Linked-color imaging with or without artificial intelligence for adenoma detection: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important indicator of colonoscopy quality and colorectal cancer incidence. Both linked-color imaging (LCI) with artificial intelligence (LCA) and LCI alone increase adenoma detection during colonoscopy, although it remains unclear whether one modality is superior. This study compared ADR between LCA and LCI alone, including according to endoscopists' experience (experts and trainees) and polyp size. METHODS: Patients undergoing colonoscopy for positive fecal immunochemical tests, follow-up of colon polyps, and abdominal symptoms at a single institution were randomly assigned to the LCA or LCI group. ADR, adenoma per colonoscopy (APC), cecal intubation time, withdrawal time, number of adenomas per location, and adenoma size were compared. RESULTS: The LCA (n=400) and LCI (n=400) groups showed comparable cecal intubation and withdrawal times. The LCA group showed a significantly higher ADR (58.8% vs. 43.5%; P<0.001) and mean (95%CI) APC (1.31 [1.15 to 1.47] vs. 0.94 [0.80 to 1.07]; P<0.001), particularly in the ascending colon (0.30 [0.24 to 0.36] vs. 0.20 [0.15 to 0.25]; P=0.02). Total number of nonpolypoid-type adenomas was also significantly higher in the LCA group (0.15 [0.09 to 0.20] vs. 0.08 [0.05 to 0.10]; P=0.02). Small polyps (≤5, 6-9mm) were detected significantly more frequently in the LCA group (0.75 [0.64 to 0.86] vs. 0.48 [0.40 to 0.57], P<0.001 and 0.34 [0.26 to 0.41] vs. 0.24 [0.18 to 0.29], P=0.04, respectively). In both groups, ADR was not significantly different between experts and trainees. CONCLUSIONS: LCA was significantly superior to LCI alone in terms of ADR.

Nintedanib-associated enterocolitis with intractable diarrhea: a case report.

Revised idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment guidelines were published in 2015, and nintedanib was conditionally recommended. Although diarrhea is reported to be a common major adverse event associated with nintedanib, there have been few reports on detailed endoscopic findings of nintedanib-associated enterocolitis. A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 4 years ago in May. She was started on nintedanib (300 mg). Three months later, hepatic dysfunction was observed; therefore, the drug was temporarily discontinued and then resumed at a dose reduction of 200 mg. Five months later, the patient developed diarrhea, and the dose was reduced to 150 mg. However, no effect was noted; hence, colonoscopy was performed. Various inflammatory lesions, such as erythema and erosions, were observed continuously at the rectum, which resembled ulcerative colitis. No improvement was observed 2 months after follow-up colonoscopy, and nintedanib-related enterocolitis was suspected. The dose was further reduced to 100 mg. Since the endoscopic findings of nintedanib-associated enterocolitis are similar to those of ulcerative colitis, it is critical to consider patients with diarrhea who are taking nintedanib as having associated enterocolitis and attempt to reduce or discontinue the drug if diarrhea does not improve with antidiarrheal agents.

Efficacy of molnupiravir and sotrovimab in Japanese dialysis patients with COVID-19 in clinical practice during the Omicron (BA.1 and BA.2) pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, the efficacy of sotrovimab and molnupiravir in dialysis patients with COVID-19 was investigated using a registry of COVID-19 in Japanese dialysis patients. METHODS: Dialysis patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 (Omicron BA.1 and BA.2) pandemic were analyzed. Patients were classified into four treatment groups: molnupiravir monotherapy (molnupiravir group), sotrovimab monotherapy (sotrovimab group), molnupiravir and sotrovimab combination therapy (combination group), and no antiviral therapy (control group). The mortality rates in the four groups were compared. RESULTS: A total of 1480 patients were included. The mortality of the molnupiravir, sotrovimab, and combination groups were significantly improved compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that antiviral therapy improves the survival of dialysis patients with COVID-19 (hazard ratio was 0.184 for molnupiravir, 0.389 for sotrovimab, and 0.254 for combination groups, respectively). CONCLUSION: Sotrovimab showed efficacy in Omicron BA.1 but attenuated in BA.2. Molnupiravir also showed efficacy in BA.2, suggesting administration of molnupiravir would be important.

