L Mirabile studies haematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis, which is when infections spread to the spine through the bloodstream. This condition usually leads to severe back pain and other symptoms like fever, making it difficult to diagnose. They explore how these infections occur and develop, particularly in younger people who may be using drugs or have heart valve infections, and in older adults who might be affected by contaminated IV lines or urinary tract infections. Mirabile also investigates the best ways to diagnose and treat these infections, typically starting with antibiotics and immobilization of the spine before considering surgery for severe cases.
Key findings
Diagnosis of spinal infections can be delayed by 2-4 months due to gradual and vague symptoms such as back pain and fever.
Treatment typically begins with antibiotics and immobilization of the spine, with surgery recommended only if there is no improvement after 2-3 weeks.
These infections are increasingly common among older adults, often linked to contaminated IV lines or urinary tract infections.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Mirabile study spinal infections?
Yes, Dr. Mirabile focuses on haematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis, which is when infections spread to the spine through the bloodstream.
What treatments has Dr. Mirabile researched for spinal infections?
Dr. Mirabile has researched starting treatment with antibiotics and spine immobilization, recommending surgery only if there is no improvement after a few weeks.
Are Dr. Mirabile's findings relevant to older adults?
Yes, their research highlights the increasing incidence of these infections among older adults, particularly those with risk factors like contaminated IV lines.
Publications in plain English
Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion does not increase the risk of infection after liver transplantation: a retrospective cohort study.
2025
Hepatobiliary surgery and nutrition
Corcione S, Patrono D, Shbaklo N, Mirabile L, Fortunato MR +7 more
Plain English This study looked at two methods for preserving liver organs before transplantation: hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) and static cold storage (SCS). Researchers found that using HOPE did not lead to more infections within 10 days of surgery compared to SCS, with both methods showing similar rates of infections and patient survival. This is important because it means that HOPE can safely help increase the number of available donor livers without putting patients at higher risk.
Who this helps: Patients receiving liver transplants.
The impact of pre-freezing storage time and temperature on gene expression of blood collected in EDTA tubes.
2022
Molecular biology reports
Martire S, Valentino P, Marnetto F, Mirabile L, Capobianco M +1 more
Plain English Researchers studied how the time and temperature of blood storage before analysis affect gene expression in blood samples collected in specific tubes. They found that RNA quality and yield remained stable regardless of how long the blood was stored, but certain genes, especially those related to inflammation, showed significant changes in expression as early as 2 hours after collection, particularly when stored at cool temperatures. This is important because it highlights the need for consistent procedures in handling blood samples to ensure accurate gene study results.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians working with blood samples, especially in genetic and inflammatory disease studies.
Combined Surgical and Endoscopic Approach for Ring-Sling Complex.
2020
The Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon
Porcedda G, Brambilla A, Favilli S, Murzi B, Mirabile L +2 more
Plain English This study looked at 11 children with a condition called left pulmonary artery sling, which is often accompanied by severe airway narrowing. They found that while there was an overall late death rate of 18%, good blood flow was maintained in all patients after surgery, and many needed additional procedures to manage complications. This research is important because it highlights the need for specialized care for these complex patients to improve their chances of recovery.
Who this helps: This helps children with pulmonary artery sling and their medical teams.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT): Standard of Care for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients.
2020
Neurology and therapy
Bertolotto A, Martire S, Mirabile L, Capobianco M, De Gobbi M +1 more
Plain English The study looked at a treatment called autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who haven't had success with other medications. It found that AHSCT is more effective at stopping disease activity than other treatments—67% of patients achieved "no evidence of disease activity" compared to lower rates with standard drugs. This is important because it shifts AHSCT from being just an option to the recommended standard treatment for these patients, encouraging a collaborative approach between doctors to discuss its benefits and risks.
Who this helps: This helps patients with highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Outcome of long-term complications after permanent metallic left bronchial stenting in children.
2018
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Serio P, Nenna R, Di Maurizio M, Avenali S, Leone R +7 more
Plain English This study looked at 7 children who had complications after receiving metallic stents in their left bronchus, a tube that carries air to the lungs. Over a 4-year period, all children experienced issues with their stents, including breakage in 3 cases and erosion in 1. The findings highlight that just because a stent is placed properly, it does not guarantee that it will work well in growing children, indicating that permanent stents should be used cautiously and in carefully chosen cases.
Who this helps: This helps children with severe breathing problems and the doctors who treat them.
Tracheal surgery in children: outcome of a 12-year survey.
2018
Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
Arcieri L, Pak V, Poli V, Baggi R, Serio P +6 more
Plain English This study looked at the outcomes of tracheal surgery in children over a 12-year period, focusing on 30 kids who underwent surgery for tracheal diseases. The researchers found that while no children died in the hospital, the overall risk of death was 13.3%, and 63% of the children needed additional procedures to manage complications, like inserting stents or performing balloon dilatation. These findings highlight the importance of a strong, team-based approach in treating these complex cases to improve safety and results.
