Reference intervals of red blood cell parameters and platelet count for healthy adults in Japan.

Although it is known that red blood cell (RBC) parameters and platelet count depend on ethnicity and sex, their reference intervals in healthy Asian populations are limited. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for RBC parameters and platelet count for healthy adults in Japan. A total of 750 healthy adults (447 women and 303 men; median age 40 years (18-67 years) at seven Japanese centers who participated in regular medical checkups entered this study. Their RBC parameters and platelet count were measured using automated hematocytometers. The reference intervals of the RBC parameters and platelet count according to sex in healthy adults were determined. There was an age-specific decrease in RBC counts and an age-specific increase in mean corpuscular volume in men. This study emphasizes the need to consider sex and age in the clinical use of reference intervals of RBC parameters.

Reference intervals of white blood cell parameters for healthy adults in japan.

INTRODUCTION: While white blood cell (WBC) parameters have been suggested to depend on ethnicity and gender, reference intervals in healthy Asian populations are limited. The present study established reference intervals of WBC parameters for healthy adults in Japan. METHODS: A total of 750 healthy adults (447 women and 303 men; 18-67 years old, median 40 years old) at 7 Japanese centers who participated in regular medical checkups entered this study. The WBC parameters were measured using automated hematocytometers and blood film reviews by a manual microscopic examination. RESULTS: The reference intervals of the WBC parameters according to gender in healthy adults were determined. Age-specific decreases in WBC counts of both gender groups and in neutrophil counts of women were noted. Favorable correlations between the hematocytometer and microscopic methods were found in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils but not in monocytes or basophils. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the need to consider gender and age in the clinical use of reference intervals of WBC parameters.

[Diagnostic Ability of Natriuretic Peptides for Heart Failure According to eGFR Level: Comparison between Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Amino-Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide].

Although the influence of reduced kidney function on natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] and amino terminal probrain natriuretic peptide [NT]) is clear, effect of kidney function on the difference of diagnostic ability for heart failure by these peptides is not obvious. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between natriuretic peptide concentrations and echocardiographic findings according to eGFR level of the patients. In addition, we compared diagnostic ability of BNP with that of NT according to eGFR level. The eGFR levels were classified by based on CKD stage (≥ 60, 45-59, 30-44, 15-29, < 15 and on maintenance HD). Patients who underwent the measurements of BNP, NT and serum creatinine concentrations, as well as echocardiography between March and October in 2011 were enrolled (n = 1,297). The left ventricular mass index was greater in patients with eGFR < 60 than in those with eGFR ≥ 60, but EF (%) was not different among eGFR level (except eGFR30-44). The percentage of patients with heart failure in those with eGFR < 60 (16.0%) was more than eGFR ≥ 60 (5.8%). Median BNP and NT concentrations were elevated in association with decreasing eGFR level. Using receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve for BNP and NT that stratified subjects with or without heart failure was not different among eGFR level. In conclusion, BNP and NT levels are elevated depend on decreasing eGFR level, BNP and NT are comparable in the accuracy for diagnosing heart failure at every eGFR level. The cut-off value of BNP and NT should be established according to the eGFR level.

Association of ITPA polymorphism with outcomes of peginterferon-α plus ribavirin combination therapy.

AIM: To analyzed the association between inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) (rs1127354) genotypes and sustained virological response (SVR) rates in peginterferon (Peg-IFN)α + ribavirin (RBV) treatment. METHODS: Patients who underwent Peg-IFNα + RBV combination therapy were enrolled (n = 120) and they had no history of other IFN-based treatments. Variation in hemoglobin levels during therapy, cumulative reduction of RBV dose, frequency of treatment withdrawal, and SVR rates were investigated in each ITPA genotype. RESULTS: In patients with ITPA CC genotype, hemoglobin decline was significantly greater and the percentage of patients in whom total RBV dose was < 60% of standard and/or treatment was withdrawn was significantly higher compared with CA/AA genotype. However, SVR rates were equivalent between CC and CA/AA genotypes, and within a subset of patients with Interleukin 28B (IL28B) (rs8099917) TT genotype, SVR rates tended to be higher in patients with ITPA CC genotype, although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: ITPA CC genotype was a disadvantageous factor for Peg-IFNα + RBV treatment in relation to completion rates and RBV dose. However, CC genotype was not inferior to CA/AA genotype for SVR rates. When full-length treatment is accomplished, it is plausible that more SVR is achieved in patients with ITPA CC variant, especially in a background of IL28B TT genotype.