Does the P Value Have a Future in Plant Pathology?

The P value (significance level) is possibly the mostly widely used, and also misused, quantity in data analysis. P has been heavily criticized on philosophical and theoretical grounds, especially from a Bayesian perspective. In contrast, a properly interpreted P has been strongly defended as a measure of evidence against the null hypothesis, H0. We discuss the meaning of P and null-hypothesis statistical testing, and present some key arguments concerning their use. P is the probability of observing data as extreme as, or more extreme than, the data actually observed, conditional on H0 being true. However, P is often mistakenly equated with the posterior probability that H0 is true conditional on the data, which can lead to exaggerated claims about the effect of a treatment, experimental factor or interaction. Fortunately, a lower bound for the posterior probability of H0 can be approximated using P and the prior probability that H0 is true. When one is completely uncertain about the truth of H0 before an experiment (i.e., when the prior probability of H0 is 0.5), the posterior probability of H0 is much higher than P, which means that one needs P values lower than typically accepted for statistical significance (e.g., P = 0.05) for strong evidence against H0. When properly interpreted, we support the continued use of P as one component of a data analysis that emphasizes data visualization and estimation of effect sizes (treatment effects).

The prevalence and significance of oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity in breast cancer at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica / Prevalencia y significación de la positividad del receptor de estrógeno (RE) en el cáncer de mama en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies, Jamaica

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity, and determine the relationship of ER status with patient and tumour characteristics, in patients with breast cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted regarding the prevalence and clinical significance of ER in patients with breast cancer at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). Oestrogen receptor status results of 243 patients treated at UHWI were collected for the period January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2009. One hundred and ninety-nine were available for review. RESULTS: Oestrogen receptor status was positive in 125 (63%) and negative in 74 (37%) patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 52.6 ± 13.0 years for the ER positive group and 58.5 ± 14.23 years for the ER negative group. Postmenopausal women accounted for 55.2% and 64.9% of the ER positive and negative groups, respectively. Mean BMI was 28.0 kg/m² and 29.6 kg/m² for the ER positive and negative groups, respectively. Menarche occurred mainly between ages 12 and 13 years for both groups. Mean age at 1st parity was 23.4 years for the ER positive and 21.4 years for the ER negative group with median parity of two for both groups. The most prevalent risk factors were oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use (24.3% for the ER positive group, 17.1% for the ER negative group), family history of breast cancer (12.0%; 13.4%) and previous smoking (8.4%; 6.9%). Tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage was Stage II in most cases (46%; 49%). Infiltrating ductal histology was most common (81.5%; 87.7%). Her 2/ neu status was negative for most patients (91.3%; 91.5%). Most patients were disease free (77.6%; 70.0%) after an average follow-up period of 3.5 years. More persons in the ER negative group had locoregional recurrence (8%) and metastases (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Oestrogen receptor positive cohort was more prevalent. The ER negative group was older (p = 0.003).

