Paola Moro - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Paola Moro

Research paper thumbnail of 238 Aconite poisoning in Western Countries: Different clinical pictures

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. Howe... more Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. However, visits to forests and other open green spaces may also, occasionally, lead to health problems, or even threaten human life. Senescent and potentially unstable trees, fallen leaves and fruits which litter pavements and streets, possible encounters with wild animals, deteriorating tree quality by pests and pathogens or even plant protection activity directed at solving these problems may be perceived as negative aspects being unpleasant, detracting, scary, dangerous, or otherwise unattractive, although, objectively, in most cases they are not such. On the other hand, a number of allergic factors such as plant pollen and spores of moulds, toxic and poisonous mushrooms and plants, tick-borne pathogens, blood-feeding and stinging insects, as well as venomous snakes and predatory mammals can, occasionally, pose a real hazard to human health. In many cases these hazards are not even realized by visitors to open green spaces. The objective of this chapter is not to scare visitors to forests and urban parks, but make them aware of potential hazards related with their visits. It is to show potential threats and suggest periods, places and situations which should be avoided in order to keep these visits safe and rewarding for the health and well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Six clinical cases of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning: diagnosis and treatment

European Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2002

A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanac... more A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanaceous plant that is common in the Sicilian countryside, contains a variable concentration of solanum alkaloids, which cause gastrointestinal irritation, and tropane alkaloids, which have anticholinergic properties and produce typical and sometimes severe atropine-like symptoms. Vital function support, decontamination, symptomatic treatment and, in severe cases, antidote therapy with physostigmine are useful to control acute poisoning.

Research paper thumbnail of A Case of Severe Methemoglobinemia in a Baby Fed Homemade Decoction of Silverbeet

International Journal of Case Reports in Medicine, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of 238 Aconite poisoning in Western Countries: Different clinical pictures

Research paper thumbnail of Hypovolemic shock due to severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a child taking an herbal syrup

We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe g... more We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) showed hiatus hernia, erosions and ulcerations of the lower esophagus, possibly due to a gastroesophageal reflux, and a small duodenal erosion. The child was previously healthy and he had never shown any symptoms related to this condition. The only product taken by the child in the previous days was a syrup containing several herbs, among which Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Salix spp. (known to contain salicylates), marketed as food and prescribed by his paediatrician to treat a mild cold accompanied by fever. Quali-quantitative analysis confirmed the presence of salicylates in the syrup. Naranjo algorithm showed a probable correlation between the onset of symptoms and the consumption of the herbal remedy. The child recovered after receiving intensive care. The product was withdrawn from Italian market.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. Howe... more Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. However, visits to forests and other open green spaces may also, occasionally, lead to health problems, or even threaten human life. Senescent and potentially unstable trees, fallen leaves and fruits which litter pavements and streets, possible encounters with wild animals, deteriorating tree quality by pests and pathogens or even plant protection activity directed at solving these problems may be perceived as negative aspects being unpleasant, detracting, scary, dangerous, or otherwise unattractive, although, objectively, in most cases they are not such. On the other hand, a number of allergic factors such as plant pollen and spores of moulds, toxic and poisonous mushrooms and plants, tick-borne pathogens, blood-feeding and stinging insects, as well as venomous snakes and predatory mammals can, occasionally, pose a real hazard to human health. In many cases these hazards are not even realized by visitors to open green spaces. The objective of this chapter is not to scare visitors to forests and urban parks, but make them aware of potential hazards related with their visits. It is to show potential threats and suggest periods, places and situations which should be avoided in order to keep these visits safe and rewarding for the health and well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Forests, Trees and Human Health, 2010

Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health M... more Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health Marek Tomalak, Elio Rossi, Francesco Ferrini3 and Paola A. Moro Abstract Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Six clinical cases of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning: diagnosis and treatment

European Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2002

A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanac... more A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanaceous plant that is common in the Sicilian countryside, contains a variable concentration of solanum alkaloids, which cause gastrointestinal irritation, and tropane alkaloids, which have anticholinergic properties and produce typical and sometimes severe atropine-like symptoms. Vital function support, decontamination, symptomatic treatment and, in severe cases, antidote therapy with physostigmine are useful to control acute poisoning.

