Kazumasa Suzuki

Publications (25)54.32 Total impact

• Article: Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Tohoku district of Japan: a longitudinal analysis from 1998 to 2007.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Katsushi Nishimaki, Kaori Okuyama, Tadashi Katoh, Minoru Yasujima, Junichi Chihara, Akira Suwabe, Yoko Shibata, Choichiro Takahashi, Hiroaki Takeda, Shiro Ida, Mitsuo Kaku, Akira Watanabe, Toshihiro Nukiwa, Kazunao Niitsuma, Keiji Kanemitsu, Motoaki Takayanagi, Isao Ohno
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains with reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial agents has dramatically increased worldwide. Susceptibility to nine antimicrobial agents and serotypes were determined among 1,644 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with RTIs in the Tohoku district of Japan from October to December every year from 1998 to 2007. The prevalence of penicillin G-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP) strains increased gradually from 48.5% in 1998, reached a statistical peak in 2004 (65.1%) and then decreased to 51.5% in 2007. Streptococcus pneumoniae strains with each serotype 3, 6, 19 and 23 were constantly detected, and the distribution of these serotypes in PNSP strains did not significantly change during the study period. A trend of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains nonsusceptible to other beta-lactams tested was similar to that of PNSP strains, except for cefditoren, to which the resistance rate was < 20% throughout the analysis period. The prevalence of strains nonsusceptible to erythromycin and minocycline were consistently > 60%. Almost all penicillin G-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) strains were resistant to both erythromycin and minocycline throughout the analysis period. The prevalence of strains resistant to fluoroquinolones tested were < 3% over the study period. Our longitudinal surveillance demonstrated for the first time that decreased prevalence of both beta-lactam- and multidrug-resistant strains has been occurring since 2004 in a region of Japan. Careful monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae should be continued.
  The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 01/2010; 220(1):47-57. · 1.24 Impact Factor
• Article: Panic attack associated with flumazenil at electroconvulsive therapy session.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Takehisa Takano, Ko Fujiyama, Youichirou Tanabe, Hiroo Matsuoka
  The journal of ECT 07/2009; 25(2):145. · 1.19 Impact Factor
• Article: Repeated electroconvulsive therapy courses improved chronic regional pain with depression caused by failed back syndrome.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Yukio Ebina, Tsuyoshi Shindo, Takehisa Takano, Shuichi Awata, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is reported to be effective for intractable chronic pain with depression. However, not much has been done to clarify the ECT target in patients, whether the pain or the depression. We report a case of intractable chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with secondary depression in which the depression was treated successfully with an initial acute ECT course, and the pain finally improved with two additional ECT courses. The patient was a 48-year-old woman with CRPS and depression caused by failed back syndrome. The CRPS with depression did not respond to standard treatments. A course of bilateral acute ECT (12 sessions) improved the depressive symptoms but not the pain. The depression relapsed 1 month after the response to ECT. A second course of acute ECT (20 sessions) followed by continuation ECT (11 sessions) improved the depression but not the pain. The depression recurred 1 year after the response to acute ECT. A third course of acute ECT (12 sessions) finally improved the pain and resolved the depression. Our experience in thin case suggests that the therapeutic target in patients with chronic organic pain and secondary depression should be the pain; repeated ECT courses are likely to be effective for the pain, although the depression may resolve first.
  Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research 05/2009; 15(4):CS77-9. · 1.70 Impact Factor
• Article: Should we convert demand mode to fixed mode when electroconvulsive therapy is administered to patients with pacemakers?

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Kousei Takamatsu, Takehisa Takano, Youichirou Tanabe, Hiroo Matsuoka
  The journal of ECT 04/2009; 25(1):76. · 1.19 Impact Factor
• Article: Safety of electroconvulsive therapy in psychiatric patients shortly after the occurrence of pulmonary embolism.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Kousei Takamatsu, Takehisa Takano, Youichirou Tanabe, Ko Fujiyama, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: We encountered 2 patients with a psychiatric disorder (depression in one and catatonia in one) accompanied by motor inhibition that was complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE). In both cases, the psychiatric disorder was safely resolved with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during anticoagulant therapy. The 2 cases direct our attention to at least 3 important points regarding safe administration of ECT shortly after the occurrence of PE, that is, careful evaluation of cardiac function and residual deep vein thrombosis before the start of an ECT course, adjustment of anticoagulants, and prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and PE by methods in addition to anticoagulant therapy (fluid infusion, use of support hose, and timely ECT).