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prevalencia del receptor de la positividad de receptor de estrógeno (RE), y determinar la relación del estatus de RE con el paciente y las características del tumor, en las pacientes con cáncer de mama. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con respecto a la prevalencia e importancia clínica del RE en los pacientes con cáncer de mama en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies (UHWI). Se recogieron los resultados del estatus del receptor de estrógeno de 243 pacientes tratados en UHWI en el periodo del 1 de enero de 2002 al 31 de diciembre de 2009. Ciento noventa y nueve estuvieron disponibles para examen. RESULTADOS: El estatus del receptor de estrógeno fue positivo en 125 (63%) y negativo en 74 (37%) pacientes. La edad promedio al momento del diagnóstico fue 52.6 ± 13.0 años para el grupo de RE positivo y 58.5 ± 14.23 años para el RE grupo negativo. Las mujeres menopáusicas representaron el 55.2% y el 64.9% del RE de los grupos positivos y negativos respectivamente. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) promedio fue 28.0 kg/m2 y 29.6 kg/m2 para el RE de los grupos positivos y negativos respectivamente. La menarquia ocurrió principalmente entre las edades de 12 y 13 años para ambos grupos. La edad promedio en la primera paridad fue 23.4 años para el grupo de RE positivo y 21.4 años para el de RE negativo, siendo la paridad mediana igual a dos para ambos grupos. Los factores de riesgo de mayor preponderancia fueron el uso de anticonceptivos orales (ACO) (24. 3% para el grupo de RE positivo, 17.1% para el grupo RE negativo); historia familiar de cáncer de mama (12.0%; 13.4%); y hábito de fumar con anterioridad (8.4%; 6.9%). De acuerdo con la estadificación tumor-nódulo-metástasis (TNM), se trataba de la Etapa II en la mayor parte de los casos (46%; 49%). La histología ductal infiltrante fue la más común (81.5%; 87.7%). El estatus Her2/neu fue negativo para la mayoría de las pacientes (91.3%; 91.5%). La mayoría de las pacientes se hallaban libres de enfermedad (77.6%; 70.0%) después de un periodo promedio de seguimiento de 3.5 años. En el grupo de RE negativo había más personas con recurrencia locoregional (8%) y metástasis (22%). CONCLUSIONES: La cohorte positiva del receptor de estrógeno positiva fue más prevaleciente. El grupo negativo de RE fue de mayor edad (p = 0.003).

The prevalence and significance of oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity in breast cancer at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity, and determine the relationship of ER status with patient and tumour characteristics, in patients with breast cancer SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted regarding the prevalence and clinical significance of ER in patients with breast cancer at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). Oestrogen receptor status results of 243 patients treated at UHWI were collected for the period January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2009. One hundred and ninety-nine were available for review. RESULTS: Oestrogen receptor status was positive in 125 (63%) and negative in 74 (37%) patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 52.6 +/- 13.0 years for the ER positive group and 58.5 +/- 14.23 years for the ER negative group. Postmenopausal women accounted for 55.2% and 64.9% of the ER positive and negative groups, respectively. Mean BMI was 28.0 kg/m2 and 29.6 kg/m2 for the ER positive and negative groups, respectively. Menarche occurred mainly between ages 12 and 13 years for both groups. Mean age at 1st parity was 23.4 years for the ER positive and 21.4 years for the ER negative group with median parity of two for both groups. The most prevalent risk factors were oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use (24.3% for the ER positive group, 17.1% for the ER negative group), family history of breast cancer (12.0%; 13.4%) and previous smoking (8.4%; 6.9%). Tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage was Stage II in most cases (46%; 49%). Infiltrating ductal histology was most common (81.5%; 87.7%). Her 2/ neu status was negative for most patients (91.3%; 91.5%). Most patients were disease free (77.6%; 70.0%) after an average follow-up period of 3.5 years. More persons in the ER negative group had locoregional recurrence (8%) and metastases (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Oestrogen receptor positive cohort was more prevalent. The ER negative group was older (p = 0.003).

Clinicopathological features of atypical nephrotic syndrome in jamaican children / Características clínico-patológicas del síndrome nefrótico atípico en los niños jamaicanos

OBJECTIVES: To document the histopathological spectrum of atypical nephrotic syndrome in Jamaican children and to make clinicopathological correlations which will assist physicians in identifying patients needing nephrology consultation. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of renal biopsy data of Jamaican children who were referred to the University Hospital of the West Indies and the Bustamante Hospital for Children between January 1985 and December 2008. The study population consisted of children < 12 years old with atypical nephrotic syndrome. RESULTS: Biopsies were done in 157 children - 85 males and 72 females (mean age 8.91 ± 3.44 years). Indications for biopsy were steroid resistance (35%), frequent relapses (8.9%) and other atypical presentations (56.1%). Overall, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesGN) was the commonest histology (49/157, 31.2%), followed by minimal change disease (MCD) (36/157, 22.9%) and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) (26/157, 16.6%). Infection was present in 38/157 (24%) cases. Diffuse proli ferative glomerulonephritis was the predominant type associated with streptococcal infection (52.9%) while Hepatitis B was seen in 83% ofcases ofmembranous nephropathy. CONCLUSION: Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis is the commonest histology seen in Jamaican children with atypical nephrotic syndrome. Most membranous nephropathy is Hepatitis B related. Hypertension with hypocomplementaemia, renal failure and anaemia are features ofmore serious renal disease (eg membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and crescentic nephritis) rather than MCNS and should warrant urgent nephrology consultation for renal biopsy.