Who this helps: This helps children with tracheal diseases and the doctors treating them.
Airway stenting in a child with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita: 13-Year survival.
2017
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
Nenna R, Midulla F, Masi L, Bacci GM, Frassanito A +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a boy with a rare genetic disorder that caused serious breathing problems at birth. The doctors used special airway stents to keep his airways open, which allowed him to breathe properly. Thanks to this treatment, he lived to be over 13 years old, which was much longer than initially expected.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with similar airway issues and their families.
Efficacy of ketamine in refractory convulsive status epilepticus in children: a protocol for a sequential design, multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-profit trial (KETASER01).
2016
BMJ open
Rosati A, Ilvento L, L'Erario M, De Masi S, Biggeri A +26 more
Plain English Researchers are studying the effectiveness of ketamine for treating a severe type of epilepsy called refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RCSE) in children. They are comparing ketamine to traditional treatments like high doses of midazolam and propofol in 57 patients aged from 1 month to 18 years across 10 hospitals in Italy. The aim is to see if ketamine leads to better outcomes, specifically whether the seizures can be stopped within 24 hours after treatment ends.
Who this helps: This benefits children with severe epilepsy and their doctors by exploring a potentially more effective treatment option.
The role of posterior aortopexy in the treatment of left mainstem bronchus compression.
2016
Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
Arcieri L, Serio P, Nenna R, Di Maurizio M, Baggi R +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied a procedure called posterior aortopexy to treat a condition where the left mainstem bronchus (a major airway) gets compressed in infants and children. Out of 18 children who underwent surgery, 94.4% experienced significant improvement in their breathing, and no deaths or need for additional surgeries occurred. This is important because it shows that aortopexy can effectively relieve airway compression, helping kids breathe better and reducing the need for more complicated treatments.
Who this helps: This benefits infants and children with breathing difficulties caused by bronchial compression.
Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
de Benedictis FM, de Benedictis D, Mirabile L, Pozzi M, Guerrieri A +1 more
Plain English This study looked at four children who were wrongly diagnosed with asthma after experiencing ongoing breathing problems. Instead of asthma, they actually had issues like a narrowing in the airway or problems with vocal cords, which were only identified after a closer inspection of their breathing tests. It’s important to evaluate breathing tests correctly because misdiagnosing asthma can lead to unnecessary medication and treatment.
Who this helps: This helps children with respiratory issues by ensuring they receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Ketamine in refractory convulsive status epilepticus in children avoids endotracheal intubation.
2015
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B
Ilvento L, Rosati A, Marini C, L'Erario M, Mirabile L +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how well intravenous ketamine works for treating severe seizures in children when other treatments fail. Out of 19 treatment episodes for 13 children, ketamine successfully resolved the seizures in 14 cases, and it helped avoid the need for a breathing tube in five patients. This matters because using ketamine can lead to better outcomes and lower risks for children experiencing these dangerous seizures.
Who this helps: Patients with refractory convulsive status epilepticus and their doctors.
The role of endoscopy in the treatment of IV type laryngotracheal cleft complications after surgical repair.
2014
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
Serio P, Leone R, Fainardi V, Baggi R, Murzi B +3 more
Plain English This study looked at treating complications from a severe form of laryngotracheal cleft (LTC) through a procedure called endoscopy after surgery. The researchers found that using endoscopy helped effectively diagnose and repair issues that arose after surgery, improving outcomes for patients. This matters because it offers a less invasive way to address complications, which can lead to better recovery for affected individuals.
Who this helps: Patients with severe laryngotracheal clefts and their doctors.
Tracheobronchial obstruction: follow-up study of 100 children treated with airway stenting.
2014
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Serio P, Fainardi V, Leone R, Baggi R, Grisotto L +2 more
Plain English This study looked at 100 children with airway blockages who were treated with stents over seven years. The researchers found that 66% of the patients had complete recovery after treatment, with 80 children showing improvement and 17 no longer needing mechanical ventilation. There were no deaths related to the stenting procedures, which highlights stenting as a safe and effective option before considering surgery in pediatric patients.
Who this helps: This helps children with severe airway obstructions and the doctors who treat them.
ALCAPA and massive pulmonary atelectasis: how a stent in the airway can be life-saving.
2014
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
Serio P, Chiappa E, Fainardi V, Favilli S, Murzi B +4 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare heart condition called ALCAPA, where the left coronary artery is incorrectly connected to the pulmonary artery. The researchers found that using a stent in the patient's airway improved breathing and heart function, allowing doctors to stabilize the patient before successful heart surgery. This is important because it shows how a simple airway procedure can save lives in critical situations.
