Publications by authors named "C Altamura"

Antibodies targeting either the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), such as galcanezumab, fremanezumab, and eptinezumab, or the receptor (erenumab) have been approved for the prevention of episodic and chronic migraine. Although widely used and generally effective, a proportion of patients discontinue treatment due to lack of efficacy. In both randomized controlled trials and observational studies, all anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have consistently demonstrated comparable efficacy and tolerability, suggesting a pharmacological class effect.

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This research seeks to investigate correlations between enlarged Perivascular Spaces (PVSs) and clinical/imaging data, such as information obtained through Doppler analysis, in a population with young and middle-age stroke. We retrospectively reviewed demographics, clinical and MRI data, of 163 patients, with MRI confirmed stroke. All patients underwent ECD TSA (Eco-Color-Doppler of the Supra-aortic Trunks) and TCCD (Transcranial Eco-color-Doppler), to study extra or intracranial stenosis, presence and composition of plaques.

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Immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy (IgRT) consists of the administration of low-dose human polyclonal Igs for the treatment of primary and secondary hypogammaglobulinemia that are associated with recurrent infections and immune dysfunction. IgRT restores physiological antibody levels and induces an immunomodulatory effect by strengthening immune effector cells, thus reducing infections. Here, we describe the pharmacology of different Ig formulations with a particular focus on their mechanism of action as low-dose IgRT, including the direct anti-microbial effect and the immunomodulatory function.

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Mexiletine is the first choice drug in the treatment of non-dystrophic myotonias. However, 30% of patients experience little benefit from mexiletine due to poor tolerability, contraindications and limited efficacy likely based on pharmacogenetic profile. Safinamide inhibits neuronal voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels and shows anticonvulsant activity, in addition to a reversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibition.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigates the differences in psychopathological conditions between chronic migraine patients treated with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (SPECIFIC group) and those using onabotulinumtoxin-A or oral medications (NON-SPECIFIC group).
  • - Results show that patients in the NON-SPECIFIC group had greater difficulties with emotion regulation, alexithymia, and impulsiveness compared to those in the SPECIFIC group, who experienced better and more stable treatment outcomes over time.
  • - Importantly, the presence of psychopathological comorbidities did not affect the efficacy of treatment, indicating that anti-CGRP therapies offer superior results for chronic migraine management.
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