Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Molecules Involved in Its Imunopathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an idiopathic chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in the body, including the neurological system. Multiple factors, such as environmental (infections), genetic (many HLA alleles including DR2 and DR3, and genes including C4), and immunological influences on self-antigens, such as nuclear antigens, lead to the formation of multiple autoantibodies that cause deleterious damage to bodily tissues and organs. The production of autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA, anti-SS(A), anti-SS(B), anti-Smith, and anti-neuronal DNA are characteristic features of this disease. This autoimmune disease results from a failure of the mechanisms responsible for maintaining self-tolerance in T cells, B cells, or both. Immune complexes, circulating antibodies, cytokines, and autoreactive T lymphocytes are responsible for tissue injury in this autoimmune disease. The diagnosis of SLE is a rheumatological challenge despite the availability of clinical criteria. NPSLE was previously referred to as lupus cerebritis or lupus sclerosis. However, these terms are no longer recommended because there is no definitive pathological cause for the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE. Currently, the treatment options are primarily based on symptomatic presentations. These include the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytic medications for the treatment of psychiatric and mood disorders. Antiepileptic drugs to treat seizures, and immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil), are directed against inflammatory responses along with non-pharmacological interventions.

The diagnostic, therapeutic, and ethical impact of artificial intelligence in modern medicine.

In the evolution of modern medicine, artificial intelligence (AI) has been proven to provide an integral aspect of revolutionizing clinical diagnosis, drug discovery, and patient care. With the potential to scrutinize colossal amounts of medical data, radiological and histological images, and genomic data in healthcare institutions, AI-powered systems can recognize, determine, and associate patterns and provide impactful insights that would be strenuous and challenging for clinicians to detect during their daily clinical practice. The outcome of AI-mediated search offers more accurate, personalized patient diagnoses, guides in research for new drug therapies, and provides a more effective multidisciplinary treatment plan that can be implemented for patients with chronic diseases. Among the many promising applications of AI in modern medicine, medical imaging stands out distinctly as an area with tremendous potential. AI-powered algorithms can now accurately and sensitively identify cancer cells and other lesions in medical images with greater accuracy and sensitivity. This allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly impact patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive insight into diagnostic, therapeutic, and ethical issues with the advent of AI in modern medicine.

Post-acute (long) COVID-19 quality of life: validation of the German version of (PAC19QoL) instrument.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to validate a German translation of the post-acute (long) COVID-19 quality of life (PAC-19QoL) instrument among German patients with long COVID-19 syndrome. Patients and methods: The PAC-19QoL instrument was translated into the German language and administrated to patients with long COVID-19 syndrome. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to analyze the internal consistency of the instrument. Construction validity was evaluated by using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation. Scores of patients and controls were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: A total of 45 asymptomatic and 41 symptomatic participants were included. In total, 41 patients with long COVID-19 syndrome completed the PAC-19QoL and EQ-5D-5L questionnaires. PAC-19QoL domain scores were significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. All items achieved a Cronbach's alpha >0.7. There was a significant correlation between all domains on the test (p < 0.001), with the highest correlation between total (r = 0.994) and domain 1 (r = 0.991). Spearman's rank correlation analysis confirmed that the instrument items correlated with the objective PAC-19QoL examination findings. Conclusion: The German version of the instrument is valid and reliable and can be a suitable tool for research and daily clinical practice among patients with long COVID-19 syndrome.

Concise genetic profile of lung carcinoma.

The WHO classification of lung cancer (2015) is based on immunohistochemistry and molecular evaluation. This also includes microscopic analysis of morphological patterns that aids in the pathological diagnosis and classification of lung cancers. Lung cancers are the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Recent advancements in identifying the etiopathogenesis are majorly driven by gene mutation studies. This has been explained by The Cancer Genome Atlas, next-generation sequencer and TRAcking non-small cell lung cancer evolution through therapy [Rx]. This article reviews the genetic profile of adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and pulmonary carcinoids. This includes the prolific genetic alterations and novel molecular changes seen in these tumours. In addition, target- specific drugs that have shown promising effects in clinical use and trials are also briefly discussed.

