J Am Coll Cardiol 2017 Jun;69(25):3042-3051

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening disease requiring urgent treatment, including a recommendation for immediate initiation of loop diuretics.

Objectives: The authors prospectively evaluated the association between time-to-diuretic treatment and clinical outcome.

Methods: REALITY-AHF (Registry Focused on Very Early Presentation and Treatment in Emergency Department of Acute Heart Failure) was a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study that primarily aimed to assess the association between time to loop diuretic treatment and clinical outcome in patients with AHF admitted through the emergency department (ED). Read More

Clin Exp Immunol 2017 Jun 22. Epub 2017 Jun 22.

Division of Molecular Immunology, Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have been used off-label for the treatment of refractory Kawasaki disease (KD). However, it remains unknown whether CNIs show protective effects against the development of coronary artery lesions in KD patients. To investigate the effects of CNIs on coronary arteries and the mechanisms of their actions on coronary arteritis in a mouse model of KD, we performed experiments with FK565, a ligand of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (Nod1) in wild-type, SCID, CARD9(-/-) , and MyD88(-/-) mice. Read More

Endoscopy 2017 Jun 21. Epub 2017 Jun 21.

Department of Endoscopy, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.

Background and study aim Magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) is useful for the accurate diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC). However, acquiring skill at M-NBI diagnosis takes substantial effort. An Internet-based e-learning system to teach endoscopic diagnosis of EGC using M-NBI has been developed. Read More

Nephrology (Carlton) 2017 Jun 20. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Aim: Proteinuria is known to be an independent risk factor of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). But the associations between changes in dipstick proteinuria and the risk of ESRD in the general population and its appropriate observation period to predict incident ESRD are unknown.

Methods: We assessed the changes in dipstick proteinuria in 69021 subject aged ≥20 years who participated in health check-up from 1993 and more than once until 1996 in Okinawa, Japan. Read More

J Gastroenterol 2017 Jun 20. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, 390-8621, Japan.

Background: This prospective cohort study searched for factors associated with a response to nucleos(t)ide analogue/peg-interferon (NUC/peg-IFN) sequential therapy.

Methods: A total of 95 patients with chronic hepatitis B being treated with NUCs were enrolled. Immediately following NUC cessation, peg-IFN was administered at 180 µg/dose weekly for 48 weeks. Read More

Genet Epidemiol 2017 Jun 19. Epub 2017 Jun 19.

Statistical Genetics and Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Japan.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) commonly use marginal association tests for each single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Because these tests treat SNPs as independent, their power will be suboptimal for detecting SNPs hidden by linkage disequilibrium (LD). One way to improve power is to use a multiple regression model. Read More

BMC Nephrol 2017 Jun 17;18(1):198. Epub 2017 Jun 17.

Japan Community Health care Organization Tokyo Takanawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Only a few research is available on the effects of home-based exercise training on pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the effect of home-based exercise therapy on kidney function and arm and leg muscle strength in pre-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods: Thirty-six male stage 3-4 pre-dialysis CKD patients (age, 68. Read More

J Pediatr 2017 Jun 12. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

Department of Public Health, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.

Objectives: To assess if observed higher observed risks of cardiac complications for patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) treated earlier may reflect bias due to confounding from initial disease severity, as opposed to any negative effect of earlier treatment.

Study Design: We used data from Japanese nationwide KD surveys from 1997 to 2004. Receipt of additional intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (data available all years) or any additional treatment (available for 2003-2004) were assessed as proxies for initial disease severity. Read More

PLoS One 2017 15;12(6):e0179239. Epub 2017 Jun 15.

Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.

Immunodeficient mice transplanted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are promising tools to evaluate human immune responses to vaccines. However, these mice usually develop severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which makes estimation of antigen-specific IgG production after antigen immunization difficult. To evaluate antigen-specific IgG responses in PBMC-transplanted immunodeficient mice, we developed a novel NOD/Shi-scid-IL2rγnull (NOG) mouse strain that systemically expresses the human IL-4 gene (NOG-hIL-4-Tg). Read More

Clin Epigenetics 2017 12;9:64. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.

Background: This study examined Sal-like protein (SALL)3 methylation profiles of head and neck cancer (HNSCC) patients at diagnosis and follow-up and evaluated their prognostic significance and value as a biomarker. SALL3 expression was examined in a panel of cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The methylation status of the SALL3 promoter was examined by quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Read More

Int J Hematol 2017 Jun 13. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan.