Duodenal gastric-type neoplasm with uncertain malignant potential in a lipoma.

The pathologic diagnosis of duodenal tumors is a developing field; however, its overview remains unclear. We describe a rare case of a duodenal gastric-type neoplasm in a 50-year-old woman. She visited her primary care doctor with complaints of upper abdominal pain, tarry stools, and shortness of breath on exertion. She was admitted owing to a stalked polyp with erosion and hemorrhage in the descending part of the duodenum. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed on the polyp. Histologically, the resected polyp was a lipomatous lesion in the submucosal layer, composed of mature adipose tissues. Scattered irregular lobules of Brunner's gland-like structures with well-preserved construction but mildly enlarged nuclei and occasional conspicuous nucleoli of the constituent cells were observed. The resection margin was negative. EMR findings of the duodenal polyp showed a gastric epithelial tumor within a lipoma, a rare histological type that has not been reported previously. This tumor may be classified as a "neoplasm with uncertain malignant potential" in a lipoma, an intermediate category between adenoma and invasive adenocarcinoma. There is no consensus on treatment, and careful follow-up is recommended. This is the first report of a duodenal gastric-type neoplasm with uncertain malignant potential in a lipoma.

T-Cell Response and Antibody Production Induced by the COVID-19 Booster Vaccine in Japanese Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Treated with Hemodialysis.

Humoral and cellular responses are critical in understanding immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. Here, we evaluated these responses in hemodialysis (HD) patients after the booster vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (IgG) levels, neutralizing antibody titers, and the T-SPOT®.COVID test (T-SPOT) were measured prior to, three weeks after, and three months after the booster administration. The HD group had significantly higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels and neutralizing antibody titers against the original strain at three weeks and three months after the booster vaccination compared to the control group, albeit the HD group had lower SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels and neutralizing antibody titers before the booster administration. Moreover, the HD group had significantly higher T-SPOT levels at all three time points compared to the control group. The HD group also had significantly higher local and systemic adverse reaction rates than the control group. By booster vaccination, HD patients could acquire more effective SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular immunity than the control group.

Combined effects of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis and corticosteroids on ulcerative colitis.

Several new treatments for ulcerative colitis have been developed recently. The depletion of leukocytes by granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GMA) was developed and adapted for patients with ulcerative colitis with rare adverse events. We investigated whether treatment with GMA and prednisolone (GMA + PSL) is more effective than PSL alone for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Forty-seven patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 47 patients, 27 received PSL, while 20 received GMA + PSL. The clinical activity of ulcerative colitis was evaluated using the Lichtiger clinical activity index (CAI) and serum levels of C-reactive protein. Mayo endoscopic score (MES) was used to examine endoscopic activity. The clinical remission rate was significantly higher in the GMA + PSL group than in the PSL group (65% vs 29.6%, p = 0.0206). The mucosal healing rate was also significantly higher in the GMA + PSL group than in the PSL group (60% vs 26%, p = 0.0343). The combination of GMA and steroids may be more effective than steroids alone for inducing clinical remission and mucosal healing in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Positive zinc intake and a Japanese diet rich in n-3 fatty acids induces clinical remission in patients with mild active ulcerative colitis: a randomized interventional pilot study.

Zinc intake has reduced hospitalizations in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), highlighting the need to maintain blood zinc levels. This prospective study investigated whether the promotion of zinc intake and a Japanese diet (high in n-3 fatty acids) could induce clinical remission in patients with mild active UC. Patients with mild active UC were randomly assigned to either (1) continue an unrestricted diet or (2) receive nutritional guidance promoting zinc intake and a Japanese diet. The primary endpoint was clinical remission at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints were the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) scores, Clinical Activity Index (CAI), Geboes Histopathology Score (GHS), and biomarkers, including zinc levels, measured at 12 and 24 weeks. Nutritional assessments were performed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. The CAI, UCEIS, and GHS scores were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group, with a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving clinical remission. Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited weight gain and significantly increased blood zinc levels. The combination of promoting dietary zinc intake and a Japanese diet rich in n-3 fatty acids can induce clinical remission in patients with mild active UC.