  The journal of ECT 08/2008; 24(4):286-8. · 1.19 Impact Factor
• Article: Catatonia complicated by pneumothorax successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Masahiro Katsura, Yukio Ebina, Takehisa Takano, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: We describe 2 patients with catatonia who developed the complication of pneumothorax, the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity leading to collapse of a lung. Electroconvulsive therapy was safely administered to resolve catatonia, with special attention to managing pneumothorax by insertion of a thoracostomy tube and careful management of ventilation.
  Journal of Ect 01/2008; 23(4):284-5. · 1.54 Impact Factor
• Article: A case of catatonia resembling frontotemporal dementia and resolved with electroconvulsive therapy.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Takehisa Takano, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: We describe a case of catatonia in a 51-year-old man in whom the catatonic symptoms could not be distinguished from symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) until they were resolved with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). When it is difficult to distinguish between catatonia and FTD in patients with frontal dysfunction associated with frontal lobe atrophy, we believe that sequential administration of benzodiazepines and ECT is important for therapeutic diagnosis because the risk of missing a diagnosis of catatonia outweighs the risks associated with administration of benzodiazepines and/or ECT.
  The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry 11/2007; 10(3):245-7. · 2.38 Impact Factor
• Article: Continuation electroconvulsive therapy to prevent relapse of schizophrenia in relapse-prone patients.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Takehisa Takano, Yukio Ebina, Kosei Takamatsu, Shuichi Awata, Hiroo Matsuoka
  Journal of Ect 10/2007; 23(3):204-5. · 1.54 Impact Factor
• Article: Short‐and Long‐term Efficacy of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Late‐life Depression: A Pilot Study

  Shuichi Awata, Kazumasa Suzuki, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often administered among the elderly, who are particularly likely to have concurrent medical conditions and medication intolerance.Objective: To examine the short-and long-term efficacy of ECT for late-life depression, we performed a two-phase, prospective, naturalistic follow-up study that compared treatment outcome in old-aged with that in middle-aged subjects.Methods: Phase I study: Twenty-one subjects who were consecutively referred for ECT, aged at least 50 years, and met the DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode were enrolled. Before ECT, severity of concurrent medical conditions was assessed with the cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS). Before and after a course of ECT, the severity of depressive symptoms was evaluated with the 17-item Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D). Phase II study: Seventeen subjects who responded to an acute ECT course in the phase I study were enrolled. Various continuation medications were administered, and symptoms were monitored and evaluated with the HAM-D for 24 weeks or until relapse.Results: Overall the subjects had an 81 % short-term response rate and a 47% relapse rate within 24 weeks after ECT. Response and relapse rates were not significantly different between the middle-and old-aged groups (response rates: 91% vs. 70%; relapse rates: 40% vs. 57%). However, the old-aged patients had higher post-ECT HAM-D scores than the middle-aged patients did (P<0.05), and CIRS scores positively correlated with post-ECT HAM-D scores (P<0.05). Relapsers tended to have higher CIRS scores than non-relapsers did (P=0.06).Conclusion: In late-life depression, the short-term response rate to ECT is considerably good, but the relapse rate was relatively high. Clinicians need to take into consideration the age of patient and any concurrent medical conditions, when planning long-term management of residual depressive symptoms and prevention of relapse after an initial good response to ECT.
  Psychogeriatrics 08/2007; 2(2):93 - 102. · 1.21 Impact Factor
• Article: Resolution of catatonia by successful seizure induction via electroconvulsive therapy with electrodes applied bilaterally to the parietotemporal region.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Tsuyoshi Shindo, Masahiro Katsura, Kousei Takamatsu, Yukio Ebina, Takehisa Takano, Shuichi Awata, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be effective in cases of medically intractable mood disorder and schizophrenia. However, some patients receiving ECT have only a short electroencephalographic seizure or no seizure at the maximum stimulus intensity and thus fail to obtain a therapeutic effect. A new treatment option is needed to induce therapeutic seizures in such patients. We report a case of catatonic schizophrenia that was resolved by successful seizure induction by means of ECT with electrodes applied bilaterally to the parietotemporal region after bifrontotemporal ECT failed to induce adequate seizure. We note that parietotemporal ECT can induce therapeutic seizures in patients with a high seizure threshold because more current penetrates the brain due to a decrease in shunted current.