Background: Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a rare, extranodal lymphoma that often relapses in the contralateral testis. We evaluated outcomes in patients with any stage of PTL who had received CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) with rituximab chemotherapy and prophylactic radiotherapy to the contralateral testis.

Methods: We retrospectively identified 15 patients (median age 66 years; range 39-81) diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell PTL in the period 2000-2014. Read More

Eur J Pediatr 2017 Jun 14. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Epidemiology Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy.

Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis with an acute and self-limited course. The incidence of the disease differs widely among ethnic groups and is higher in the Asian populations. In Italy, no recent data are available. Read More

Congenit Heart Dis 2017 Jun 13. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Coronary Anomalies Program and Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.

Most diagnostic testing in patients with anomalous aortic origins of coronary arteries, myocardial bridges, and coronary artery changes after Kawasaki disease are performed with the use of noninvasive techniques. In some cases, however, further diagnostic information is needed to guide the clinician in treating these patients. In such instances, cardiac catheterization with invasive anatomic and functional testing is an invaluable tool. Read More

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 Jun 28;69(2):269-273. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Department of ENT, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalapet, Ganapathychetikulam, Puducherry 605014 India.

To discuss a case of suspected retropharyngeal abscess having important clinical and academic significance. This paper discusses an unusual presentation and evolution of a well known condition such as retropharyngeal abscess. Though the diagnosis in this case was initially a retropharyngeal abscess, several unusual findings were evident, which interfered with the optimal management of the patient. Read More

Bone Marrow Transplant 2017 Jun 12. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

Department of Hematology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.

To investigate better GVHD prophylaxis in reduced intensity conditioning umbilical cord blood transplantation (RIC-UCBT), we compared transplant outcomes after UCBT among GvHD prophylaxes using the registry data. We selected patients transplanted for AML or ALL with a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate (MTX)/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combination. A total of 748 first RIC-UCBT between 2000 and 2012 (MTX+ group, 446, MMF+ group, 302) were included. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2017 Jun 9;2017. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Dermatology, Schongau Hautpraxis, Munich, Germany.

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile exanthematous disease that affects children younger than 5 years of age. It is regarded as the most common cause of childhood acquired heart disease, but ocular and neurological problems are among the other important clinical findings. We present a 3-year-old boy who developed bilateral ptosis on day 21, 5 days after intravenous immunoglobulin. Read More

J Artif Organs 2017 Jun 9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

The Survey Committee, Japan Society for Blood Purification in Critical Care, Tokyo, Japan.

To clarify the clinical status of blood purification therapy (BPT) in critical care in Japan, we conducted a cohort study using data from a nationwide registry of the Japan Society for Blood Purification in Critical Care in 2013. We enrolled 2227 patients treated with BPT (female, 39.1%; mean age, 65. Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2017 Jun 6. Epub 2017 Jun 6.

Department of Cardiology, Kokura Memorial Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan.

Background: Optimal medical therapy after endovascular therapy in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether cilostazol reduce restenosis after balloon angioplasty for infrapopliteal lesions in CLI patietns.

Methods: This study was performed as a multicenter prospective randomized open-label blinded-endpoint study with independent angiographic core lab adjudication. Read More

J Alzheimers Dis 2017 Jun 8. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kizugawa, Kyoto, Japan.

Aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the inhibition of Aβ and tau aggregation may represent a potential therapeutic target for AD. Herein, we designed and synthesized both Aβ and tau dual aggregation inhibitors based on the structure of curcumin and developed the novel curcumin derivative PE859. Read More

J Cell Physiol 2017 Jun 9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan.

Humanized mice are superior to rodents for preclinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of drug candidates using human cells or tissues. During the past decade, humanized mouse technology has been greatly advanced by the establishment of novel platforms of genetically modified immunodeficient mice. Several human diseases can be recapitulated using humanized mice due to the improved engraftment and differentiation capacity of human cells or tissues. Read More

Congenit Heart Dis 2017 Jun 9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Florida Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida.