Evaluation of an immunochromatography-based rapid antigen test, Inspecter Kowa® SARS-CoV-2, using saliva specimens for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a rapid and reliable point-of-care test is an essential tool for controlling the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In particular, an immunochromatography test (ICT) that uses saliva specimens for rapid antigen detection not only reduces the risk of secondary infections but also reduces the burden on medical personnel. METHODS: The newly developed salivary antigen test kit "Inspecter Kowa® SARS-CoV-2" is an ICT to which saliva specimens can be directly applied. We evaluated its usefulness in comparison with reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the Espline® SARS-CoV-2 Kit for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using nasopharyngeal swab specimens. In this study, 140 patients with suspected symptomatic COVID-19 who visited our hospital were enrolled, and nasopharyngeal swab and saliva specimens were collected after they consented to participate in the study. RESULTS: Inspector Kowa SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 45 of 61 (73.8%) saliva that were positive by RT-qPCR and the Espline® SARS-CoV-2 Kit was also positive in 56 of 60 (93.3%) Np swabs that were positive by RT-qPCR. Good antigen detection was achieved by ICT with saliva and nasopharyngeal swab specimens when viral load was ≥105 copies/mL, whereas detection sensitivity was low when viral load was <105 copies/mL, especially in saliva specimens. CONCLUSION: This ICT for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 salivary antigen is an attractive tool that does not require specialized equipment and allows patients to perform the entire process from sample collection to self-diagnose and to reduce the burden on medical care during a pandemic.

Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on hemodialysis patients in Japan: A nationwide cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the outcomes of dialysis patients who received SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with those who did not use data from the Japanese COVID-19 registry. METHODS: A total of 1260 dialysis patients with confirmed positive SARS-CoV-2 infection was included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who experienced breakthrough infection and those who were unvaccinated. The need of oxygen supplementation and mortality risks were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 24.2% in unvaccinated patients and 8.6% in breakthrough patients. The odds ratio of need of oxygen supplementation in the breakthrough patients relative to unvaccinated patients was 0.197. The hazard ratio of mortality in the breakthrough patients relative to unvaccinated patients was 0.464. CONCLUSION: Our prospective observational study showed that SRAS-CoV-2 vaccination in hemodialysis patients is vital for reducing need of oxygen supplementation and mortality risk.

Should More Patients with Kidney Failure Bring Treatment Home? What We Have Learned from COVID-19.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging healthcare systems worldwide and has placed hospitals and healthcare providers (HCPs) at the center of a global crisis. Disruptions to hospital priorities, and limitations placed on the mobility of societies, have contributed to changes in the way HCPs and patients view and access dialysis for kidney failure, including which dialysis modality is preferred. Summary: This article explores the dialysis experience within the COVID-19 pandemic environment in the Asia Pacific region and presents evidence that peritoneal dialysis (PD) provides benefits to patients, HCPs, and health systems. As the number of people infected with COVID-19 has increased, the advantages of PD as a dialysis modality for limiting the spread of COVID-19 infection has been recognized. Key Message: The utility of PD has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, ensuring that the usage of PD is maintained and increased in a post-pandemic future is key. Such a scenario could enhance our ability to care for patients without interruption in circumstances of unforeseen obstacles and supports the ability of healthcare systems and patients to overcome barriers to dialysis access.

Present status of renal replacement therapy in lower-middle-income Asian countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Bhutan as of June 2019 (before COVID-19), from the interviews of leading doctors in every country: (duplicated English publication from "the special Japanese edition of educational lectures in the 64th annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy").

The present status of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Bhutan as of June 2019 was reviewed from the interviews of leading doctors in every country. The timing was until just 6 months before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The cost per hemodialysis session was 25-70 US dollar and expensive if it is compared with average monthly income of every country. In Cambodia and Laos, patients must cover 100% of expenses for maintenance hemodialysis, in Myanmar, the government covers the cost of once-weekly dialysis sessions, in Vietnam, the government covers 80% of the cost, and in Mongolia and Bhutan, the cost is fully covered by the government. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was widely available in Vietnam and Mongolia, which have achieved a relative standard of social infrastructure, but is far from common in any of the other countries. The number of patients on dialysis is increasing with economic development in all countries. Diabetic nephropathy is a common primary reason for dialysis. None of the countries discussed in this article had clinical engineers who could maintain hemodialysis equipment and carry out clinical tasks in dialysis centers. Hospitals were not maintaining their equipment, and damaged units were kept in storage to be used for spare parts. None of the countries had dieticians to provide patients with dietary guidance. Establishment and training of both clinical engineers and registered dietitians are major projects that must be undertaken.