The Correlation of Papanicolaou Smears and Clinical Features to Identify the Common Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective and Descriptive Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Trinidad.

Background: Cervical cancer, the fourth most frequent cancer in women, is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This study identifies risk factors and clinical findings for abnormal cervical cytology and histopathology in the Trinidad and Tobago populations. Some risk factors include early age of first coitus, a high number of sexual partners, high parity, smoking, and using certain medications, such as oral contraception. This study aims to identify the significance of Papanicolaou (pap) smears and the common risk factors that contribute to the development of premalignant and malignant cervical lesions. Method: A three-year retrospective, descriptive study of cervical cancer was conducted at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. The subject population included 215 female patients aged 18 years and older with the following documented abnormal cervical cytology: (ASCUS), ASC-H, LSIL, HSIL, Atypical Glandular cells, HPV, Adenocarcinoma, and Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Histopathology records were analysed for thirty-three of these patients. Patients' information was recorded on data collection sheets adapted from the North Central Regional Health Authority's cytology laboratory standardised reporting format request form. Results and Findings: The data were analysed via Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software edition 23 using frequency tables and descriptive analysis. The mean sample age of the population was 36.7 years, the first age of coitus was 18.1 years, the number of sexual partners was 3.8, and the number of live births was 2. LSIL was the most popular abnormal finding, 32.6%, followed by HSIL, 28.8%, and ASCUS, 27.4%. Most histopathological reports resulted in CIN I and II. Conclusions: The significant risk factors observed for cytology abnormalities and premalignant lesions were early age of coitus, a high number of sexual partners, and no use of contraception. Patients mostly presented as asymptomatic despite obtaining abnormal cytology results. Hence, regular pap smear screening should continue to be highly encouraged.

Social Environmental Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in India: A Population-Based Survey.

Background: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, trust within a community in the projected schemes or strategies to combat COVID-19 depends on the confidence generated and launched by the government and medical employees toward the public. The "vaccination intention" within a community is determined by a range of factors, which include sociodemographic features, personal beliefs, and attitude toward vaccination. Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted involving 2000 people using a Tencent questionnaire platform. One-way ANOVA was conducted for age, education, and occupation with vaccination intention for the COVID-19 vaccine. Correlation analysis was conducted between sources, trust, and vaccination intention indicating both types of sources (official and unofficial sources) and both types of trust (trust in the social environment and in vaccines). Results: The reception of the sources of information on the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly higher from official sources (M = 5.54, SD = 1.37) and government officials (M = 5.68, SD = 1.499) compared with that from experts in medicine (M = 5.39, SD = 1.511). Among the unofficial sources, "chatting and communicating with family and friends" scored the highest (M = 4.84, SD = 1.649). In the statistics on people's trust in all aspects involved in vaccines, the level of trust in the social environment was significantly higher and more concentrated than in vaccines (M = 5.67, SD = 1.129). The level of trust in government (M = 5.80, SD = 1.256) was slightly higher than in medical personnel (M = 5.53, SD = 1.199). People's willingness to be vaccinated was generally high (M = 78.15, SD = 22.354). The demographic factors were not influential in vaccination intention. Both sources (official and unofficial sources) and trust (trust in the social environment and in vaccines) are significantly and positively correlated with vaccination intention. Information receptions from official and unofficial sources were significant positive predictors of trust in the social environment, but they were not significant predictors of trust in vaccines. The mediating effect of trust in vaccines on the relationship between receiving information from official and unofficial sources and vaccination intention was insignificant. Conclusions: This study revealed that trust in the environment is an important channel linking people's information reception and vaccination intention, explores a new path for health information communication, and attempts to provide new ideas for health information dissemination and promotion.