Coronary artery disease ranges from congenital in origin such as anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) to acquired diseases such as Kawasaki disease, and previously repaired conditions such as transposition of the great arteries. It is not uncommon, in the long run, for proximal coronary stenosis to develop following arterial switch, AAOCA repair, Ross procedure and Kawasaki disease leading to coronary artery bypass grafing (CABG). The objective of this report is to discuss the indications, challenges, and outcomes of CABG in infants, children, and young adults with acquired and congenital lesions. Read More

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2017 Jun 8. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Introduction: Although endometriosis is a benign disease, it shares some features with cancers, such as invasiveness and the potential to metastasize. This study sought to investigate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) status in human endometriotic lesions.

Material And Methods: Thirteen endometriosis patients and ten control women without endometriosis undergoing surgery for benign indications were recruited. Read More

Mol Reprod Dev 2017 May 2. Epub 2017 May 2.

School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Japan.

Female pigs in breeding herds can be managed through four phases-gilt development, breeding, gestation, and lactation-during which they may be housed in group or individual pens, stalls, or on pasture. In this review, we focus on housing environments that optimize outcomes during gestation and lactation. Appropriate housing is important during early gestation, to protect embryos and to confirm pregnancy, and from mid-to-late gestation, to ensure sufficient nutrition to increase placental and fetal growth. Read More

Leuk Lymphoma 2017 Jun 8:1-8. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

a Bay-area Lymphoma Information Network , Tokyo , Japan.

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a serious complication in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and evaluating CNS risk is an important issue. Using the standard international prognostic index (IPI) and CNS-IPI, a recently proposed model including IPI risk factors and adrenal/kidney involvement, we assessed CNS risk in 1220 untreated DLBCL patients who received R-CHOP without prophylaxis. According to the standard IPI, the cumulative incidences of CNS involvement at 2 years were 1. Read More

Case Rep Pediatr 2017 11;2017:5937276. Epub 2017 May 11.

Department of Pediatrics, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama, Japan.

We report the case of a 13-month-old boy who developed right side parotitis as a first symptom of Kawasaki disease (KD). The data presented herein suggest that physicians should be aware that nonsuppurative parotitis is a possible manifestation of KD. Read More

Stem Cell Reports 2017 Jun;8(6):1701-1713

Department of Reproductive Biology, Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan. Electronic address:

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a congenital disease without genetic abnormalities. Neurological symptoms are irreversibly impaired after birth, and no effective treatment has been reported to date. Only surgical repairs have been reported so far. Read More

Mymensingh Med J 2017 Apr;26(2):356-363

Dr Mohammad Imnul Islam, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a potentially fatal complication of rheumatic disorders, which commonly occurs in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).This study was carried out with the aims of describing the clinical features, laboratory findings and outcomes of MAS associated with paediatric rheumatic diseases in the Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and compare these results with previous studies on MAS. This retrospective study was conducted in the paediatric rheumatology wing of the Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Read More

J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017 Jun 3. Epub 2017 Jun 3.

Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. Electronic address:

Background: Blau syndrome, or early-onset sarcoidosis, is a juvenile-onset systemic granulomatosis associated with a mutation in nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2). The underlying mechanisms of Blau syndrome leading to autoinflammation are still unclear, and there is currently no effective specific treatment for Blau syndrome.

Objectives: To elucidate the mechanisms of autoinflammation in patients with Blau syndrome, we sought to clarify the relation between disease-associated mutant NOD2 and the inflammatory response in human samples. Read More

BMC Pediatr 2017 Jun 6;17(1):139. Epub 2017 Jun 6.

Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and Medical College, National Taiwan University, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that occurs in children and may lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Progressive coronary dilatation for at least 2 months is associated with worse late coronary outcomes in patients with KD having medium or giant aneurysms. However, the risk factors and occurrence of progressive coronary dilatation in patients with KD but without medium or giant aneurysms have been insufficiently explored. Read More

Exp Ther Med 2017 Jun 5;13(6):3438-3442. Epub 2017 May 5.

Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China.

The present study aimed to explore the role of the Notch4 signaling pathway in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease (KD) induced by Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE). BALB/c male mice (4-6 weeks old) were intraperitoneally injected with 500 µg LCWE in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or PBS alone (control group). At days 3, 7, 14 and 28, the numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood and the expression of Notch4 on the surface of EPCs were detected. Read More

Exp Ther Med 2017 Jun 28;13(6):3333-3336. Epub 2017 Apr 28.