Investigation for the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine in Japanese CKD patients treated with hemodialysis.

Background: Dialysis patients are predisposed to severe disease and have a high mortality rate in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their comorbidities and immunocompromised conditions. Therefore, dialysis patients should be prioritized for vaccination. This study aimed to examine how long the effects of the vaccine are maintained and what factors affect antibody titers. Methods: Hemodialysis patients (HD group) and age- and sex-matched non-dialysis individuals (Control group), receiving two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine, were recruited through the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) Web site in July 2021. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (IgG) (SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers) was measured before vaccination, 3 weeks after the first vaccination, 2 weeks after the second vaccination, and 3 months after the second vaccination, and was compared between Control group and HD group. Factors affecting SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were also examined using multivariable regression analysis and stepwise regression analysis (least AIC). In addition, we compared adverse reactions in Control and HD groups and examined the relationship between adverse reactions and SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers. Results: Our study enrolled 123 participants in the Control group (62.6% men, median age 67.0 years) and 206 patients in the HD group (64.1% men, median age 66.4 years). HD group had significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers at 3 weeks after the first vaccination (p < 0.0001), 2 weeks after second vaccination (p = 0.0002), and 3 months after the second vaccination (p = 0.045) than Control group. However, the reduction rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers between 2 weeks and 3 months after the second vaccination was significantly smaller in HD group than in Control (p = 0.048). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that dialysis time was identified as the significant independent factors for SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers at 2 weeks after the second vaccination in HD group (p = 0.002) and longer dialysis time resulted in higher maximum antibody titers. The incidences of fever and nausea after the second vaccination were significantly higher in the HD group (p = 0.039 and p = 0.020). Antibody titers in those with fever were significantly higher than those without fever in both groups (HD: p = 0.0383, Control: p = 0.0096). Conclusion: HD patients had significantly lower antibody titers than age- and sex-matched non-dialysis individuals over 3 months after vaccination. Dialysis time was identified as a factor affecting SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers in HD group, with longer dialysis time resulting in higher maximum SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers.

Association between health literacy and purpose in life and life satisfaction among health management specialists: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose in life is anchored as a goal in national health promotion plans in several countries. Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, use, and evaluate health-related information; this ability has been investigated in terms of its effect on health outcomes and is said to play a critical role in health promotion. In the context of national health promotion, the effect of health literacy on purpose in life and life satisfaction remains unclear; therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of health literacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted on Japanese health management specialists (N = 1920). Health literacy was measured using the Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale. Purpose in life and life satisfaction were measured using the Ikigai-9 scale and a Likert scale, respectively. We analyzed the associations between health literacy and purpose in life and life satisfaction with regression analyses. Age, sex, income, education, marital status, psychological stress, and diseases as present illness were adjusted in the statistical models. Our multiple linear regressions indicated that health literacy was significantly associated with purpose in life (ß = 0.199, p < 0.001), after adjusting for covariates (age, sex, income, education, marital status, psychological factor, and disease status). Life satisfaction was also significantly associated with health literacy (ß = 0.126, p < 0.001). Health literacy is associated with purpose in life and life satisfaction among specialists in health management. Health literacy plays a critical role in lifestyle-related disease prevention and health promotion. Interventions to improve health literacy may be warranted in the context of national health promotion.

Committee report: Questionnaire survey on the treatment of COVID-19 in patients receiving dialysis therapy.

Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who receive dialysis therapy develop more severe disease and have a poorer prognosis than patients who do not. Although various data on the treatment of patients not receiving dialysis therapy have been reported, clinical practice for patients on dialysis is challenging as data is limited. The Infection Control Committee of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy decided to clarify the status of treatment in COVID-19 patients on dialysis. Methods: A questionnaire survey of 105 centers that had treated at least five COVID-19 patients on dialysis was conducted in August 2021. Results: Sixty-six centers (62.9%) responded to the questionnaire. Antivirals were administered in 27.7% of facilities treating mild disease (most patients received favipiravir) and 66.7% of facilities treating moderate disease (most patients with moderate or more severe conditions received remdesivir). Whether and how remdesivir is administered varies between centers. Steroids were initiated most frequently in moderate II disease (50.8%), while 43.1% of the facilities initiated steroids in mild or moderate I disease. The type of steroid, dose, and the duration of administration were generally consistent, with most facilities administering dexamethasone 6 mg orally or 6.6 mg intravenously for 10 days. Steroid pulse therapy was administered in 48.5% of the facilities, and tocilizumab was administered in 25.8% of the facilities, mainly to patients on ventilators or equivalent medications, or to the cases of exacerbations. Furthermore, some facilities used a polymethylmethacrylate membrane during dialysis, nafamostat as an anticoagulant, and continuous hemodiafiltration in severe cases. There was limited experience of polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column-direct hemoperfusion and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The discharge criteria for patients receiving dialysis therapy were longer than those set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 22.7% of the facilities. Conclusions: Our survey revealed a variety of treatment practices in each facility. Further evidence and innovations are required to improve the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 receiving dialysis therapy.

Super high-flux membrane dialyzers improve mortality in patients on hemodialysis: a 3-year nationwide cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: In Japan, dialyzers are classified based on ß2-microglobulin clearance. Type I dialyzers are classified as low-flux dialyzers (<10 mL/min clearance), type II and III as high-flux dialyzers (≥10 to <30 mL/min and ≥30 to <50 mL/min clearance, respectively), and type IV and V as super high-flux dialyzers (≥50 to <70 mL/min and ≥70 mL/min clearance, respectively). Super high-flux dialyzers are commonly used, but their superiority over low-flux dialyzers is controversial. METHODS: In this nationwide prospective cohort study, we analyzed Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry data collected at the end of 2008 and 2011. We enrolled 242,467 patients on maintenance hemodialysis and divided them into five groups by dialyzer type. We assessed the associations of each dialyzer type with 3-year all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards models and performed propensity score matching analysis, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: By the end of 2011, 53,172 (21.9%) prevalent dialysis patients had died. Mortality significantly decreased according to dialyzer type. Hazard ratios (HRs) were significantly higher for type I, II and III compared with type IV (reference) after adjustment for basic factors and further adjustment for dialysis-related factors. HR was significantly higher for type I, but significantly lower for type V, after further adjustment for nutrition- and inflammation-related factors. These significant findings were also evident after propensity score matching. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis using super high-flux dialyzers might reduce mortality. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify whether these type V dialyzers can improve prognosis.

Endo-wing versus transparent hood-assisted colonoscopy for colorectal adenoma detection: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to compare the mean number of adenomas in patients undergoing Endo-wing-assisted colonoscopy (EAC) and transparent hood-assisted colonoscopy (TAC). METHODS: Patients undergoing colonoscopy for positive fecal immunochemical tests, colon polyp surveillance, and evaluation of abdominal symptoms at a single institution were randomly assigned to the EAC or TAC group. The mean number of adenomas per patient, adenoma detection rate, cecal intubation time, withdrawal time, mean number of adenomas per location, and adenoma size were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 800 patients were enrolled. The EAC and TAC groups comprised 372 and 393 patients, respectively. The groups did not significantly differ with respect to cecal intubation and withdrawal times. The mean number of adenomas per patient was significantly higher in the EAC group (1.13 vs 0.90, P = 0.04), particularly in the sigmoid colon (0.54 [201/372] vs 0.38 [149/393], P = 0.04). The adenoma detection rates were 48.1% and 45.0% in the EAC and TAC groups, respectively, albeit without significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.393). The total number of sessile-type adenomas (0.73 [270/372] vs 0.47 [183/393], P < 0.0001) and small polyps (≤ 5 mm) (0.53 [198/372] vs 0.41 [159/393], P = 0.016) was significantly higher in the EAC group. CONCLUSION: Endo-wing-assisted colonoscopy is significantly superior to TAC in terms of the mean number of adenomas per patient.

Case Report: Kampo Medicine for Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Pulmonary Disease.

