Intravenous or subcutaneous natalizumab in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: investigation on efficiency and savings-the EASIER study.

Introduction: EASIER is a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study investigating the consumption of healthcare resources, including healthcare professional (HCP) active working time, the costs associated with the current natalizumab intravenous (IV) administration, and the potential impact of the adoption of subcutaneous (SC) route.

Methods: The EASIER study has three parts: (1) time and motion study to measure healthcare resources and working time needed for natalizumab IV administration using a digital data collection tool operated directly by HCPs; (2) HCP structured questionnaire-based estimation of the potential impact of natalizumab SC vs. IV administration; and (3) patient survey on the burden of natalizumab administration.

Comparison of two insulin sensitizers, metformin and myo-inositol, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Insulin resistance (IR) plays a pivotal role in PCOS. Insulin-sensitizer agents such as metformin and inositols have been shown to improve the endocrine and metabolic aspects of PCOS. The purpose of this study is to compare their effects on the clinical and metabolic features of the women with PCOS.

Discontinuation of modern hormonal contraceptives: an Italian survey.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine, in a sample of Italian women, the rate of discontinuation of use of hormonal contraception.

Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, data were collected from a chart review of 1809 women using or stopping the hormonal contraceptive prescribed by their physician. The name of the contraceptive and the reason for discontinuation were taken from the charts.

Adolescents with Classical Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Have Alterations in the Surrogate Markers of Cardiovascular Disease but Not in the Endothelial Function. The Possible Benefits of Metformin.

Study Objective: To study whether adolescents with the classical form of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have alterations in metabolic and vascular structure and function. The effect of metformin was evaluated.

Design: Controlled study.

Ovarian volume in normal and hyperandrogenic adolescent women.

Objective: To study the threshold for increased ovarian size during different periods of adolescence.

Design: Cross sectional study with retrospective analysis.

Setting: University center.

Unilateral adnexal agenesis and dermoid cyst: fertility implications.

We report the loss of potential fertility in a 23-year-old nulliparous woman who attended the outpatient gynaecological endocrinology clinic for amenorrhea and hot flushes started after a laparoscopic surgery for dermoid cyst. During surgery an unilateral ovarian and fallopian tube agenesis were found. The hormonal evaluation was performed.

Controversial issues on EEG after sleep deprivation for the diagnosis of epilepsy.

EEG after sleep deprivation (SD-EEG) is widely used in many epilepsy centers as an important tool in the epilepsy diagnosis process. However, after more than 40 years of use, there are a number of issues which still need to be clarified concerning its features and role. In particular, the many scientific papers addressing its role in epilepsy diagnosis often differ remarkably from each other in terms of the type of patients assessed, their description and study design.

Usefulness of a simple sleep-deprived EEG protocol for epilepsy diagnosis in de novo subjects.

Objective: In case series concerning the role of EEG after sleep deprivation (SD-EEG) in epilepsy, patients' features and protocols vary dramatically from one report to another. In this study, we assessed the usefulness of a simple SD-EEG method in well characterized patients.

Methods: Among the 963 adult subjects submitted to SD-EEG at our Center, in the period 2003-2010, we retrospectively selected for analysis only those: (1) evaluated for suspected epileptic seizures; (2) with a normal/non-specific baseline EEG; (3) still drug-free at the time of SD-EEG; (4) with an MRI analysis; (5) with at least 1 year follow-up.

Diagnosis of a variant of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: useful MRI findings.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome consists of vaginal aplasia associated with other müllerian duct abnormalities. Its penetrance varies, as does the involvement of other organ systems. Type I MRKU syndrome is characterized by an isolated absence of the proximal two thirds of the vagina, whereas type II is marked by other malformations which include vertebral, cardiac, urologic (upper tract), and otologic anomalies.

Comparison of effects of 3 mg drospirenone plus 20 μg ethinyl estradiol alone or combined with metformin or cyproterone acetate on classic metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a pill with drospirenone (3 mg) plus ethinyl E(2) (20 μg) (DRP/20EE) alone or associated with metformin or cyproterone acetate (CPA) on some metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Randomized, open-label clinical trial.

Setting: Academic medical clinic.

Hyperandrogenemia influences the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome abnormalities in adolescents with the polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MBS) abnormalities in Italian adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was evaluated.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: University outpatient clinic.

Adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome showing different phenotypes have a different metabolic profile associated with increasing androgen levels.

Objective: To evaluate the metabolic profiles of adolescents with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Observational study.

Setting: University outpatient clinic.