OBJETIVOS: Documentar el espectro histopatológico del síndrome nefrótico atípico en los niños jamaicanos y hacer correlaciones clínico-patológicas que ayuden a los médicos a identificar pacientes que necesitan la consulta de nefrología.. MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de datos de biopsias renales de niños jamaicanos remitidos al Hospital Universitario de West Indies y al Hospital Pediátrico Bustamante, entre enero de 1985 y diciembre de 2008. La población del estudio consistió en niños < 12 años de edad que padecían el síndrome nefrótico atípico. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron biopsias a 157 niños - 85 varones y 72 hembras (edad promedio 8.91 + 3.44 años). Las indicaciones para la biopsia se debieron a resistencia a los esteroides (35%), recaídas frecuentes (8.9%) y otras manifestaciones atípicas (56.1%). En general, la glomerulonefritis proliferativa mesangial (GNMes) fue la histología más común con 49/157 (31.2%), seguida por la enfermedad de cambio mínimo (ECM) con 36/157(22.9%) y la glomerulonefritis proliferativa difusa (GNPD) con 26/157 (16.6%). La infección estuvo presente en 38/157 (24%) de los casos. La glomerulonefritis proliferativa difusa fue el tipo predominante asociado con la infección estreptocóccica (52.9%), mientras que Hepatitis B fue observada en el 83% de los casos de nefropatía membranosa. CONCLUSIÓN: La glomerulonefritis proliferativa mesangial es la histología que con mayor frecuencia se observa en los niños jamaicanos que padecen el síndrome nefrótico atípico. La mayoría de los casos de nefropatía membranosa guardan relación con la hepatitis B. La hipertensión con hipocomplementemia, la insuficiencia renal y la anemia son rasgos más bien de enfermedades renales más serias (p.ej, glomerulonefritis membranoproliferativa, nefritis crescéntica) que del síndrome nefrótico de cambios mínimos (SNCM) y debe asegurarse la consulta urgente con el nefrólogo para se realice una biopsia renal.

Renal biopsy findings in Jamaican children / Hallazgos en las biopsias renales en niños jamaicanos

OBJECTIVE: To document the histological findings in Jamaican children undergoing renal biopsy in order to determine the relative prevalence of varying types of glomerular disease in the island. METHODS: This study analyses retrospectively the renal histology in all Jamaican children less than age 12 years undergoing their first adequate renal biopsy between January 1985 and December 2008. Clinicopathological data were obtained solely from the histology reports from the University Hospital of the West Indies where all paediatric renal biopsies are processed. RESULTS: Of the 270 children, aged 1 month to 11 years (mean 7.58 years), 147 [58.1%] were males. The commonest indications for renal biopsy were nephrotic syndrome (57.4%) and glomerulonephritis (30%). Most biopsied children (260/270) had glomerular disease. The predominant glomerulonephritides were diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) (27.7%) and mesangialproliferative glomerulonephritis (MesGN) (25.5%). Glomerular disease was idiopathic in 136/260 (53%) but was infection-associated in 32.3% (84 cases) of which Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) was the commonest (75%) -predominantly DPGN (74.6%). Hepatitis B followed at 15.5% (13/84) manifested as membranous nephropathy in 83.3% (10/12). In patients with SS disease, DPGN was the commonest histology (47.4%). Systemic lupus erythematosus accounted for 5% ofall renal biopsies. Over time, PSGNoccurred less frequently, with a parallel reduction in DPGN and MesGN. CONCLUSION: In Jamaican children, DPGN is the commonest nephritis. Membranous nephropathy is primarily due to Hepatitis B. The commonest histology in SS disease is DPGN. The role ofinfection in the pathogenesis ofrenal disease in Jamaican children is probably underestimated.

