Reference intervals of red blood cell parameters and platelet count for healthy adults in Japan.

Although it is known that red blood cell (RBC) parameters and platelet count depend on ethnicity and sex, their reference intervals in healthy Asian populations are limited. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for RBC parameters and platelet count for healthy adults in Japan. A total of 750 healthy adults (447 women and 303 men; median age 40 years (18-67 years) at seven Japanese centers who participated in regular medical checkups entered this study.

Reference intervals of white blood cell parameters for healthy adults in japan.

Introduction: While white blood cell (WBC) parameters have been suggested to depend on ethnicity and gender, reference intervals in healthy Asian populations are limited. The present study established reference intervals of WBC parameters for healthy adults in Japan.

Methods: A total of 750 healthy adults (447 women and 303 men; 18-67 years old, median 40 years old) at 7 Japanese centers who participated in regular medical checkups entered this study.

[Diagnostic Ability of Natriuretic Peptides for Heart Failure According to eGFR Level: Comparison between Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Amino-Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide].

Although the influence of reduced kidney function on natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] and amino terminal probrain natriuretic peptide [NT]) is clear, effect of kidney function on the difference of diagnostic ability for heart failure by these peptides is not obvious. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between natriuretic peptide concentrations and echocardiographic findings according to eGFR level of the patients. In addition, we compared diagnostic ability of BNP with that of NT according to eGFR level.

Association of ITPA polymorphism with outcomes of peginterferon-α plus ribavirin combination therapy.

Aim: To analyzed the association between inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) (rs1127354) genotypes and sustained virological response (SVR) rates in peginterferon (Peg-IFN)α + ribavirin (RBV) treatment.

Methods: Patients who underwent Peg-IFNα + RBV combination therapy were enrolled (n = 120) and they had no history of other IFN-based treatments. Variation in hemoglobin levels during therapy, cumulative reduction of RBV dose, frequency of treatment withdrawal, and SVR rates were investigated in each ITPA genotype.