Publications (4)21.42 Total impact
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Article: Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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ABSTRACT: Radiofrequency thermal ablation is the first therapeutic option in percutaneous treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma but data on its long-term efficacy and safety are not conclusive. This study reports a prospective survey on radiofrequency thermal ablation in north-east Italy. Data were collected on 401 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (males 301, mean age: 68 years) treated by radiofrequency thermal ablation in 13 centres. Indication to treatment was: single nodule not eligible for surgery in 77% of patients, 2-3 nodes in 18% and multiple lesions in 5%. Mean size was 3 cm (1-8 cm). Treatment response was assessed at 1 month by spiral computerized tomography and then with ultrasound examination and new spiral computerized tomography. Complete response was obtained in 67% of patients and in 27% response was 75-99%. Complete response raised to 77% in lesions smaller than 3 cm. The morbidity rate was 34%; the mortality was 0.5%, seeding was observed in four patients. Ten patients presented an unexpected rapid disease progression. The above data show that by radiofrequency thermal ablation, complete response can be achieved only in about two-third of the cases, clearly less than expected, and that, beyond seeding, unexpected progression can be observed.Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 12/2006; 24(10):1495-501. · 3.77 Impact Factor -
Article: Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
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ABSTRACT: Background Radiofrequency thermal ablation is the first therapeutic option in percutaneous treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma but data on its long-term efficacy and safety are not conclusive.AimThis study reports a prospective survey on radiofrequency thermal ablation in north-east Italy.Methods Data were collected on 401 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (males 301, mean age: 68 years) treated by radiofrequency thermal ablation in 13 centres. Indication to treatment was: single nodule not eligible for surgery in 77% of patients, 2–3 nodes in 18% and multiple lesions in 5%. Mean size was 3 cm (1–8 cm). Treatment response was assessed at 1 month by spiral computerized tomography and then with ultrasound examination and new spiral computerized tomography.ResultsComplete response was obtained in 67% of patients and in 27% response was 75–99%. Complete response raised to 77% in lesions smaller than 3 cm. The morbidity rate was 34%; the mortality was 0.5%, seeding was observed in four patients. Ten patients presented an unexpected rapid disease progression.Conclusion The above data show that by radiofrequency thermal ablation, complete response can be achieved only in about two-third of the cases, clearly less than expected, and that, beyond seeding, unexpected progression can be observed.Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 10/2006; 24(10):1495 - 1501. · 3.77 Impact Factor -
Article: Complications of radiofrequency thermal ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma: what about "explosive" spread?
Gut 04/2006; 55(3):435-6. · 10.11 Impact Factor -
Article: Switch therapy with ciprofloxacin vs. intravenous ceftazidime in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis: similar efficacy at lower cost.
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ABSTRACT: Intravenous administration of a third-generation cephalosporin is optimal antibiotic treatment for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. To compare an intravenous-oral step-down schedule with ciprofloxacin (switch therapy) to intravenous ceftazidime in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and to evaluate the impact of terlipressin and albumin in the treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome on mortality. A total of 116 cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, were randomly given switch therapy with ciprofloxacin (61 patients) or intravenous ceftazidime (55 patients). All patients who developed type 1 hepatorenal syndrome were treated with terlipressin (2-12 mg/day) and albumin (20-40 g/day). Resolution of infection was achieved in 46/55 patients treated with ceftazidime (84%) and in 49/61 patients treated with ciprofloxacin (80%, P = N.S.). An intravenous-oral step-down schedule was possible in 50/61 patients (82%) who received ciprofloxacin; 45/61 patients (74%) were discharged before the end of antibiotic treatment and completed it at home. The mean saving per patient due to the reduction of hospital stay in the ciprofloxacin group was 1150 . Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome was treated successfully in 12/19 patients (63%). As a consequence, the in-hospital mortality rate due to infection was 10%. Switch therapy with cephalosporin is more cost-effective than intravenous ceftazidime in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients who are not on prophylaxis with quinolones.Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 02/2006; 23(1):75-84. · 3.77 Impact Factor