Background: While the number of pulmonary tuberculosis cases has decreased, increase in non-tuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a global problem. Guideline-based therapy for NTM-PD sometimes causes complications that prevent treatment completion, and there are many cases of relapse even if the treatment can be completed. In addition to antibacterial treatment, care of host risk factors, such as aging, lean physique and immunosuppressive state, is also very important for the management of NTM-PD. In Japan, Kampo medicine, a traditional Japanese herbal formulation, used alone or in combination with standard multidrug therapy for NTM-PD, has been found to be effective for such cases. Case Presentation: A 77-year-old lean woman had been diagnosed with Mycobacterium intracellulare pulmonary infection 6 years earlier, and had received the standard multidrug treatment 5 years later at a former hospital due to worsening of her symptoms of cough, breathlessness and hemoptysis. However, the treatment was discontinued within a year due to the development of adverse events. She refused the guideline-based antibacterial treatment, and asked for Kampo medicine instead. Bukuryoshigyakuto was subsequently prescribed, which led to cough and sputum, especially hemosputum, being well controlled. With 3 years of Kampo medicine treatment, she gained weight and her hemosputum disappeared. High-resolution computed tomography images showed improvement in her lung condition, and her sputum smear culture was negative for acid-fast bacillus. Conclusion: Various kinds of Kampo medicines have been used empirically for NTM-PD in Japan. A literature review from 1992 to 2020 showed that hozais, in particular, seem to be key drugs for the treatment of host NTM-PD risk factors. Kampo medicines can contribute to comprehensive treatment for NTM-PD management that does not rely solely on antibacterial drugs.

Survival and predictive factors in dialysis patients with COVID-19 in Japan: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, and the Japanese Society of Nephrology jointly established COVID-19 Task Force Committee and began surveying the number of newly infected patients. METHODS: This registry of the COVID-19 Task Force Committee was used to collect data of dialysis patients; a total of 1010 dialysis patients with COVID-19 were included in the analysis. Overall survival of patients was investigated with stratification by age group, complication status, and treatment. In addition, predictive factors for mortality were also investigated. The overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods and compared by using log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factor of mortality. For all statistical analyses, p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The mortality risk was increased with age (p < 0.001). The mortality risk was significantly higher in patients with peripheral arterial disease (HR: 1.49, 95% CI 1.05-2.10) and significantly lower in patients who were treated with remdesivir (HR: 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.98). Multivariate analysis showed increased risk of mortality with increment in BMI, and increment in CRP, and decreased risk with increment in albumin. CONCLUSION: Dialysis patients have a high severity of illness and a high risk of mortality in cases of COVID-19. Treatment with remdesivir might be effective in shortening the duration of hospitalization and reducing the risk of mortality.

Dialyzer surface area is a significant predictor of mortality in patients on hemodialysis: a 3-year nationwide cohort study.

A target Kt/V of > 1.4 and use of a high-flux dialyzer are recommended for patients on hemodialysis. However, there is little information on the relationship between the dialyzer surface area and mortality in these patients. In this nationwide cohort study, we aimed to clarify this relationship by analyzing data from the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy for 2010-2013. We enrolled 234,638 patients on hemodialysis who were divided according to quartile for dialyzer surface area into the S group (small, < 1.5 m2), M group (medium, 1.5 m2), L group (large, 1.6 to < 2.0 m2), or XL group (extra-large, ≥ 2.0 m2). We assessed the association of each group with 3-year mortality using Cox proportional hazards models and performed propensity score matching analysis. By the end of 2013, a total of 53,836 patients on dialysis (22.9%) had died. There was a significant decrease in mortality with larger dialyzer surface areas. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was significantly higher in the S group (1.15 [1.12-1.19], P < 0.0001) and significantly lower in the L group (0.89 [0.87-0.92] P < 0.0001) and XL group (0.75 [0.72-0.78], P < 0.0001) than in the M group as a reference after adjustment for all confounders. Findings were robust in several sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, the findings remained significant after propensity score matching. Hemodialysis using dialyzers, especially super high-flux dialyzers with a larger surface area might reduce mortality rates, and a surface area of ≥ 2.0 m2 is superior, even with the same Kt/V.