Hereditary angioedema in Japan: genetic analysis of 13 unrelated cases.

Introduction: The molecular bases and clinical features of hereditary angioedema (HAE) have not been systematically documented in Japan or in other Asian countries. Thus, the authors researched the genetic and clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with HAE.

Methods: The authors analyzed the CIINH gene for mutations in 13 unrelated Japanese patients with HAE by means of the polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing.

Risk factors for death in 224 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Background/aims: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been reported as effective therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, few have described methods for predicting prognosis, especially in patients treated by repeated TACE. To determine risk factors for death and try to predict the prognosis, we evaluated clinical data.

Methodology: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical parameters of 224 patients with unresectable HCC treated with repeated TACE from January 1997 to December 2007.

Effects of preactivation by portal vein ligation on liver regeneration following massive hepatectomy in rats.

Background/aims: We performed a long-term assessment of liver regeneration with or without PVL after massive hepatectomy in similar sized remnant livers to evaluate effects of regenerating livers preactivated by PVL following massive hepatectomy.

Methodology: Rats were randomly divided into two groups, PVL-88%Hx and sham 88%Hx. As the initial operation, PVL or sham operation was performed by ligation of the portal vein of the left and median lobes or a similar manipulation without ligation, respectively.

[Two cases of C1INH deficiency with paroxysmal abdominal pain].

We encountered two cases of C1 inhibitor deficiency (26-year-old man and 29-year-old woman). They had been suffering from paroxysmal abdominal pain for many years. Imaging studies showed wall thickening of the intestine and ascites and diagnosis was difficult.