Research paper thumbnail of Surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to natural health products in Italy

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of A Case of Severe Methemoglobinemia in a Baby Fed Homemade Decoction of Silverbeet

International Journal of Case Reports in Medicine, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Hypovolemic shock due to severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a child taking an herbal syrup

We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe g... more We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) showed hiatus hernia, erosions and ulcerations of the lower esophagus, possibly due to a gastroesophageal reflux, and a small duodenal erosion. The child was previously healthy and he had never shown any symptoms related to this condition. The only product taken by the child in the previous days was a syrup containing several herbs, among which Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Salix spp. (known to contain salicylates), marketed as food and prescribed by his paediatrician to treat a mild cold accompanied by fever. Quali-quantitative analysis confirmed the presence of salicylates in the syrup. Naranjo algorithm showed a probable correlation between the onset of symptoms and the consumption of the herbal remedy. The child recovered after receiving intensive care. The product was withdrawn from Italian market.

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine ( Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants... more Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants can have unwanted, negative effects. By means of the description of an adverse reaction to a herbal remedy, we highlight the need for better efficacy-toxicity studies on these products.To report a case of possible Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine)-induced hepatitis and evaluate the past published cases.We outlined the main features of hepatitis associated with use of Chelidonium majus by providing a review of cases reported and analysing in detail a new one.Several cases of acute hepatitis related to Greater celandine consumption were found in the literature. The assessment for causality using Naranjo probability scale showed a probable relationship between the liver injury and the consumption of Chelidonium majus in the case we described.Our case, along with the other ones reported in the literature, increases the concern about the safety of oral use of Chelidonium majus. Plants used in traditional medicine are not necessarily harmless. Customers and prescribers should be aware of this, especially when a herbal drug is used with therapeutic purposes in absence of reliable studies of clinical efficacy and benefit-risk assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Forests, Trees and Human Health, 2010

Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health M... more Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health Marek Tomalak, Elio Rossi, Francesco Ferrini3 and Paola A. Moro Abstract Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to natural health products in Italy

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine ( Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants... more Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants can have unwanted, negative effects. By means of the description of an adverse reaction to a herbal remedy, we highlight the need for better efficacy-toxicity studies on these products.To report a case of possible Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine)-induced hepatitis and evaluate the past published cases.We outlined the main features of hepatitis associated with use of Chelidonium majus by providing a review of cases reported and analysing in detail a new one.Several cases of acute hepatitis related to Greater celandine consumption were found in the literature. The assessment for causality using Naranjo probability scale showed a probable relationship between the liver injury and the consumption of Chelidonium majus in the case we described.Our case, along with the other ones reported in the literature, increases the concern about the safety of oral use of Chelidonium majus. Plants used in traditional medicine are not necessarily harmless. Customers and prescribers should be aware of this, especially when a herbal drug is used with therapeutic purposes in absence of reliable studies of clinical efficacy and benefit-risk assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2009

Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to ... more Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to describe two new cases reported within the framework of the Italian surveillance system of natural health products. Results A literature search of publication between 1999 and October 2008 retrieved 34 cases of hepatitis. Histological examination of the liver revealed inflammatory reactions, cholestasis, occasional steatosis, and necrosis. A positive dechallenge was reported in 29 cases. There was one reported death. A positive rechallenge occurred in seven cases (20%). In the two new cases, the causality assessment was judged as “possible” according to the RUCAM score. Conclusions Our analysis of the published case reports suggests a causal association between green tea and liver damage. The hepatotoxicity is probably due to (-)-epigallocatechin gallate or its metabolites which, under particular conditions related to the patient’s metabolism, can induce oxidative stress in the liver. In a few cases, toxicity related to concomitant medications could also be involved.

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2009

Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to ... more Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to describe two new cases reported within the framework of the Italian surveillance system of natural health products. Results A literature search of publication between 1999 and October 2008 retrieved 34 cases of hepatitis. Histological examination of the liver revealed inflammatory reactions, cholestasis, occasional steatosis, and necrosis. A positive dechallenge was reported in 29 cases. There was one reported death. A positive rechallenge occurred in seven cases (20%). In the two new cases, the causality assessment was judged as “possible” according to the RUCAM score. Conclusions Our analysis of the published case reports suggests a causal association between green tea and liver damage. The hepatotoxicity is probably due to (-)-epigallocatechin gallate or its metabolites which, under particular conditions related to the patient’s metabolism, can induce oxidative stress in the liver. In a few cases, toxicity related to concomitant medications could also be involved.