Who this helps: This helps patients with ALCAPA and severe respiratory failure.
Complications in minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures.
2013
Orthopedics
Cappuccio M, Amendola L, Paderni S, Bosco G, Scimeca G +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a less invasive surgery technique for fixing fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine, involving 99 patients with 127 fractures. Researchers found that only 12% of patients experienced complications, with most being minor; nearly all patients healed well within six months. This approach allows for a quicker recovery, which is important for patients needing to return to daily activities.
Who this helps: This helps patients with spine fractures seeking faster recovery options.
Successful management of congenital bronchial stenosis using an expandable stent.
2012
Journal of pediatric surgery
Sauvat F, Michel JL, Harper L, Mirabile L, Hoi RW +5 more
Plain English This study explored the use of an expandable stent to treat congenital bronchial stenosis in a 3-month-old baby girl who was having trouble breathing. After placing the stent, she received follow-up care for 18 months, showing that this method worked well for her and could be a simpler option compared to complicated surgeries often needed for this condition. This matters because it offers a new, less invasive way to help young children with breathing issues caused by a rare bronchial problem.
Who this helps: This helps infants and their parents facing congenital bronchial stenosis.
Efficacy and safety of ketamine in refractory status epilepticus in children.
2012
Neurology
Rosati A, L'Erario M, Ilvento L, Cecchi C, Pisano T +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied the use of ketamine to treat severe, long-lasting seizures called refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RSE) in children. In a sample of 9 children, ketamine helped stop the seizures in 6 of them, while none of the patients suffered serious side effects. This finding is important because it suggests ketamine may be a safe and effective treatment for children with persistent seizures when other medications fail.
Who this helps: This helps children with refractory seizures and their doctors.
Successful simultaneous correction of complex congenital tracheal stenosis and tetralogy of fallot.
2012
World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery
Arcieri L, Moschetti R, Assanta N, Cantinotti M, Baggi R +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a premature baby who had both congenital tracheal stenosis (narrowing of the windpipe) and tetralogy of Fallot (a heart defect). Both issues were fixed during one surgery, using a technique that takes blood out of the body and pumps it through a machine. The successful repair is important because it shows that addressing these serious problems at the same time can improve outcomes for the baby.
Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly premature infants with these specific health issues.
Efficacy evaluation of a new treatment algorithm for spinal metastases.
2010
Spine
Gasbarrini A, Li H, Cappuccio M, Mirabile L, Paderni S +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied a new approach to treat spinal metastases, which are cancer spread to the spine, by looking at 202 patients over several years. They found that patients treated with the new method after 2002 not only survived longer but also showed better long-term recovery in their ability to function neurologically compared to those treated before this system was put in place. Specifically, these patients had a significantly longer survival time, with a notable improvement in neurologic function after surgery.
Who this helps: This helps cancer patients with spinal metastases and their doctors.
Endoscopic anterior cricoid split and balloon dilation in pediatric subglottic stenosis.
2010
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
Mirabile L, Serio PP, Baggi RR, Couloigner VV
Plain English This study looked at a new treatment method for children with subglottic stenosis, a narrowing of the airway. Researchers treated 18 children using a technique called Endoscopic Anterior Cricoid Split (EACS) combined with balloon dilation, and found that 83% of the patients showed no breathing problems after treatment. Most children needed additional balloon procedures after the initial treatment, but the approach was considered safe and effective.
Who this helps: This benefits children with airway issues and their families, as well as the doctors treating them.
Neonatal liver abscesses due to Candida infection effectively treated with caspofungin.
2009
Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
Filippi L, Poggi C, Gozzini E, Meleleo R, Mirabile L +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how well caspofungin, an antifungal medication, works for treating liver abscesses caused by Candida infections in newborns. Two infants with these infections were treated, and in one case, the combination of caspofungin and other drugs cleared the infection, while the second infant was treated successfully with caspofungin alone. This is important because traditional antifungal treatments sometimes fail, and caspofungin appears to be a safe and effective option for these vulnerable patients.
Who this helps: This helps newborns with serious Candida infections and their doctors.
Outcome of excisional surgeries for the patients with spinal metastases.
2009
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
Li H, Gasbarrini A, Cappuccio M, Terzi S, Paderni S +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the results of two types of surgeries for patients with cancer that has spread to the spine, analyzing data from 131 patients over ten years. It found that patients who had the en bloc surgery had a lower chance of the cancer coming back, with a recurrence rate of about 10.3%, compared to a higher rate with the debulking surgery. Both surgeries had similar survival rates—around 41 months for en bloc and 25 months for debulking—showing that while the surgeries can be risky, they can lead to positive outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with spinal metastases and their doctors in determining the best surgical approach.
Glandular hamartoma of the larynx: report of a case.
