The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Dec 2016
Clinical TrialStable Liver Function during Long-Term Administration of Eltrombopag, a Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist, in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease.
Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease, but no definitive pharmacological treatment is currently available. It has been reported that thrombopoietin (TPO) promotes liver regeneration and improves liver cirrhosis by increasing platelet count. We have shown the direct effect of platelet transfusion on the improvement of liver function in patients with chronic liver disease. ⋯ The indicators of liver function in patients were stable throughout the clinical trial, although we had predicted the same degree of the improvement of liver function, compared to platelet transfusion. Importantly, the liver volumes were also stable, and no cancerous lesions were observed. These results indicate the safety of long-term eltrombopag administration for patients with chronic liver disease and hepatitis C virus infection.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Dec 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyStudy Design and Baseline Characteristics of the EXPAND Study: Evaluation of Effectiveness and Safety of Xa Inhibitor, Rivaroxaban for the Prevention of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in a Nationwide Cohort of Japanese Patients Diagnosed as Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.
The use of rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, has been increasing for prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in Japan. We conducted the nationwide multicenter study, termed as the EXPAND Study, to address its effectiveness and safety in the real-world practice of patients with non-valvular AF in Japan. The EXPAND Study is a prospective, non-interventional, observational cohort study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in non-valvular AF patients in a real-world clinical practice. ⋯ The proportions of patients with a CHADS2 score ≤ 1 and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≤ 1 were 37.3% and 13.6%, respectively. They were followed up until March 31, 2016 for a mean follow-up period of approximately 2.5 years. The findings of the EXPAND Study will help to establish an appropriate treatment with rivaroxaban for Japanese patients with non-valvular AF.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Dec 2016
Fermented Food Consumption and Psychological Distress in Pregnant Women: A Nationwide Birth Cohort Study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study.
Health benefits of fermented foods are attracting attention worldwide, and they have been traditionally eaten in Japan. Moreover, a recent study showed the association between the higher intake of yogurt and lower prevalence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, during pregnancy are serious health concerns and may increase the risk of adverse outcomes in children. ⋯ This value was lower compared to precedent studies, which may reflect that cooperative and health conscious subject participated in the survey. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicates that the intake of yogurt, lactic acid beverages, cheese, Japanese pickles, miso soup, or fermented soybeans was not significantly associated with a K6 score of ≥ 13. In conclusion, the present cohort study shows no association between fermented food consumption and psychological distress symptoms during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.