Research paper thumbnail of 238 Aconite poisoning in Western Countries: Different clinical pictures

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. Howe... more Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. However, visits to forests and other open green spaces may also, occasionally, lead to health problems, or even threaten human life. Senescent and potentially unstable trees, fallen leaves and fruits which litter pavements and streets, possible encounters with wild animals, deteriorating tree quality by pests and pathogens or even plant protection activity directed at solving these problems may be perceived as negative aspects being unpleasant, detracting, scary, dangerous, or otherwise unattractive, although, objectively, in most cases they are not such. On the other hand, a number of allergic factors such as plant pollen and spores of moulds, toxic and poisonous mushrooms and plants, tick-borne pathogens, blood-feeding and stinging insects, as well as venomous snakes and predatory mammals can, occasionally, pose a real hazard to human health. In many cases these hazards are not even realized by visitors to open green spaces. The objective of this chapter is not to scare visitors to forests and urban parks, but make them aware of potential hazards related with their visits. It is to show potential threats and suggest periods, places and situations which should be avoided in order to keep these visits safe and rewarding for the health and well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Six clinical cases of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning: diagnosis and treatment

European Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2002

A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanac... more A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanaceous plant that is common in the Sicilian countryside, contains a variable concentration of solanum alkaloids, which cause gastrointestinal irritation, and tropane alkaloids, which have anticholinergic properties and produce typical and sometimes severe atropine-like symptoms. Vital function support, decontamination, symptomatic treatment and, in severe cases, antidote therapy with physostigmine are useful to control acute poisoning.

Research paper thumbnail of A Case of Severe Methemoglobinemia in a Baby Fed Homemade Decoction of Silverbeet

International Journal of Case Reports in Medicine, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of 238 Aconite poisoning in Western Countries: Different clinical pictures

Research paper thumbnail of Hypovolemic shock due to severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a child taking an herbal syrup

We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe g... more We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) showed hiatus hernia, erosions and ulcerations of the lower esophagus, possibly due to a gastroesophageal reflux, and a small duodenal erosion. The child was previously healthy and he had never shown any symptoms related to this condition. The only product taken by the child in the previous days was a syrup containing several herbs, among which Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Salix spp. (known to contain salicylates), marketed as food and prescribed by his paediatrician to treat a mild cold accompanied by fever. Quali-quantitative analysis confirmed the presence of salicylates in the syrup. Naranjo algorithm showed a probable correlation between the onset of symptoms and the consumption of the herbal remedy. The child recovered after receiving intensive care. The product was withdrawn from Italian market.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. Howe... more Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. However, visits to forests and other open green spaces may also, occasionally, lead to health problems, or even threaten human life. Senescent and potentially unstable trees, fallen leaves and fruits which litter pavements and streets, possible encounters with wild animals, deteriorating tree quality by pests and pathogens or even plant protection activity directed at solving these problems may be perceived as negative aspects being unpleasant, detracting, scary, dangerous, or otherwise unattractive, although, objectively, in most cases they are not such. On the other hand, a number of allergic factors such as plant pollen and spores of moulds, toxic and poisonous mushrooms and plants, tick-borne pathogens, blood-feeding and stinging insects, as well as venomous snakes and predatory mammals can, occasionally, pose a real hazard to human health. In many cases these hazards are not even realized by visitors to open green spaces. The objective of this chapter is not to scare visitors to forests and urban parks, but make them aware of potential hazards related with their visits. It is to show potential threats and suggest periods, places and situations which should be avoided in order to keep these visits safe and rewarding for the health and well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Forests, Trees and Human Health, 2010

Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health M... more Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health Marek Tomalak, Elio Rossi, Francesco Ferrini3 and Paola A. Moro Abstract Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Six clinical cases of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning: diagnosis and treatment

European Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2002

A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanac... more A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanaceous plant that is common in the Sicilian countryside, contains a variable concentration of solanum alkaloids, which cause gastrointestinal irritation, and tropane alkaloids, which have anticholinergic properties and produce typical and sometimes severe atropine-like symptoms. Vital function support, decontamination, symptomatic treatment and, in severe cases, antidote therapy with physostigmine are useful to control acute poisoning.

Research paper thumbnail of Surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to natural health products in Italy

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of A Case of Severe Methemoglobinemia in a Baby Fed Homemade Decoction of Silverbeet

International Journal of Case Reports in Medicine, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Hypovolemic shock due to severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a child taking an herbal syrup

We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe g... more We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) showed hiatus hernia, erosions and ulcerations of the lower esophagus, possibly due to a gastroesophageal reflux, and a small duodenal erosion. The child was previously healthy and he had never shown any symptoms related to this condition. The only product taken by the child in the previous days was a syrup containing several herbs, among which Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Salix spp. (known to contain salicylates), marketed as food and prescribed by his paediatrician to treat a mild cold accompanied by fever. Quali-quantitative analysis confirmed the presence of salicylates in the syrup. Naranjo algorithm showed a probable correlation between the onset of symptoms and the consumption of the herbal remedy. The child recovered after receiving intensive care. The product was withdrawn from Italian market.

