Fortunato Lombardo

Prof. Fortunato Lombardo

University of Messina, Messina, Italy

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

31Years (1996-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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LRLuciana Rigoli
Luciana Rigoli
VCValerio Caruso
Valerio Caruso
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
Fortunato LombardoFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Wolfram syndrome 1 (WS1) is a rare neurodegenerative disease transmitted in an autosomal recessive mode. It is characterized by diabetes insipidus (DI), diabetes mellitus (DM), optic atrophy (OA), and sensorineural hearing loss (D) (DIDMOAD). The clinical picture may be complicated by other symptoms, such as urinary tract, endocrinological, psychiatric, and neurological abnormalities. WS1 is caused by mutations in the WFS1 gene located on chromosome 4p16 that encodes a transmembrane protein named wolframin. Many studies have shown that wolframin regulates some mechanisms of ER calcium homeostasis and therefore plays a role in cellular apoptosis. More than 200 mutations are responsible for WS1. However, abnormal phenotypes of WS with or without DM, inherited in an autosomal dominant mode and associated with one or more WFS1 mutations, have been found. Furthermore, recessive Wolfram-like disease without DM has been described. The prognosis of WS1 is poor, and the death occurs prematurely. Although there are no therapies that can slow or stop WS1, a careful clinical monitoring can help patients during the rapid progression of the disease, thus improving their quality of life. In this review, we describe natural history and etiology of WS1 and suggest criteria for a most pertinent approach to the diagnosis and clinical follow up. We also describe the hallmarks of new therapies for WS1.

1 February 2024 in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Stefano PassanisiStefano Passanisi
Stefano Passanisi
Claudia PionaClaudia Piona
Claudia Piona
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
MMMarco Marigliano
Marco Marigliano
Bruno BombaciBruno Bombaci
Bruno Bombaci
Fortunato LombardoFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Introduction: To evaluate time in tight range (TITR) 70–140 mg/dL (3.9–7.8 mmol/L), its correlation with standard continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics and the clinical variables that possibly have a substantial impact on its value, in a large cohort of pediatric subjects using different treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: A total of 854 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes were consecutively recruited in this real world, dual center, cross-sectional study. Participants were categorized into four treatment groups (multiple daily injections [MDI] + real-time CGM, MDI + intermittently scanned CGM, sensor augmented pump, and hybrid closed loop [HCL]). Demographical and clinical data, including CGM data, were collected and analyzed. Results: The overall study population exhibited an average TITR of 36.4% ± 12.8%. HCL users showed higher TITR levels compared to the other treatment groups ( P < 0.001). A time in range (TIR) cut-off value of 71.9% identified subjects achieving a TITR ≥50% (area under curve [AUC] 0.98; 95% confidence interval 0.97–0.99, P < 0.001), and a strong positive correlation between these two metrics was observed ( r = 0.95, P < 0.001). An increase in TIR of 1% was associated with 1.84 ( R 2 Nagelkerke = 0.35, P < 0.001) increased likelihood of achieving TITR ≥50%. Use of HCL systems ( B = 7.78; P < 0.001), disease duration ( B = −0.26, P = 0.006), coefficient of variation ( B = −0.30, P = 0.004), and glycated hemoglobin ( B = −8.82; P < 0.001) emerged as significant predictors of TITR levels. Conclusions: Our study highlights that most children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes present TITR levels below 50%, except those using HCL. Tailored interventions and strategies should be implemented to increase TITR.

4 September 2024 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Bruno BombaciBruno Bombaci
Bruno Bombaci
ATArianna Torre
Arianna Torre
ALAlessandro Longo
Alessandro Longo
MPMaria Pecoraro
Maria Pecoraro
MPMATTIA PAPA
MATTIA PAPA
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
Adolescence, a critical period of physical and psychological development, presents unique challenges in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management due to endocrinological changes, reduced therapeutic adherence, and elevated susceptibility to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This narrative review explores the impact of psychological and behavioral factors on glycemic control in adolescents with T1D. We examine the prevalence and influence of mental health disorders, lifestyle factors, harmful behaviors, and social dynamics on diabetes management and glycemic outcomes. Strategies for improving metabolic control are also reviewed, including cognitive behavioral therapy, technological devices, and educational interventions. The importance of tailored psychological support, family involvement, and targeted interventions to improve adherence to treatment and glycemic control in adolescents with T1D should be emphasized.


19 January 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Simone Foti RandazzeseSimone Foti Randazzese
Simone Foti Randazzese
MRMariarosaria La Rocca
Mariarosaria La Rocca
Bruno BombaciBruno Bombaci
Bruno Bombaci
APAlessandra Di Pisa
Alessandra Di Pisa
EGElèna Giliberto
Elèna Giliberto
Stefano PassanisiStefano Passanisi
Stefano Passanisi
Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most common acute complication in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. This review aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of severe diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric age, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, complications and emphasizing advances in prevention strategies. Incidence rates vary due to influences from geographic, socioeconomic, cultural and demographic factors. Pathogenesis is linked to insulin deficiency and an excess of counter-regulatory hormones, which disrupt glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism, causing hyperglycemia, ketosis, acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. According to the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes guidelines, severe diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by a pH < 7.1 or bicarbonate < 5 mmol/L. This condition can lead to a wide range of life-threatening complications, including cerebral edema that represents the leading cause of death. Several prevention strategies, including awareness campaigns, early diagnosis of diabetes, regular monitoring and management, effective insulin therapy, education, access to healthcare and technological assistance, may contribute to reduce the risk of severe diabetic ketoacidosis episodes in children and adolescents.

Stefano PassanisiStefano Passanisi
Stefano Passanisi
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
AGAlbino Gasbarro
Albino Gasbarro
VBValentina Urzì Brancati
Valentina Urzì Brancati
MMMatilde Mondio
Matilde Mondio
Fortunato LombardoFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Partial clinical remission (PCR) is a transitory period characterized by the residual endogenous insulin secretion following type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis and introducing the insulin therapy. Scientific interest in PCR has been recently increasing, as this phase could be crucial to preserve functional beta cells after T1D onset, also taking advantage of new therapeutic opportunities. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency, duration and associated factors of PCR in children newly diagnosed with T1D. Our cohort study included 167 pediatric patients aged 13.8 ± 4.1 years. The association of clinical and laboratory factors with the occurrence and duration of PCR was evaluated via logistic regression and multivariable generalized linear model, respectively. PCR occurred in 63.5% of the examined patients. Patients who achieved the remission phase were significantly older, and they had lower daily insulin requirement compared with non-remitters. PCR was positively associated to body mass index (OR = 1.11; p = 0.032), pH value (OR 49.02; p = 0.003) and c-peptide levels (OR 12.8; p = 0.002). The average duration of PCR was 13.4 months, and older age at diagnosis was the only predictor factor. Two years after diagnosis remitter patients had lower HbA1c and daily insulin requirement.