OBJETIVO: Documentar los hallazgos histológicos en niños jamaicanos a los que se les ha realizado biopsias renales para determinar la prevalencia relativa de los diversos tipos de enfermedad glomerular en la isla. MÉTODOS: Este estudio analiza retrospectivamente la histología renal en todos los niños jamaicanos menores de 12 años sometidos a su primera biopsia renal adecuada entre enero de 1985 y diciembre de 2008. Los datos clinicopatológicos fueron obtenidos exclusivamente de los reportes de histología del Hospital Universitario de West Indies, dónde se procesan todas las biopsias renales. RESULTADOS: De 270 niños, cuyas edades fluctuaban de 1 mes a 11 años (media 7.58 años), 147 [58.1%] eran varones. Las indicaciones más comunes para la biopsia renal fueron el síndrome nefrótico (57.4%) y la glomerulonefritis (30%). La mayoría de los niños sometidos a biopsia (260/270) tenían la enfermedad del glomerular. Las glomerulonefritis predominantes fueron la glomerulonefritis proliferativa difusa (GNPD) (27.7%) y glomerulonefritis proliferativa mesangial (GNMes) (25.5%). La enfermedad glomerular fue idiomática en 136/260 (53%) pero estuvo asociada con infecciones en 32.3% (84 casos) en los cuales la glomerulonefritis poststreptocóccica (GNPS) fue la más común (75%) - predominantemente GNDP (74.6%). La hepatitis B siguió con 15.5% (13/84), manifestada como nefropatía membranosa en 83.3% (10/12). En los pacientes con la enfermedad de la hemoglobina SS, la GNDP fue la histología más común (47.4%). El lupus eritematoso sistémico representó el 5% de todas las biopsias renales. Al pasar el tiempo, la GNPS ocurrió menos frecuentemente, con una reducción paralela en GNPD y GNMes. CONCLUSIÓN: En los niños jamaicanos, la GNPD es la nefritis más común. La nefropatía membranosa se debe principalmente a la Hepatitis B. La histología más común en el caso de la enfermedad de hemoglobina SS es la GNPD. Probablemente se subestima el papel que las infecciones desempeñan en la patogénesis de la enfermedad renal en los niños jamaicanos.

Clinicopathological features of atypical nephrotic syndrome in Jamaican children.

OBJECTIVES: To document the histopathological spectrum of atypical nephrotic syndrome in Jamaican children and to make clinicopathological correlations which will assist physicians in identifying patients needing nephrology consultation. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of renal biopsy data of Jamaican children who were referred to the University Hospital of the West Indies and the Bustamante Hospital for Children between January 1985 and December 2008. The study population consisted of children < 12 years old with atypical nephrotic syndrome. RESULTS: Biopsies were done in 157 children--85 males and 72 females (mean age 8.91 +/- 3.44 years). Indications for biopsy were steroid resistance (35%), frequent relapses (8.9%) and other atypical presentations (56.1%). Overall, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesGN) was the commonest histology (49/157, 31.2%), followed by minimal change disease (MCD) (36/157, 22.9%) and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) (26/157, 16.6%). Infection was present in 38/157 (24%) cases. Diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis was the predominant type associated with streptococcal infection (52.9%) while Hepatitis B was seen in 83% of cases of membranous nephropathy. CONCLUSION: Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis is the commonest histology seen in Jamaican children with atypical nephrotic syndrome. Most membranous nephropathy is Hepatitis B related. Hypertension with hypocomplementaemia, renal failure and anaemia are features of more serious renal disease (eg membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and crescentic nephritis) rather than MCNS and should warrant urgent nephrology consultation for renal biopsy.

Renal biopsy findings in Jamaican children.