2008
Auris, nasus, larynx
Leoncini G, Maio V, Mirabile L, Baggi R, Franchi A
Plain English This study looked at a rare larynx condition called glandular hamartoma, which can cause breathing problems in young children. The researchers reported on a 3-month-old baby who had a 1.4 cm long mass that led to difficulty breathing. After surgery to remove the mass, the baby had a smooth recovery and is expected to do well in the long term.
Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and pediatricians by helping them recognize and treat this serious airway issue in infants.
The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in a child with major abdominal penetrating trauma.
2008
Pediatric emergency care
Adorisio O, Elia A, Pinzauti E, Pancani S, Mirabile L +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a 2-year-old girl who was severely injured in a lawn mower accident, suffering from major abdominal wounds and an amputated arm. She received fast and effective treatment, including surgery and care in a pediatric intensive care unit, which helped manage her critical injuries. This case highlights the importance of teamwork among different medical specialists in treating serious trauma to improve outcomes for young patients.
Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare teams treating children with severe injuries.
Assessment of cardiac output in children: a comparison between the pressure recording analytical method and Doppler echocardiography.
2008
Pediatric critical care medicine : a journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies
Calamandrei M, Mirabile L, Muschetta S, Gensini GF, De Simone L +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how well two methods—PRAM and Doppler echocardiography—measure heart output in children aged 1 month to 18 years who were in a pediatric intensive care unit. Both methods produced similar results: Doppler showed an average cardiac output of 2.7 liters per minute, while PRAM showed 2.6 liters per minute, indicating they are reliable for assessing heart function in kids. This matters because accurate heart output measurements are crucial for treating young patients in critical care.
Who this helps: Pediatric patients and their doctors.
Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal management of congenital laryngeal atresia in a preterm infant.
2007
Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Colnaghi M, Condo V, Gagliardi L, Mirabile L, Fumagalli M +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare condition called laryngeal atresia, where the airway is blocked, which can be life-threatening if not treated right away. In this case, doctors diagnosed the problem before birth in a baby born at 29 weeks and performed a special procedure to ensure the baby could breathe immediately. By 33 months old, the baby showed good breathing and developmental progress.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of infants diagnosed with laryngeal atresia.
Clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to haematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis.
2005
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
Gasbarrini AL, Bertoldi E, Mazzetti M, Fini L, Terzi S +6 more
Plain English Researchers reviewed how bone infections in the spine develop, how doctors diagnose them, and how to treat them most effectively. These infections usually spread through the bloodstream and commonly affect the lower back in younger people and the mid-back in tuberculosis cases; older adults are getting them more often, usually from contaminated IV lines or urinary tract infections, while younger patients are getting them from drug use, heart valve infections, or tuberculosis from endemic regions.
Diagnosing these infections is challenging because symptoms—like back pain and fever—appear slowly and can be mild or vague, often causing a 2-4 month delay before diagnosis, but doctors should start treatment with antibiotics and spine immobilization first, only turning to surgery if the patient doesn't improve after 2-3 weeks, has ongoing pain, develops nerve damage, or shows spine collapse.
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
Gasbarrini A, Cappuccio M, Mirabile L, Bandiera S, Terzi S +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how to best treat spinal metastases, which are tumors that spread to the spine from other cancers. Researchers reviewed 269 cases involving 182 patients and found that with better surgical techniques and combined treatments from different specialists, patients can live longer and have a better quality of life. This is important because spinal metastases are serious complications that can be managed effectively, rather than viewed as terminal.
Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal metastases and the medical teams treating them.
[Anesthetic management for airway endoscopy in pediatrics].
1991
Minerva anestesiologica
Mirabile L, Drago C, D'Alessio A, Locatelli B, Restivo A +2 more
Plain English This research examined how anesthesia is managed during airway endoscopy for 60 patients, all 10 years old or younger. The study found that using isoflurane anesthesia and local numbing of the vocal cords effectively ventilated and oxygenated patients while allowing them to breathe on their own safely. This method is particularly beneficial for high-risk patients, such as newborns and small children, as it helps maintain stable heart and blood gas levels.
Who this helps: This benefits young patients undergoing airway procedures.
[Loco-regional anesthesia in childhood. A critical review after another 5000 anesthesias at the center of pediatric surgery of the United Hospitals of Bergamo].
[Delayed presentation of left-side congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Personal experience].
1989
La Pediatria medica e chirurgica : Medical and surgical pediatrics
D'Alessio A, Mirabile L, Bernardi M, Camozzi L, Locatelli G
Plain English This study looked at four newborns with a condition called left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which can cause breathing problems. The researchers outlined how the babies showed symptoms after birth, how they were diagnosed, and the surgical procedures used to treat them. All four patients recovered well after surgery, showing quick improvements in their breathing.
Who this helps: This helps newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and their families, as well as the doctors treating them.