English version of the concluding report published in 2001 by the Advisory Committee on Atopic Dermatitis Severity Classification Criteria of the Japanese Dermatological Association.

The Japanese Dermatological Association established an advisory committee in 1995 to develop a severity scoring system for atopic dermatitis (AD). Its interim and concluding reports were published in Japanese in the Japanese Journal of Dermatology (108: 1491-1496, 1998 and 111: 2023-2033, 2001). Because of the strong demand for an English version, we have decided to publish the reports in English.

English version of the interim report published in 1998 by the members of the Advisory Committee on Atopic Dermatitis Severity Classification Criteria of the Japanese Dermatological Association.

The Japanese Dermatological Association established an advisory committee in 1995 to set up severity scoring systems for atopic dermatitis (AD). Its interim report was published in Japanese in the Japanese Journal of Dermatology (108: 1491-1496, 1998) by Chairman Hikotaro Yoshida. Because of the strong demand for an English version, we have decided to publish the report in English.

Long-term event monitoring study of fluvastatin in Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia: Efficacy and incidence of cardiac and other events in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old).

Objective: This long-term event monitoring (LEM) study was designed to evaluate the long-term lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of fluvastatin (Lochol®, Novartis A.G.) along with the incidence of cardiac and other events, and safety of fluvastatin in Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Efficacy and Safety of a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Hochu-ekki-to in the Long-term Management of Kikyo (Delicate Constitution) Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A 6-month, Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study.

Hochu-ekki-to is a traditional herbal (Kampo) medicine that has been shown to be effective for patients with Kikyo (delicate, easily fatigable, or hypersensitive) constitution. Previous case reports have suggested that this herbal drug was effective for a certain subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hochu-ekki-to in the long-term management of Kikyo patients with AD.

Hypertension management in diabetic patients: prescribing trends from 1999 to 2005 in three Japanese university hospitals.

Purpose: In hypertensive patients with diabetes, antihypertensive therapy is important in reducing the risk of macro- and microvascular complications. In contrast to the guidelines issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in and after 2002, the guidelines issued by the Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH) in 2000 and 2004 maintained the traditional view that beta-blockers and thiazides should be rated as second-line drugs. However, both sets of guidelines recommended angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) as first-line agents for such patients.

Reliability study on the Japanese version of the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change. Analysis of subscale items and 'clinician's impression'.

Background/aims: The Japanese version of the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change plus Caregiver Input (CIBIC-plus J) consists of 3 subscales: Disability Assessment of Dementia Scale (DAD), Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (Behave-AD), and Mental Function Impairment Scale (MENFIS), as well as the Clinician's Global Impression of Change (CGIC). While the interrater reliability of CGIC has already been reported, that of the 3 subscales has not. The aim of the present report was to examine the reliabilities of the subscale items and investigate their relationships with CGIC.

Reliability study on the Japanese version of the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change.

The Japanese version of the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change (CIBIC-plus J) is a semistructured interview format including a 7-point Likert type scale for the Clinician's Global Impression of Change. It comprises subscales of DAD for ADL, Behave-AD for behavioral and psychiatric symptoms and MENFIS for cognitive and emotional impairment. DAD and Behave-AD are used for caregivers and MENFIS for both caregivers and patients.

A dose-ranging study of midazolam for postoperative sedation of patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the dose range, efficacy, and safety of midazolam for induction of sedation of mechanically ventilated postoperative patients in the intensive care unit.

Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Setting: Thirteen intensive care units in Japan.