[A comparison of ventilation techniques in ARDS. Volume controlled vs pressure regulated volume control].

Objective: Comparison between effects of a new method of mechanical ventilation (PRVC) and Volume Controlled ventilation in the ARDS treatment.

Design: Prospective study from March 1995 to March 1997.

Place: Intensive Care Unit of Sanremo Hospital.

[Blood levels of cortisol and prolactin. Are they indices of the degree of protection against surgical stress?].

The paper evaluates the level of analgesic protection by assaying cortisol and prolactin levels in two groups of 20 patients each undergoing general anesthesia using two different techniques: TIVA with propofol and fentanyl, and BPN-nitrous oxide. The results showed that TIVA caused a very slight increase in residue cortisol which was, however, within normal limits. With BPN-nitrous oxide anesthesia there was a greater increase in cortisol, reaching a statistically significant level in blood collected one hour after the end of surgery.

[Clinical evaluation of pre-surgical anxiety: changes in plasma levels of the anxiety peptide (diazepam binding inhibitor)].

The score scale of anxiety (STAI, Y, 1-2) and haematic levels of DBI (diazepam binding inhibitor) were used in 48 surgical patients for clinical evaluation of preoperative anxiety, before and after drugs for preoperative medication. After randomization, were clinically and statistically compared 6 groups according to premedicant drugs (diazepam 0.3 mg/kg; flunitrazepam 0.

[Nimesulide in the treatment of postoperative pain in minor orthopedic surgery].

The study assesses the effect of Nimesulide in the treatment of post-operative pain in minor orthopedic surgery. Twenty-five patients who had received regional peridural or subarachnoid anesthesia were included in the study. After a variable interval of 60 to 90 minutes, the average level of pain, evaluated using a "pain score", was considerably reduced.

[Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Illustration of a treatment protocol].

After a brief digression on the etiopathogenesis of carbon monoxide poisoning, the paper underlines the importance of the timely use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment not only to impede the immediate effects of CO, but also to reduce the incidence of neurological complications. The paper illustrates the paroxysm protocol and hyperbaric oxygen treatment protocol used by the Authors.

[Intravenous anesthesia using propofol in surgical interventions in day hospital routines].

Having illustrated the importance of extending surgical treatment into day hospital situations, the paper underlines the need for anesthetics with short-term effects. Two groups of 30 patients were included in the study and underwent anesthesia in day hospital using Propofol or Tiopentone-Enflurane. The results reveal comparable respiratory and hemodynamic effects for the two techniques, but Propofol is more reliable in terms of the lesser side-effects caused and above all the speed of the patient's psycho-physical recovery.

[Long-term outcome of severe cranial injury].

Clinical data relating to the admission into hospital of patients who survived severe cranial traumas are reported and are compared with the long-term outcome in order to identify eventual significant prognostic parameters. No particular significant correlations were observed between the parameters in question, but, in accordance with other studies, a close correlation was observed between the duration of the state of coma and the incidence and severity of invalidating effects.

[A case of death from a bee sting].

A case of severe shock due to bee poison with outcome in death is reported. The blood clotting picture was compromised owing to the presence in the circulation of heparin-like substances. A pharmacological study is proposed with a view to making a further contribution to the underlying cause of the disease.

[Resuscitation in the treatment of severe tetanus: clinical experiences].

Following a brief review of the aetiopathogenesis, symptomatology and treatment of tetanus infection, a personal series of 31 patients (14 males and 17 females aged between 26 and 89) is considered. The patients were admitted between May 1970 and May 1978 to the Alessandria Civil Hospital Resuscitation workers, it is shown that mortality from tetanus increases steadily with the increasing age of patients. It is also observed that the introduction of Ossime therapy has reduced curarizing drugs.