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine ( Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants... more Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants can have unwanted, negative effects. By means of the description of an adverse reaction to a herbal remedy, we highlight the need for better efficacy-toxicity studies on these products.To report a case of possible Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine)-induced hepatitis and evaluate the past published cases.We outlined the main features of hepatitis associated with use of Chelidonium majus by providing a review of cases reported and analysing in detail a new one.Several cases of acute hepatitis related to Greater celandine consumption were found in the literature. The assessment for causality using Naranjo probability scale showed a probable relationship between the liver injury and the consumption of Chelidonium majus in the case we described.Our case, along with the other ones reported in the literature, increases the concern about the safety of oral use of Chelidonium majus. Plants used in traditional medicine are not necessarily harmless. Customers and prescribers should be aware of this, especially when a herbal drug is used with therapeutic purposes in absence of reliable studies of clinical efficacy and benefit-risk assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health

Forests, Trees and Human Health, 2010

Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health M... more Page 84. Chapter 4 Negative Aspects and Hazardous Effects of Forest Environment on Human Health Marek Tomalak, Elio Rossi, Francesco Ferrini3 and Paola A. Moro Abstract Direct contacts with the nature can help people to improve their overall health and fitness. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to natural health products in Italy

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatitis from Greater celandine ( Chelidonium majus L.): Review of literature and report of a new case

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009

Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants... more Folk medicine is a rich source of useful therapeutic tools. Nevertheless, use of medicinal plants can have unwanted, negative effects. By means of the description of an adverse reaction to a herbal remedy, we highlight the need for better efficacy-toxicity studies on these products.To report a case of possible Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine)-induced hepatitis and evaluate the past published cases.We outlined the main features of hepatitis associated with use of Chelidonium majus by providing a review of cases reported and analysing in detail a new one.Several cases of acute hepatitis related to Greater celandine consumption were found in the literature. The assessment for causality using Naranjo probability scale showed a probable relationship between the liver injury and the consumption of Chelidonium majus in the case we described.Our case, along with the other ones reported in the literature, increases the concern about the safety of oral use of Chelidonium majus. Plants used in traditional medicine are not necessarily harmless. Customers and prescribers should be aware of this, especially when a herbal drug is used with therapeutic purposes in absence of reliable studies of clinical efficacy and benefit-risk assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2009

Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to ... more Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to describe two new cases reported within the framework of the Italian surveillance system of natural health products. Results A literature search of publication between 1999 and October 2008 retrieved 34 cases of hepatitis. Histological examination of the liver revealed inflammatory reactions, cholestasis, occasional steatosis, and necrosis. A positive dechallenge was reported in 29 cases. There was one reported death. A positive rechallenge occurred in seven cases (20%). In the two new cases, the causality assessment was judged as “possible” according to the RUCAM score. Conclusions Our analysis of the published case reports suggests a causal association between green tea and liver damage. The hepatotoxicity is probably due to (-)-epigallocatechin gallate or its metabolites which, under particular conditions related to the patient’s metabolism, can induce oxidative stress in the liver. In a few cases, toxicity related to concomitant medications could also be involved.

Research paper thumbnail of Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2009

Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to ... more Purpose To review the current literature on suspected green tea-related hepatic reactions and to describe two new cases reported within the framework of the Italian surveillance system of natural health products. Results A literature search of publication between 1999 and October 2008 retrieved 34 cases of hepatitis. Histological examination of the liver revealed inflammatory reactions, cholestasis, occasional steatosis, and necrosis. A positive dechallenge was reported in 29 cases. There was one reported death. A positive rechallenge occurred in seven cases (20%). In the two new cases, the causality assessment was judged as “possible” according to the RUCAM score. Conclusions Our analysis of the published case reports suggests a causal association between green tea and liver damage. The hepatotoxicity is probably due to (-)-epigallocatechin gallate or its metabolites which, under particular conditions related to the patient’s metabolism, can induce oxidative stress in the liver. In a few cases, toxicity related to concomitant medications could also be involved.