Protective effects of influenza A (H1N1) pandemic 2009 vaccination against the onset of influenza-like illness and asthma exacerbation in Japanese children.

Background: Vaccination against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Japan started in October 2009. Children with asthma are considered as a high-risk group and are recommended to preferentially receive the vaccine.

Objective: To identify the clinical effects of vaccination in Japanese children with and without asthma.

Severe muscle damage following viral infection in patients with Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy.

Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), which is characterized by cortical migration defect and eye abnormalities, is the most common subtype of CMD in Japan. Fukutin (FKTN), the responsible gene for FCMD, encodes a protein involved in the glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan. We have experienced some patients with FCMD who showed sudden exacerbation of muscle weakness with marked elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) and urinary myoglobin levels a few days after a febrile episode of viral infection, occasionally leading to death.

Analysis of photo-pattern sensitivity in patients with Pokemon-related symptoms.

This study was designed to analyze photo-pattern sensitivity in patients who developed acute neurologic symptoms associated with watching an animated television program, "Pokemon." The 18 patients (13 females and five males) underwent electroencephalograms and photo-pattern stimulation testing, including special stimulation test batteries (strobe-pattern test and cathode ray tube-pattern test). Photo-pattern sensitivity was confirmed in 16 patients with and without seizure episodes.

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on teicoplanin for sepsis by methicillin-cephem resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the pediatric and neonate field].

Pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of teicoplanin (TEIC) were evaluated in pediatric and neonate patients with MRSA sepsis in the dosages approved in overseas. The administrated dose for pediatrics patients was 10 mg/kg once at hour 0, 12 and 24, followed by every 24 hours intervals. In neonates patients, first dose was 16 mg/kg, then 8 mg/kg every 24 hours intervals.

Clinical study of catastrophic infantile epilepsy with focal seizures.

This study investigated clinico-electrical and etiologic characteristics of catastrophic infantile epilepsy with focal seizures developed in early infancy. The patients included 15 children who fulfilled the following criteria: seizure onset before 12 months of age, presence of daily focal or secondarily generalized seizures resistant to antiepileptic drugs for at least 3 months, and exclusion of Ohtahara and West syndromes. Patients were classified into three subgroups.