The Role of Psychological Factors and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs in Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Jordanian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Vaccination to prevent influenza virus infection and to lessen its severity is recommended among healthcare workers (HCWs). Health professionals have a higher risk of exposure to viruses and could transmit the influenza virus to vulnerable patients who are prone to severe disease and mortality. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the levels of influenza vaccine acceptance and uptake as well as its determinants, among Jordanian HCWs over the last influenza season of 2021/2022. This study was based on a self-administered electronic survey that was distributed in March 2022. Psychological determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance and vaccine conspiracy beliefs were assessed using the previously validated 5C scale questionnaire (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation and collective responsibility) and the vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale. The study sample comprised a total of 1218 HCWs: nurses (n = 412, 33.8%), physicians (n = 367, 30.1%), medical technicians (n = 182, 14.9%), pharmacists (n = 161, 13.2%) and dentists (n = 87, 7.1%), among others. About two-thirds of the study sample expressed willingness to receive influenza vaccination if provided free of charge (n = 807, 66.3%), whereas less than one-third were willing to pay for the vaccine (n = 388, 31.9%). The self-reported uptake of the influenza vaccine in the last influenza season was 62.8%. The following factors were significantly associated with higher acceptance of influenza vaccination if provided freely, as opposed to vaccine hesitancy/rejection: male sex; physicians and dentists among HCW categories; higher confidence and collective responsibility; and lower complacency, constraints and calculation. Higher influenza vaccine uptake was significantly correlated with nurses and physicians among HCW categories, older age, a higher monthly income, higher confidence and collective responsibility, lower complacency and constraints and lower embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The results of the current study can provide helpful clues to improve influenza vaccine coverage among HCWs in Jordan. Consequently, this can help to protect vulnerable patient groups and reserve valuable resources in healthcare settings. Psychological determinants appeared to be the most significant factors for vaccine acceptance and uptake, whereas the embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs was associated with lower rates of influenza vaccine uptake, which should be considered in educational and interventional measures aiming to promote influenza vaccination.

The Effect of Statins on Clinical Outcome Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Multi-Centric Cohort Study.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), thrombotic complications, and myocardial injury. Statins, prescribed for lipid reduction, have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and immunomodulatory properties and are associated with reduced mortality rates in COVID-19 patients. Our goal was to investigate the beneficial effects of statins in hospitalized COVID-19 patients admitted to three multi-specialty hospitals in India from 1 June 2020, to 30 April 2021. This retrospective study included 1,626 patients, of which 524 (32.2%) were antecedent statin users among 768 patients (384 statin users, 384 non-statin users) identified with 1:1 propensity-score matching. We established a multivariable logistic regression model to identify the patients' demographics and adjust the baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics and co-morbidities. Statin users showed a lower mean of white blood cell count (7.6 × 103/µL vs. 8.1 × 103/µL, p < 0.01), and C-reactive protein (100 mg/L vs. 120.7 mg/L, p < 0.001) compared to non-statin COVID-19 patients. The same positive results followed in lipid profiles for patients on statins. Cox proportional-hazards regression models evaluated the association between statin use and mortality rate. The primary endpoint involved mortality during the hospital stay. Statin use was associated with lower odds of mortality in the propensity-matched cohort (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.64, p < 0.001). These results support the previous evidence of the beneficial effects of statins in reducing mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

The Commonwealth Caribbean COVID-19: Regions Resilient Pathway During Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created severe humanitarian and socio-economic constrains in the world. The health crises caused by COVID-19 has focused on consistent co-operation and strong bonding between the developed, developing and the under-developed countries to overcome this challenging pandemic.

