuscular diseases, Pulmonary function tests, Home care services, Cough, Home monitoring, Respiratory tract infections, Palavras-chave: Doenças neuromusculares, Testes de função pulmonar, Serviços de cuidados domiciliários, Tosse, Monitorização doméstica, Infecções das vias respiratória

Treatment of heart failure with autologous skeletal myoblasts

The management of patients with heart failure is a daily challenge for cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Pharmacotherapy, atrio-biventricular resynchronization, myocardial revascularization, valve repair techniques, latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty, acorn cardiac support device, heart transplantation and mechanical assist devices do not cover all the needs. The recent progress in cellular and molecular biology allows the development of new therapies for heart failure. Transplantation of Autologous Cells: One of the most innovative consists in the transplantation of autologous ex-vivo expanded cells into the myocardium for heart muscle regeneration. This approach is called “cellular cardiomyoplasty”

Analysis of annual distributions of hemoglobin A2 values as a method to test for HbA2 standardization

background and aims: the monitoring of yearly distributions of HbA(2) measured has been indicated as a reliable indicator of worldwide standardization.materials and methods: measurements/year of HbA(2) have been collected over three consecutive years in 15 Italian laboratories each using the same analytical method over three years period. HbA(2) distributions, cleaned of replicated measurements, were compared by the overlapping area of the raw probability density functions expressed by coefficient eta (eta), and by comparing the reference intervals for the central part of each distribution estimated by the indirect method refineR using the R package "refineR".results: according to the overlapping areas analysis the distributions/year of the data provided by 4 centers able to perform at least 1000 measurements/year were similar in 2 consecutive years. moreover, the reference intervals provided by 2 centers using the same analytical methods in two separate locations over the three consecutive years, were very similar. the highest overlap (99.7 %) was observed in one center over two consecutive years. the overlapping areas were very high (93.6-95.7%) in 8 out of 9 inter comparisons