Publications by authors named "Valeria Niro"
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism, body mass index (BMI), and dyslipidemia and how these factors modify overall mortality in a cohort of hospitalized elderly patients.
Methods: Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), BMI, and APOE genotype were evaluated in 1,012 hospitalized elderly patients, who were stratified into three groups according to their baseline BMI and APOE allele status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether APOE genotype, BMI, and dyslipidemia are associated with mortality, adjusting for potential confounders.
Background: Multidimensional impairment of older patients may influence the clinical outcome of acute or chronic diseases. Our purpose is to evaluate the usefulness of a multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for predicting mortality risk in older patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Methods: This prospective study included 134 hospitalized patients aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of CAP.
Background: Drug use increases with advancing age, and in older patients it is associated with an increase in adverse drug reactions (ADRs). ADRs are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and avoidability of ADR-related hospital admissions in elderly patients.
Background And Aims: Several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). Two common variants of the CYP2C9 gene (CYP2C9*2 and *3) were reported to significantly affect the activity of the CYP2C9 enzyme. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CYP2C9 polymorphisms on the risk of gastroduodenal bleeding in acute NSAID users.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The potential usefulness of standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in evaluating treatment and follow-up of older patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding is unknown.
Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of the CGA as a 2-year mortality multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) in older patients hospitalized for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Materials And Methods: Patients aged > or =65 years consecutively hospitalized for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding were included.
Objectives: To compare symptoms and other clinical characteristics of reflux esophagitis in patients of different ages.
Design: Observational cross-sectional study of consecutive patients.
Setting: Geriatric Unit, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico.
Background And Aims: Although the administration of gastroprotective drugs may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin during chronic treatment, no consensus exists as to whether such co-therapy is effective in short-term prevention, particularly in old age. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk of bleeding associated with acute and chronic NSAID or aspirin therapy in elderly subjects, and the influence of gastroprotective treatment on such a risk.
Methods: The study included 467 elderly NSAID or aspirin users and 1784 non-users, who consecutively underwent upper GI endoscopy.