Risk of authoritarianism: fibrinogen-transmitted hepatitis C in Japan

[Guest guest]

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607618674/abstract

The Lancet 2007; 370:2063-2067

DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61867-4

Public Health

Risk of authoritarianism: fibrinogen-transmitted hepatitis C in Japan

Hideo Yasunaga MD a

Summary

In 1977, the US Food and Drug Administration revoked all licences for fibrinogen

concentrate because of the risk for hepatitis infection and suspected lack of

effectiveness. However, in Japan, fibrinogen concentrate was used routinely for

treatment of obstetric bleeding until 1988. Even in 1997, academic texts by

Japanese authorities in obstetrics still recommended that obstetricians use the

product. An estimated 10 000 cases of hepatitis C infection are attributable

to use of fibrinogen in Japan and are a result of authoritarianism that hindered

effective policy changes. Scientists have a duty to refine repeatedly the

quality of their evidence, and policymakers need to adjust existing policies

continually to accord with the latest scientific evidence.

Affiliations

a. Department of Planning, Information and Management, University of Tokyo

Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Correspondence to: Hideo Yasunaga, Department of Planning, Information and

Management, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

_________________________________________________________________

Get the power of Windows + Web with the new Windows Live.

http://www.windowslive.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_Wave2_powerofwindows_122007

[Guest guest]

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607618674/abstract

The Lancet 2007; 370:2063-2067

DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61867-4

Public Health

Risk of authoritarianism: fibrinogen-transmitted hepatitis C in Japan

Hideo Yasunaga MD a

Summary

In 1977, the US Food and Drug Administration revoked all licences for fibrinogen

concentrate because of the risk for hepatitis infection and suspected lack of

effectiveness. However, in Japan, fibrinogen concentrate was used routinely for

treatment of obstetric bleeding until 1988. Even in 1997, academic texts by

Japanese authorities in obstetrics still recommended that obstetricians use the

product. An estimated 10 000 cases of hepatitis C infection are attributable

to use of fibrinogen in Japan and are a result of authoritarianism that hindered

effective policy changes. Scientists have a duty to refine repeatedly the

quality of their evidence, and policymakers need to adjust existing policies

continually to accord with the latest scientific evidence.

Affiliations

a. Department of Planning, Information and Management, University of Tokyo

Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Correspondence to: Hideo Yasunaga, Department of Planning, Information and

Management, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

_________________________________________________________________

Get the power of Windows + Web with the new Windows Live.

http://www.windowslive.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_Wave2_powerofwindows_122007

[Guest guest]

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607618674/abstract

The Lancet 2007; 370:2063-2067

DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61867-4

Public Health

Risk of authoritarianism: fibrinogen-transmitted hepatitis C in Japan

Hideo Yasunaga MD a

Summary

In 1977, the US Food and Drug Administration revoked all licences for fibrinogen

concentrate because of the risk for hepatitis infection and suspected lack of

effectiveness. However, in Japan, fibrinogen concentrate was used routinely for

treatment of obstetric bleeding until 1988. Even in 1997, academic texts by

Japanese authorities in obstetrics still recommended that obstetricians use the

product. An estimated 10 000 cases of hepatitis C infection are attributable

to use of fibrinogen in Japan and are a result of authoritarianism that hindered

effective policy changes. Scientists have a duty to refine repeatedly the

quality of their evidence, and policymakers need to adjust existing policies

continually to accord with the latest scientific evidence.

Affiliations

a. Department of Planning, Information and Management, University of Tokyo

Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Correspondence to: Hideo Yasunaga, Department of Planning, Information and

Management, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

_________________________________________________________________

Get the power of Windows + Web with the new Windows Live.

http://www.windowslive.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_Wave2_powerofwindows_122007

[Guest guest]

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673607618674/abstract

The Lancet 2007; 370:2063-2067

DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61867-4

Public Health

Risk of authoritarianism: fibrinogen-transmitted hepatitis C in Japan

Hideo Yasunaga MD a

Summary

In 1977, the US Food and Drug Administration revoked all licences for fibrinogen

concentrate because of the risk for hepatitis infection and suspected lack of

effectiveness. However, in Japan, fibrinogen concentrate was used routinely for

treatment of obstetric bleeding until 1988. Even in 1997, academic texts by

Japanese authorities in obstetrics still recommended that obstetricians use the

product. An estimated 10 000 cases of hepatitis C infection are attributable

to use of fibrinogen in Japan and are a result of authoritarianism that hindered

effective policy changes. Scientists have a duty to refine repeatedly the

quality of their evidence, and policymakers need to adjust existing policies

continually to accord with the latest scientific evidence.

Affiliations

a. Department of Planning, Information and Management, University of Tokyo

Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Correspondence to: Hideo Yasunaga, Department of Planning, Information and

Management, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

_________________________________________________________________

Get the power of Windows + Web with the new Windows Live.

http://www.windowslive.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_Wave2_powerofwindows_122007