Contribution of hepatitis C virus to non-A, non-B fulminant hepatitis in Japan.

To assess the contribution of hepatitis C virus to non-A, non-B fulminant hepatitis in Japan, we compared 10 major clinical features among 7 patients with type B fulminant hepatitis (type B group), 13 patients with non-A, non-B fulminant hepatitis with evidence of hepatitis C virus infection (type C group) and 10 patients without evidence of hepatitis C virus infection (NANB group). Duration from first symptom to coma and that from onset of jaundice to coma was significantly longer in the type C group (median = 39 and 25 days, respectively) and in the non-A, non-B group (median = 29 and 12 days, respectively) than in the type B group (median = 9 and 2 days, respectively) (p < 0.01). The maximum median AST level was significantly lower in the type C (1,689 U/L) and non-A, non-B groups (1,353 U/L) than in the type B group (5,780 U/L) (p < 0.05). Serum transaminase levels showed a single peak in six of seven of the type B patients, whereas they formed two or more peaks in all of the type C patients and in most of the non-A, non-B group (p < 0.05). Six of seven in the type B group, 6 of 13 in the type C group and 4 of 10 in the non-A, non-B group survived (p < 0.05). We found no significant difference in any of the 10 clinical features between the type C and non-A, non-B groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A simple method for evaluating prothrombin time in severe liver disease.

A measurement of prothrombin time by a new, whole blood capillary system was evaluated for use in severe liver disease, such as fulminant and chronic hepatic failure. The measurement required a single drop of fresh, whole blood and was easily performed at bedside. Results were available within 5 minutes after collection of the blood samples. Good correlation was observed between prothrombin time values determined by the rapid method and those determined with the laboratory method (r = .89). The laboratory method was used as a reference. The whole blood system may be especially helpful in emergency situations, when central laboratory services are not available.

[Herpes zoster of the right cervical region associated with right facial nerve palsy and hoarseness].

A 69-year-old man was suffering from herpes zoster on his 2nd and 3rd right cervical spinal segments and 3rd branch of the trigeminal nerve. He came to our hospital on his 10th illness day and was treated with continuous cervical epidural block, intravenous infusion of acyclovir for five days, and oral paramethasone and Vitamin B12. Oh his 18th illness day, right facial nerve palsy and hoarseness became clear. His cerebrospinal fluid showed no abnormality except cell count 23 x 3 mm-2. No clear paralysis of vocal cords was detected on laryngoscopy. He was also treated with right stellate ganglion block starting on his 21st illness day. His pain and facial nerve palsy recovered completely by his 68th illness day, but hoarseness continued about two months. The hoarseness might be a result of spread of the disease 1) by cerebrospinal fluid, 2) by contact with the 3rd cervical nerve and vagal nerve via accessory nerve, and 3) direct effect on the vocal cords and the muscles controlling them. Herpes zoster on the head and neck region shows various complications and we should follow its course cautiously.

[Continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine and morphine for postoperative pain relief].

Forty-five patients admitted to the intensive care unit following thoracic or abdominal surgery received continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine and morphine for 48 hours. During the first 10 hours, the patients received 0.25% bupivacaine solution with 0.005% morphine at the rate of 4 ml.h-1, and bupivacaine concentration was decreased to 0.125% with the same morphine concentration. The mean infusion rate of bupivacaine during 48 hours was 0.12 +/- 0.03 (SD) mg.kg-1.h-1 and that of morphine was 4.0 +/- 1.0 micrograms.kg-1.h-1. Thirty-one patients (69%) complained no pain on deep breathing at 24 hours and 33 patients (74%) required no other type of analgesics during this study. The mean plasma bupivacaine concentration was 0.6 +/- 0.3 microgram.ml-1 at 48 hours. Hypotension defined as systolic arterial pressure below 90 mmHg and itching were observed in 15 patients (33%), but no other severe side effects were noted. Continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine and morphine mixture for 48 hours postoperatively provided effective pain relief with a low incidence of side effects.