OBJECTIVE: To document the histological findings in Jamaican children undergoing renal biopsy in order to determine the relative prevalence of varying types of glomerular disease in the island. METHODS: This study analyses retrospectively the renal histology in all Jamaican children less than age 12 years undergoing their first adequate renal biopsy between January 1985 and December 2008. Clinicopathological data were obtained solely from the histology reports from the University Hospital of the West Indies where all paediatric renal biopsies are processed. RESULTS: Of the 270 children, aged 1 month to 11 years (mean 7.58 years), 147 [58.1%] were males. The commonest indications for renal biopsy were nephrotic syndrome (57.4%) and glomerulonephritis (30%). Most biopsied children (260/270) had glomerular disease. The predominant glomerulonephritides were diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) (27.7%) and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesGN) (25.5%). Glomerular disease was idiopathic in 136/260 (53%) but was infection-associated in 32.3% (84 cases) of which Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) was the commonest (75%)--predominantly DPGN (74.6%). Hepatitis B followed at 15.5% (13/84) manifested as membranous nephropathy in 83.3% (10/12). In patients with SS disease, DPGN was the commonest histology (47.4%). Systemic lupus erythematosus accounted for 5% of all renal biopsies. Over time, PSGN occurred less frequently, with a parallel reduction in DPGN and MesGN. CONCLUSION: In Jamaican children, DPGN is the commonest nephritis. Membranous nephropathy is primarily due to Hepatitis B. The commonest histology in SS disease is DPGN. The role of infection in the pathogenesis of renal disease in Jamaican children is probably underestimated.

Renal histological findings in adults in Jamaica / Hallazgos histológicos renales en adultos en Jamaica

BACKGROUND: In 2006, it was reported that Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Minimal Change Disease (MCD) and Membranous Glomerulonephritis (MGN) were the commonest primary glomerular diseases identified from percutaneous kidney biopsies done in Jamaica for that year (n = 76). The sample size was thought to be small and might have affected the reported findings. So a threeyear review of percutaneous kidney biopsies in Jamaica was carried out. METHODS: Histology reports and clinical data were reviewed for percutaneous kidney biopsies performed from January 2005 to December 2007. Demographic data (age, gender), laboratory investigations such as serum urea, serum creatinine, proteinuria, haematuria, 24-hour urinary protein, and creatinine clearance, and clinical diagnosis were collected from the histology requisition form. RESULTS: There was a total of 224 native kidney biopsies performed. There were 91 males (40.6%) and 133 females (59.4%). Age distribution showed a total number of 25 paediatric cases (11.2%) and 199 adult cases (88.8%). Proteinuria was present in 171 cases (76.3%) and haematuria in 86 cases (38.4%). Of the total biopsies done, 78 cases (39.2%) had primary glomerular diseases, 110 cases (55.3%) had secondary glomerular diseases and 11 (5.5%) biopsies were reported as either normal or inadequate for histological diagnosis. The most common reasons indicated for percutaneous kidney biopsy were proteinuria, haematuria and staging of lupus nephritis. Most common histological findings for primary glomerular disease after percutaneous kidney biopsy were FSGS (n = 34), MGN (n = 15) and MCD (n = 12). In secondary glomerular diseases (n = 110), there were more females (70.8%) than males. Systemic lupus erythematosus was present in 63.3%. Histology of lupus nephritis according to the International Society of Nephrologists classification shows Membranous Lupus Nephritis [MLN] (40.2%), Diffuse Lupus Nephritis [DLN] (19.5%) and Minimal Mesangial Lupus Nephritis [MMLN] (14.3%) as the common histological types. CONCLUSIONS: The most common histological finding for primary glomerular disease following percutaneous kidney biopsy was FSGS, MCD and MGN. Membranous Lupus Nephritis was the commonest histological type for lupus nephritis in this series.

