Factors influencing adherence to medications in a group of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Jamaica.

The objective of this study was to examine the factors influencing adherence to medications in a group of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Jamaica. A qualitative study was designed using a screening questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The study was conducted in the rheumatology clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.

Intestinal ischemia in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Bowel ischemia, an uncommon but devastating complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), poses a significant clinical challenge. A 52-year-old female with SLE presented with recurrent abdominal pain for two months which culminated in acute, severe pain with vomiting. Abdominal CT scan revealed ischemia of multiple segments of bowel.

Diabetes mellitus in the Jamaican elderly.

10.2% of 1318 people aged 60 to 97 years old interviewed in a community based survey in Jamaica reported that they had type II diabetes mellitus, and this was confirmed by appropriate blood and urine tests. The disease occurred more frequently in females (12.