Department of Cardiology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.

The aim of the study was to investigate the role and mechanisms of action of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated caspase-4 activation in the induction of inflammatory cytokines during Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary artery endothelial cell injury. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from KD patients and healthy controls and cultured. Double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in activated PBMC-conditioned culture media. Read More

Support Care Cancer 2017 Jun 6. Epub 2017 Jun 6.

National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan.

Purpose: We performed a nationwide questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the current clinical practices of infectious complications during chemotherapy for acute leukemia in Japan.

Methods: We e-mailed a questionnaire to member institutions of the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group in September, 2013. The questionnaire consisted of 50 multiple-choice questions covering therapeutic environment, antimicrobial prophylaxis, screening test during neutropenia, empirical therapy for febrile neutropenia, and the use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. Read More

Chin Med J (Engl) 2017 Jun;130(12):1467-1474

Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medical Center, Beijing 100021, China.

Background: Murine model of coronary arterial inflammation has been widely accepted as an animal model of and used in Kawasaki disease (KD). This study sought to evaluate the developmental changes of coronary arteries and cardiac function in a murine model of KD with a high-frequency ultrasound system and to provide evidence for the preparation of the model of KD.

Methods: Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract was prepared and injected into C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally (i. Read More

Arch Pediatr 2017 Jul 2;24(7):640-646. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Unité d'immuno-hématologie et oncologie pédiatrique, hôpital Nord, CHU de Saint-Étienne, 42055 Saint-Étienne cedex 2, France.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rarely reported complication of Kawasaki disease (KD). It must be sought during KD with unusual clinical signs, such as enlargement of the liver or spleen, cytopenia (including thrombocytopenia), and elevated serum triglycerides. Here, we report four cases from a single center. Read More

J Korean Med Sci 2017 Jul;32(7):1147-1153

Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.

Little is known about platelet dynamics and the effect of antiplatelet therapy in Kawasaki disease (KD). This study sought to define platelet activation dynamics in KD patients by assaying platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs). We measured plasma PDMPs levels in 46 patients with KD using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Read More

Congenit Heart Dis 2017 Jun 5. Epub 2017 Jun 5.

Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile arteritis of childhood that can result in coronary artery aneurysms if untreated in the first 10 and ideally 7 days of illness. Kawasaki disease begins as a necrotizing arteritis with neutrophilic infiltrate, followed by subacute/chronic changes and luminal myofibroblastic proliferation that can cause coronary artery stenosis. Manifestations include the presence of ≥5 days of fever, together with clinical criteria of extremity changes, rash, conjunctivitis, oral changes, and unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Read More

Congenit Heart Dis 2017 Jun 5. Epub 2017 Jun 5.

Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Medical therapies in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) are administered to reduce the prevalence of coronary aneurysms, reduce systemic inflammation, and prevent coronary thrombosis. All patients with acute KD should be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) 2 g/kg, generally administered over 10-12 hours. Aspirin has never been shown to prevent aneurysms, but is given for its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects until the patient has been afebrile for ∼2 days, then lowered to an antiplatelet dose. Read More

Arthritis Res Ther 2017 May 31;19(1):117. Epub 2017 May 31.

Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan.

Background: Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), which is classified as an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated small vessel vasculitis, is one of the most frequent primary vasculitides in Japan. We earlier nominated 16 genes (IRF7, IFIT1, IFIT5, OASL, CLC, GBP-1, PSMB9, HERC5, CCR1, CD36, MS4A4A, BIRC4BP, PLSCR1, DEFA1/DEFA3, DEFA4, and COL9A2) as predictors of response to remission induction therapy against MPA. The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of prediction using these 16 predictors. Read More

Korean Circ J 2017 May 25;47(3):377-382. Epub 2017 May 25.

Department of Central Laboratory, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.

Background And Objectives: This study aims to investigate the significance of changes in the expression 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) for the development of Kawasaki disease (KD).

Subjects And Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the mRNA expression levels of GR and 11β-HSD in peripheral blood monocytes, both in the acute phase of the disease and after treatment. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein expression levels of GR and 11β-HSD. Read More

Med Mycol J 2017 ;58(2):E47-E62

School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory disease that was identified by Professor Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1961. Candida albicans-derived substances, such as C. albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS) , induce coronary arteritis similar to KD in mice. Read More

J Am Heart Assoc 2017 May 31;6(6). Epub 2017 May 31.

Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.

Background: Accurate risk prediction of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) in North American children with Kawasaki disease remains a clinical challenge. We sought to determine the predictive utility of baseline coronary dimensions adjusted for body surface area (z scores) for future CAAs in Kawasaki disease and explored the extent to which addition of established Japanese risk scores to baseline coronary artery z scores improved discrimination for CAA development.

Methods And Results: We explored the relationships of CAA with baseline z scores; with Kobayashi, Sano, Egami, and Harada risk scores; and with the combination of baseline z scores and risk scores. Read More

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2017 May 29. Epub 2017 May 29.

*Allergy and Immunology Department, Naval Hospital of High Speciality †Clinical Immunology Department, National Institute of Pediatrics ‡Pediatric Private Practice §Research Methodology Department, National Institute of Pediatrics.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), also known as secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, is a rare and potentially fatal complication of Kawasaki disease (KD). We report 2 cases, performed a literature search, and analyze the characteristics of MAS associated with KD. A total of 69 patients were evaluated, 34 reported the date of the diagnosis of MAS and KD, 6% had a diagnosis of MAS before KD, 21% had a simultaneous presentation, and 73% had the diagnosis of MAS after KD. Read More

Pediatrics 2017 May 2. Epub 2017 May 2.

Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.

Background: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is part of the recommended treatment of Kawasaki disease (KD). Controversies remain regarding the optimal dose of ASA to be used. We aimed to evaluate the noninferiority of ASA at an antiplatelet dose in acute KD in preventing coronary artery (CA) abnormalities. Read More

J Paediatr Child Health 2017 May 31. Epub 2017 May 31.

Department of General Paediatrics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Acta Cardiol Sin 2017 May;33(3):273-284

Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung.

Background: Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of pediatric acquired heart disease. The role of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 in the inflammatory process has been documented. To date, no report has investigated the relationship between coronary artery lesions of Kawasaki disease and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 polymorphisms. Read More

Indian J Gastroenterol 2017 May 30. Epub 2017 May 30.

Center for Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Digestive Disease, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.

Recently, two conflicting articles about recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after direct acting antivirals (DAA) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) were published. We investigated the relationship between DAA and HCC recurrence. Eligible patients were (1) history of HCC and treated curatively with interventions, and (2) interferon-free DAA therapy was initiated after eradication of HCC. Read More

J Pediatr 2017 May 25. Epub 2017 May 25.

Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Objective: To describe the safety and efficacy of warfarin for patients with Kawasaki disease and giant coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs, ≥8 mm). Giant aneurysms are managed with combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies, heightening risk of bleeding complications.

Study Design: We reviewed the time in therapeutic range; percentage of international normalization ratios (INRs) in range (%); bleeding events, clotting events; INRs ≥6; INRs ≥5 and <6; and INRs <1. Read More

Drugs R D 2017 May 25. Epub 2017 May 25.

Department of Nephrology, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.

Background And Objective: We compared the hemoglobin-maintaining effects between continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) and darbepoetin-α (DA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) during the 3 months before dialysis initiation.

Methods: This study was conducted with 37 CERA-administered patients and 26 DA-administered patients who had initiated dialysis at a participating facility between January 2012 and December 2014. We investigated clinical laboratory data 3 months before and at dialysis initiation, and compared these data between the CERA and DA groups. Read More

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2017 May 26. Epub 2017 May 26.

Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris VI, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Dermatologie-Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France.

Dermatologic manifestations are observed in almost all systemic vasculitides, even in large-and medium-vessel vasculitides, although such vessels are not found in the skin. Cutaneous manifestations may be related to a direct skin localization of the systemic vasculitis or a non-specific process associated with the vasculitis. According to the 2012 International Chapel Hill consensus, the two major variants of large-vessel vasculitides are Takayasu arteritis and giant-cell arteritis. Read More

Pathol Int 2017 May 19. Epub 2017 May 19.

Pathology Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka 411-8777, Japan.

Malignant non-basaloid tumors that arise from basal cell adenoma (BCA) are extremely rare. The patient was a 72-year-old Japanese male, who had noticed swelling of the left parotid region 21 years ago. A superficial lobectomy was performed. Read More