ANTECEDENTES: En 2006, se reportó que la Glomeruloesclerosis Segmentaria y Focal (GESF), la Enfermedad de Cambios Mínimos (ECM) y la Glomerulonefritis Membranosa (GNM) fueron las enfermedades glomerulares primarias más comunes identificadas a partir de las biopsias renales percutáneas realizadas en Jamaica ese año (n = 76). El tamaño de la muestra se consideró pequeño y pudo haber afectado los hallazgos reportados. De manera que se realizó un examen de tres años, de las biopsias renales percutáneas en Jamaica. MÉTODOS: Se revisaron los reportes de histología y los datos clínicos correspondientes a las biopsias renales percutáneas realizadas desde enero de 2005 a diciembre de 2007. RESULTADOS: Hubo un total de 224 biopsias de riñón nativo. Se realizaron 74, 78 y 72 biopsias renales en 2005, 2006 y 2007 respectivamente. Hubo 91 varones (40.6%) y 133 hembras (59.4%). La distribución por edades mostró un total de 25 casos pediátricos (11.2%) y 119 casos de adultos (88.8%). La proteinuria estuvo presente en 171 casos (76.3%) y la hematuria en 86 casos (38.4%). Del total de biopsias realizadas, 78 casos (39.2%) tenían enfermedades glomerulares primarias, 110 casos (55.3%) tenían enfermedades glomerulares secundarias y 11 (5.5%) biopsias fueron reportadas como normales, o como inadecuadas para el diagnóstico histológico. Las razones más comunes señaladas para la biopsia renal percutánea fueron la proteinuria, la hematuria y la estadificación de la nefritis por lupuso nefritis lúpica. Los hallazgos histológicos más comunes para la enfermedad glomerular primaria tras la biopsia renal percutánea fueron GESF (n = 34), GNM (n = 15) y ECM (n = 12). En relación con las enfermedades glomerulares secundarias (n = 110), hubo más hembras (70.8%) que varones. El lupus eritematoso sistémico estuvo presente en 63.3%. De acuerdo con la clasificación de la Sociedad Internacional de Nefrología, la histología de la nefritis por lupus muestra la nefritis lúpica membranosa (NLM) [40.2%], la nefritis lúpica difusa (NLD) [19.5%], y la nefritis lúpica mesangial mínima (NLMM) [14.3%], como los tipos histológicos más comunes. CONCLUSIÓN: Los hallazgos histológicos más comunes para la enfermedad glomerular primaria tras la biopsia renal percutánea, fueron GESF, ECM y GNM. La nefritis lúpica membranosa fue el tipo de histología más común para la nefritis por lupus en esta serie.

Renal histological findings in adults in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: In 2006, it was reported that Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Minimal Change Disease (MCD) and Membranous Glomerulonephritis (MGN) were the commonest primary glomerular diseases identified from percutaneous kidney biopsies done in Jamaica for that year (n = 76). The sample size was thought to be small and might have affected the reported findings. So a three-year review of percutaneous kidney biopsies in Jamaica was carried out. METHODS: Histology reports and clinical data were reviewed for percutaneous kidney biopsies performed from January 2005 to December 2007. Demographic data (age, gender), laboratory investigations such as serum urea, serum creatinine, proteinuria, haematuria, 24-hour urinary protein, and creatinine clearance, and clinical diagnosis were collected from the histology requisition form. RESULTS: There was a total of 224 native kidney biopsies performed. There were 91 males (40.6%) and 133females (59.4%). Age distribution showed a total number of 25 paediatric cases (11.2%) and 199 adult cases (88.8%). Proteinuria was present in 171 cases (76.3%) and haematuria in 86 cases (38.4%). Of the total biopsies done, 78 cases (39.2%) had primary glomerular diseases, 110 cases (55.3%) had secondary glomerular diseases and 11 (5.5%) biopsies were reported as either normal or inadequate for histological diagnosis. The most common reasons indicated for percutaneous kidney biopsy were proteinuria, haematuria and staging of lupus nephritis. Most common histological findings for primary glomerular disease after percutaneous kidney biopsy were FSGS (n = 34), MGN (n = 15) and MCD (n = 12). In secondary glomerular diseases (n = 110), there were more females (70.8%) than males. Systemic lupus erythematosus was present in 63.3%. Histology of lupus nephritis according to the International Society of Nephrologists classification shows Membranous Lupus Nephritis [MLN] (40.20%), Diffuse Lupus Nephritis [DLN] (19.5%) and Minimal Mesangial Lupus Nephritis [MMLN] (14.3%) as the common histological types. CONCLUSIONS: The most common histological finding for primary glomerular disease following percutaneous kidney biopsy was FSGS, MCD and MGN. Membranous Lupus Nephritis was the commonest histological type for lupus nephritis in this series.

