ABSTRACT
We have managed information on adverse drug reaction using the clinical records to obtain data from within our hospital and using Medicine-Pocketbooks to obtain data outside our hospital. Our system for management of side effect information does not require the development of a separate specialized system. Our method of collecting side effect information was changed in April 2007. Therefore, we evaluated our present method of collecting information on side effects by comparing the method used before the change with the new method. The amount of side effect information collected has clearly increased since April 2007. Although the amount of data collected directly from doctors has increased eight-fold, the amount collected from other data sources has hardly changed. Side effect symptoms have hardly changed, with skin symptoms being the most frequent side effect. Suspected drugs have also hardly changed, with antibiotics being the most frequently suspected drugs. In addition, we conducted questionnaire surveys on the use of Medicine-Pocketbooks by patients who registered side effect information at our hospital to determine whether Medicine-Pocketbooks were being used effectively as a tool for the management of side effect information. Among patients who registered their side effect information at our hospital, 76% also presented their Medicine-Pocketbooks to other medical institutions. In addition, all patients received a change in prescription or were questioned about their side effect information when they presented their Medicine-Pocketbooks. Our present method of collecting side effect information is considered appropriate since there was an increase in the amount of side effect information collected from doctors. Medicine-Pocketbooks have also been effectively used as a tool for managing side effect information.
ABSTRACT
It is reported that changes in immunological system are one of the underlining mechanisms of balneotherapy effects. Since there is no study concerning the mechanisms how balneotherapy with a simple thermals works, we tried to examine both the changes of immunological functions and stress relieving effect of balneotherapy. Fourteen inpatients (mean age 63 years) suffering from such as cerebrovascular diseases participated in the present study. Before and after 6-week balneotherapy, lymphocyte subset counts, levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IF-γ etc.) were determined and lymphocyte blastogenetic tests were also performed. In addition, stress barometers (urinary 17-ketosteroidsulfate (17KSS)/17hydroxycorticosteroid (17OHCS)) were measured. As a result, no significant changes in cytokine levels were observed. Percentage of T cell count decreased and that of B cell increased. Percentage of suppressor T cell count decreased and that of helper and killer T cell tended to increase (not significant). Lymphocyte blastogenetic tests by ConA and PWM showed enhanced responses and urinary 17KSS/17OHCS levels increased after balneotherapy. From these findings, it is suggested that 6-week balneotherapy with a simple thermals has a potential of augmenting immunological functions and also possesses stress relieving effect.