Comparison of two aspirin doses for the prophylaxis of pre-eclampsia in twin pregnancy: a multicentre retrospective study with propensity score matching.

Background: Aspirin has proved its efficacy in reducing the rate of preeclampsia in singleton pregnancy, however, there is discrepancy about the efficient dosage that should be used. While some societies recommend daily 75-81mg, others recommend higher dosage (160mg). This discrepancy is due to the lack of randomized controlled studies that compare these two dosages.

Topographical and functional analysis of different surgical strategies for advanced pellucid marginal degeneration: A long term follow-up.

Purpose: To compare clinical and topographical outcomes of three different surgical strategies for advanced pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD).

Methods: Retrospective, interventional case series of 8 advanced PMDs undergoing three different surgical interventions: Sliding Keratoplasty (SK), Sliding Keratoplasty with Relaxing Incision (SKRI), Sector Lamellar Keratoplasty (SLK). Pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 6, 12-month and final follow-up (50.

Topical application of hyaluronic acid and amino acids in hard-to-heal wounds: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Objective: The aim of this cost-effectiveness analysis was to estimate the monetary cost required to achieve a gain in health benefit. An analytic model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a topical medical device comprising a mixture of hyaluronic acid and amino acids (HA+AA medical device) (Vulnamin, Professional Dietetics SpA, Italy) as compared to standard of care (SoC) for hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds is presented.

Method: Retrospective data was analysed from a cohort of patients as well as information from published literature.

Abatacept inhibits inflammation and onset of rheumatoid arthritis in individuals at high risk (ARIAA): a randomised, international, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Individuals with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and subclinical inflammatory changes in joints are at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment strategies to intercept this pre-stage clinical disease remain to be developed. We aimed to assess whether 6-month treatment with abatacept improves inflammation in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis.

Non-Pathogenic Acute Exogenous Endophthalmitis after Penetrating Keratoplasty: The First Case Report in the Literature.

The authors report a singular case of post-operative exogenous fungal endophthalmitis caused by a non-pathogenic fungal agent: . A 75-year-old Caucasian woman with post-penetrating keratoplasty fungal endophthalmitis due to a nonpathogenic resistant to the current azoles anti-fungal agents, was treated with subtotal vitrectomy, intravitreal injection, and systemic voriconazole therapy. Complete resolution of the endophthalmitis occurred after two subsequent intravitreal injections and a 2-month-long systemic delivery of voriconazole.

Gut dysbiosis-related thrombosis in inflammatory bowel disease: Potential disease mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolic events, which have a considerable impact on morbidity and mortality. Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of thrombotic events in patients with IBD. However, many unresolved questions remain, particularly regarding the mechanisms that determine the persistent inflammatory state independent of disease activity.

Anorectal Malformations: The Pivotal Role of the Good Clinical Practice.

Anorectal malformations (ARM) without a fistula are a rare congenital condition. Although may seem more simple to repair compared with ARM with fistulas, surgery has proved to be challenging. We report the case of a newborn who presented a well-formed anus and normal genitalia; a blind-ending anal canal was detected after the insertion of a rectal probe, thus allowing the diagnosis of ARM.

Spina bifida and cardiorespiratory profile: the impact of leisure sport activities on physical fitness.

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to evaluate a population of young patients affected by Spina Bifida (SB) to describe their cardiorespiratory function and bone mineral density profile, analyzing any differences between people performing and those who do not perform sports activity. The study also aimed to rule out possible congenital heart disease associated with spina bifida, considering the common origin of certain cardiac structures with those found to be altered in SB patients.

Methods: Thirty-four young patients, aged between 12 and 22 years, diagnosed with spinal dysraphism (SD), have been clinically described and, in order to evaluate their physical fitness, functional capacity and bone mass, almost all of them underwent a complete cardiorespiratory assessment, including electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET), body composition analysis using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), as well as the estimation of bone mineral density (BMD) with Computerized Bone Mineralometry (CBM).

Structured reporting of chest CT in COVID-19 pneumonia: a consensus proposal.

Objectives: The need of a standardized reporting scheme and language, in imaging of COVID-19 pneumonia, has been welcomed by major scientific societies. The aim of the study was to build the reporting scheme of chest CT in COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods: A team of experts, of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), has been recruited to compose a consensus panel.

Imaging of Cardiopulmonary Involvement in Systemic Immune-mediated Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Systemic immune-mediated diseases (SID) are a large group of disorders characterized by complex inflammatory and autoimmune damage to various organs and tissues. Among the possible manifestations, SIDs may potentially involve each structure of the cardiopulmonary system. Each disease is characterized by a specific clinical presentation.