  Journal of Ect 07/2007; 23(2):103-5. · 1.54 Impact Factor
• Article: Agitated depression successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy combined with steroid cover in a patient with Addison's disease.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Shuichi Awata, Yasunori Oyama, Megumi Fujiyama, Takehisa Takano, Akira Sugawara, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: We report the case of a 70-year-old man with Addison's disease who developed severe agitated depression resulting in life-threatening medical conditions. The depression was treated safely with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) combined with steroid cover. Administration of steroid cover just before each ECT session may increase safety of the ECT procedure in psychiatric patients with Addison's disease.
  Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 06/2007; 31(4):956-8. · 3.25 Impact Factor
• Article: Prolonged residual catatonia or prolonged neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism following catatonic stupor in a patient with manic-depressive illness.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Takehisa Takano, Kae Ito, Yukio Ebina, Hiroo Matsuoka, Shuichi Awata
  Movement Disorders 02/2007; 22(1):152-3. · 4.51 Impact Factor
• Article: Hysteria presenting as a prodrome to catatonic stupor in a depressive patient resolved with electroconvulsive therapy.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Yayoi Koizumi, Shuichi Awata, Hiroo Matsuoka
  Journal of Ect 01/2007; 22(4):276. · 1.54 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: Tsuyoshi Shindo

  Article: Improvement of psychiatric symptoms after electroconvulsive therapy in young adults with intractable first-episode schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Shuichi Awata, Takehisa Takano, Yukio Ebina, Kosei Takamatsu, Toshihiko Kajiwara, Kae Ito, Tsuyoshi Shindo, Shunichi Funakoshi, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder that develops mainly in young adults. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is known to be effective and safe in patients with schizophrenia with acute psychotic exacerbation. Because of the shortage of systematic studies, we conducted a prospective naturalistic study to examine the short-term effects of acute ECT and its safety in young adults with medically intractable first-episode schizophrenia. Subjects were seven consecutive patients, 15-35 years of age, with first-episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition; DSM-IV), who had failed to respond to neuroleptics. The seven patients were treated with a first course of ECT, and their clinical symptoms were evaluated on the basis of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) (18 items, rated 0-6) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. The GAF Scale is presented in DSM-IV as a means of assessing global functioning of a psychiatric patient. Scores range from 1-100; the higher GAF score indicates the higher global functioning. Adverse effects resulting from acute ECT were also evaluated. The total BPRS score 1 week after the final session improved significantly compared to the total pre-ECT BPRS score. The GAF score also improved significantly compared to the pre-ECT GAF score. There were no adverse effects during the acute ECT course, except for mild delirium. We conclude that ECT may be an effective and safe treatment option for young adults with intractable first-episode schizophrenia.
  The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 12/2006; 210(3):213-20. · 1.24 Impact Factor
• Article: Catatonic stupor superimposed on hereditary spinocerebellar degeneration resolved with electroconvulsive therapy.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Kae Itou, Takehisa Takano, Nobuhiko Harada, Shuichi Awata, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: We report a 58-year-old woman with catatonic stupor superimposed on hereditary spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) and psychotic depression. The catatonia and psychotic depression resolved with 11 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Early recognition of catatonia during the course of SCD is important for timely administration of ECT.
  Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 09/2006; 30(6):1179-81. · 3.25 Impact Factor
• Article: Adjusting the frequency of continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy to prevent relapse of catatonic schizophrenia in middle-aged and elderly patients who are relapse-prone.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Shuichi Awata, Takehisa Takano, Yukio Ebina, Tsuyoshi Shindo, Nobuhiko Harada, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The purpose of the present paper was to study the effect of continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the prevention of relapse in middle-aged and elderly patients with intractable catatonic schizophrenia. It was found that continuation ECT is efficacious to sustain remission for patients who suffer relapse after response to acute ECT despite continuation neuroleptics. However, three patients suffered relapse during continuation ECT, therefore the effect of adjusting the frequency of continuation ECT and maintenance ECT was investigated in these patients with catatonic schizophrenia who relapsed during continuation ECT. These patients with DSM-IV catatonic schizophrenia who relapsed during continuation ECT were treated with more frequent continuation ECT and subsequent maintenance ECT after response to acute ECT. The patients' Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores were prospectively evaluated until relapse. Patients were considered to be relapsers if they had a BPRS score >or=37 for 3 consecutive days. The three patients with catatonic schizophrenia who relapsed during continuation ECT were treated successfully with more frequent continuation ECT and subsequent maintenance ECT. No patient experienced a severe adverse effect from continuation or maintenance ECT. More frequent continuation ECT and maintenance ECT deserves consideration in middle-aged and elderly patients with intractable catatonic schizophrenia who suffer relapse during continuation ECT. Large-scale systematic studies are warranted to investigate the optimum use of continuation and maintenance ECT in patients with catatonic schizophrenia.
  Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 08/2006; 60(4):486-92. · 2.13 Impact Factor
• Article: Resolution of SPECT-determined anterior cerebral hypoperfusion correlated with maintenance ECT-derived improvement in residual symptoms in a case of late-life psychotic depression.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Shuichi Awata, Takehisa Takano, Yukio Ebina, Shinichi Numata, Atsushi Saito, Kae Ito, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: A 70-year-old widow with recurrent psychotic depression was successfully treated with maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for 4 years up to the present. Anterior cerebral hypoperfusion visualized by single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) before ECT persisted (second SPECT study 14 days after the last ECT session) despite a response to the first course of acute ECT. Only mild symptoms remained. Relapse occurred 2 weeks after the post-ECT SPECT study. The hypoperfusion improved after response to a second course of acute ECT (per SPECT 5 days after the last ECT session), and perfusion was normalized after 2-year maintenance ECT (per SPECT 14 days after the last ECT session). The normalization coincided with improvement in depressive symptoms remaining after the second course of acute ECT. We speculate that the effectiveness of maintenance ECT might have been in part the result of the improvement in residual symptoms and that resolution of the persistent anterior hypoperfusion, which might underlie medical refractoriness, illness chronicity, and relapse tendency in late-life depression, might have been associated with the improvement in residual symptoms achieved by maintenance ECT.
  Clinical Nuclear Medicine 06/2006; 31(5):253-5. · 3.67 Impact Factor
• Article: Epileptic seizures superimposed on catatonic stupor.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Nobuyoshi Miura, Shuichi Awata, Yukio Ebina, Takehisa Takano, Tomoko Honda, Tsuyoshi Shindo, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Some patients with nonconvulsive status epilepticus are known to exhibit catatonic stupor. Thus it is necessary to rule out ictal catatonia by electroencephalography in patients with catatonic stupor. However, few reports are available on epileptic seizures superimposed on catatonic stupor. We report three cases of epileptic seizures superimposed on psychiatric catatonic stupor without a prominent predisposing factor, including high fever or encephalitis. None of the patients had a personal or family history of neurologic disease, including epilepsy. In all three patients, catatonic stupor persisted after resolution of the epileptic seizures with administration of phenytoin. In two of the three patients, catatonic stupor resolved with electroconvulsive therapy, which caused no marked adverse effects. Because it is possible that catatonic stupor itself predisposes patients to the development of epileptic seizures, electroencephalographic examinations in patients with catatonic stupor are indispensable for early recognition not only of nonconvulsive status epilepticus but also of epileptic seizures superimposed on catatonic stupor. Electroconvulsive therapy deserves consideration when catatonic stupor persists after resolution of epileptic seizures.
  Epilepsia 05/2006; 47(4):793-8. · 3.96 Impact Factor
• Article: Catatonic stupor during the course of Parkinson's disease resolved with electroconvulsive therapy.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Shuichi Awata, Kae Nakagawa, Takehisa Takano, Hiroo Matsuoka
  Movement Disorders 02/2006; 21(1):123-4. · 4.51 Impact Factor
• Article: Successful use of continuation electroconvulsive therapy in a case of late-onset Leonhard's confusion psychosis.

  Kazumasa Suzuki, Shuichi Awata, Junpei Suzuki, Hitoshi Iwasaki, Takehisa Takano, Hiroo Matsuoka
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: A 56-year-old married woman with late-onset Leonhard's confusion psychosis was treated successfully with acute electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after failing to respond to antidepressants, neuroleptics, and benzodiazepines. Symptoms relapsed within 1 year despite the combined use of olanzapine and paroxetine. The patient responded to a second course of acute ECT, but a second relapse occurred within 3 months despite her use of olanzapine and paroxetine. The symptoms resolved with continuation ECT and lithium combined with paroxetine after response to a third course of acute ECT. To date, relapse has been prevented for 2 years. Continuation ECT and lithium combined with paroxetine after response to acute ECT may be effective in maintaining remission of Leonhard's confusion psychosis.
  Journal of Ect 01/2006; 21(4):251-2. · 1.54 Impact Factor