A total of 194 cases of liver cirrhosis, which had been treated in our hospital during the past 5 years, were calssified by the causes into the following four groups:(I) hepatitis B virus, (II) alcoholic, (III) special origins, and (IV) reasons unknown. They each accounted for 23.2%, 35.6%, 1.5% and 39.7%, of the total.
Their clinical features and prognosis were examined. To be noted is the finding that many patients in group IV had had blood transfusions. This suggests that non A non B hepatitis viruses might be involved in the occurrence of the liver disease. On the whole, the five-year survival rate was 45.6%. There was not any significant difference among the four groups. However, prognoses were poor in groups II, I and IV, in that order.
As regards the cause of death, rupture of esophageal varice and hepatic failure showed a gradual decline, but complications of hepatocellular carcinomas sharply increased. Especially, in group I, this mortality was as high as 31.1%.

Purpose: To clarify the family-perceived usefulness of a pamphlet for families of imminently dying patients. Methods: Physicians and/or nurses provided medical and practical information about the dying process using a pamphlet for families of imminently dying patients. We surveyed family members 6 months after the death of the patient about the perceived usefulness. Results: We sent out a questionnaire to 325 bereaved, and obtained an answer from 260 (response rate: 85%). Overall, 81% reported the pamphlet to be “very useful” or “useful”. The experience reported by the bereaved included: “Helped me to understand the dying process” (84%); “Helped me to understand how symptoms and changes occur” (76%), “Useful in preparation for patient's death“ (75%), “Helped me to understand the physical conditions of the patient” (75%), “Helped me to know what I can do for the patient” (74%). Conclusion: “A pamphlet for families of imminently dying patients” may be useful for members of an imminently dying patient's family.

The background and course of Kampo treatment in 39 patients with uncontrollable otolaryngeal symptoms treated between April 2013 and March 2016, in the Department of Kampo Medicine at Tohoku University Hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. An improvement in overall symptoms was noted with Kampo treatment in 28 of 39 cases (71%). The commonly reported subjective symptoms included glossodynia (7 cases), postnasal drip (4 cases), oral discomfort (4 cases), dizziness (3 cases), and taste disorder (3 cases). Analysis using the classification of qi, blood, and fluid revealed that cases with qi stagnation pattern (15 of 18 cases) were effectively treated with Kampo treatment. Prior reports support our finding that smoothing qi with Kampo medicine is effective in alleviating some chronic symptoms. The symptoms improved within 6 weeks after the treatment was initiated. Therefore, a 6-week period can be considered sufficient to determine the effectiveness of Kampo medicine. Many of the patients for whom Kampo treatment was not effective had depression and domestic stress. In conclusion, Kampo treatment may be effectively used to treat uncontrollable, chronic otolaryngeal symptoms in selected cases that are unresponsive to Western medicine.