A case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

A case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM) occurring in a 48-year-old Jamaican female is presented. The clinical, radiological, and pathological findings are typical of this rare condition, and serve to emphasize the need for a high index of suspicion in order to make the diagnosis and commence therapy early in the course of the disease. The outlook for patients with PLAM continues to be poor.

Bilateral epididymal metastases from primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

A 65-year-old man diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland opted for hormonal manipulation and had bilateral orchiectomy. Histological evaluation showed tumour deposits in both epididymides. Despite the relatively common occurrence of adenocarcinoma of the prostate, epididymal metastasis is a rare occurrence. This case highlights the need for proper evaluation of the testes and para-testicular structures so that accurate staging of these tumours can be made.

Bilateral epididymal metastases from primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate

A 65-year-old man diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland opted for hormonal manipulation and had bilateral orchiectomy. Histological evaluation showed tumour deposits in both epididymides. Despite the relatively common occurrence of adenocarcinoma of the prostate, epididymal metastasis is a rare occurrence. This case highlights the need for proper evaluation of the testes and para-testicular structures so that accurate staging of these tumours can be made

A case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis

A case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM) occurring in a 48-year-old Jamaican female is presented. The clinical, radiological, and pathological findings are typical of this rare condition, and serve to emphasize the need for a high index of suspicion in order to make the diagnosis and commence therapy early in the course of the disease. The outlook for patients with PLAM continues to be poor

Severity of systemic lupus erythematosus with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis and the ineffectiveness of standard pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy in Jamaican patients.

The majority of patients seen at the renal clinic of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) are of African descent. The case notes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with class 4 nephritis and who were given standard pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy during the period 1990-2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes were doubling of serum creatinine and development of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Secondary outcomes were return of proteinuria to normal and renal remission. A total of 117 patients had a renal biopsy for SLE nephritis at the UHWI between 1990 and 2000. Of the patients, 34 (29%) had diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (WHO class 4), of which 29 were reviewed. Twenty-two patients of 24 in whom it was measured (92%) had significant proteinuria at presentation. The 24-hour proteinuria was measured at final review in 16 patients and in 10 patients it went into complete remission. At the beginning of therapy, 24 patients (83%) had renal impairment. Of the 18 who had final creatinine values, the renal function returned to normal in eight patients (44%) and an additional six patients showed a significant improvement in renal function at final review. Six patients developed end stage renal disease (ESRD). The risk (95% confidence interval) of developing ESRD at one year was 16.2% (CI, 6.4-37.6) and at two years was 23.2% (CI, 10.0-48.5). There were three deaths, two from sepsis and one from heart failure. The one-year mortality (95% CI) was 8% (CI, 2.0-28.5), the two-year mortality was 15.6% (CI, 4.9-43.5) and the five-year mortality was also 15.6% (CI, 4.9-43.5). Intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide for Jamaican patients with SLE and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis is an ineffective form of treatment.

Hepatitis B-associated nephrotic syndrome in Jamaican children.

Between December 1984 and November 1996, 171 children under 12 years old presented to the University Hospital of the West Indies with nephrotic syndrome. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was found in ten (6%) of these children, eight of whom had membranous nephropathy (MN), and one each had mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesN) and minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). Only those children with MesN and MCNS were steroid-sensitive. The HBsAg-positive status was identified incidentally on screening. At a mean follow-up of 34 months, seven of ten children had experienced complete or partial remission and three had persistent nephrotic syndrome, although none was in renal failure. Six of the ten had biochemical hepatitis. All the children were still HBsAg-positive. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a factor contributory to nephrotic syndrome in Jamaican children. As diagnostic clinical markers for HBV-associated nephropathy are usually absent, all children presenting with nephrotic syndrome should be screened for HBsAg. A policy should be implemented in Jamaica for screening pregnant women and at-risk groups for HBsAg, as well as for immunising susceptible neonates, in order to reduce the incidence of HBV-associated pathology.