Best practices for effective implementation of online teaching and learning in medical and health professions education: during COVID-19 and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused worldwide disruption to the entire educational system, including medical and health professions education. Considering the critical situation due to COVID-19, academic institutions shifted the entire pedagogical approach to the virtual learning mode. While delivering online teaching, educators experienced numerous challenges, including access to the internet, poor connectivity, and other technical issues. Some students did not have laptops and necessary devices to attend the Class. Besides, many educators were not confident enough to manage the online mode of delivery. In this perspective, we reviewed the evidence of best practices for the medical and health professions educators to deliver the curriculum through an online platform. Therefore, the current study aimed to review the best practices for effective online teaching and learning in medical and health professions education during COVID-19 and beyond. We reviewed the technical aspects of online teaching and educational strategies required for educators to provide quality training not just during the pandemic but beyond this crisis. The online literature search was performed on Medline, PubMed and google scholar databases for studies on online teaching in medical and health profession education and what are the best practices of teaching globally Online teaching and assessment must balance the requirements of technology, learning outcomes, delivery modes, learning resources, and learning resources. The study concludes that medical and health professions institutions strengthen technical infrastructure, promote continuous faculty development programs, and support indigent students to access digital technology.

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Germany: a cross-sectional, population-based study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Achieving high COVID-19 vaccination rates is a key public health challenge. The study aims to investigate factors determining COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and adherence to prevention measures, in German adults. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Germany, from 21 February 2021 to 3 April 2021, during the strict lockdown period of the third COVID-19 wave. A total of 2029 adults (75.3% women and median age 38 years) participated in an online survey. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures and willingness to vaccinate. Health literacy (HL), perceived stress, life satisfaction and adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) were also assessed. Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis were employed. RESULTS: The median score of COVID-19 adherence to the prevention measures tool, was 23.08 (3.83) (range 1-35). A total of 57.5% of the participants were willing to vaccinate against COVID-19, 12.1% were unwilling and 30.4% were undecided. Linear regression analysis revealed that women, obese participants, those with a chronic disease and those willing to vaccinate, reported higher adherence to prevention measures. Older age, higher levels of HL, life satisfaction and adherence to MD were also positively associated with higher adherence. Logistic regression revealed that being a woman decreases the odds of having the willingness whereas, older age, higher education and adherence to measures, increase the odds of willingness to vaccinate. CONCLUSION: The results of the study could be used by practitioners, researchers and policy-makers working in the field of prevention and management of COVID-19.

Review of COVID-19 vaccine subtypes, efficacy and geographical distributions.

As of 1 May 2021, there have been 152 661 445 Covid-19 cases with 3 202 256 deaths globally. This pandemic led to the race to discover a vaccine to achieve herd immunity and curtail the damaging effects of Covid-19. This study aims to discuss the most recent WHO-approved Covid-19 vaccine subtypes, their status and geographical scheduled updates as of 4 May 2021. The keywords "Covid-19, Vaccines, Pfizer, BNT162b2, AstraZeneca, AZD1222, Moderna, mRNA-1273, Janssen, Ad26.COV2.S" were typed into PubMed. Thirty Two relevant PubMed articles were included in the study. The vaccines discussed are Pfizer/BNT162b2, Moderna Vaccine/mRNA1273, AstraZeneca/AZD122/ChAdOx1 n-CoV-19 and the Janssen vaccines/Ad26.COV2.S, as well as their platforms, trials, limitations and geographical distributions. As of 16 May 2021, the number of countries that have approved the use of the following vaccines is Pfizer in 85, Moderna in 46, Oxford/AstraZeneca in 101, and Janssen in 41.

Role of immunohistochemistry markers in neoplastic lung lesions.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the evaluate was to study and determine the usefulness of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in neoplastic lung lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated seven IHC stains in fifty lung cancers that included adenocarcinoma (AC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), small cell carcinoma, and carcinoid tumors. RESULTS: P63 was expressed in all the cases of SCCs and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) was expressed in all cases of ACs. CK 5/6 was expressed in 77.77% of SCCs and CK 7 was expressed in 92.59% of ACs. Synaptophysin and chromogranin-A were expressed in 100% of neuroendocrine (NE) carcinomas. CONCLUSION: P63 and TTF-1 are sensitive markers for SCCs and ACs. Synaptophysin and Chromogranin-A are sensitive markers for NE carcinomas.

COVID-19 pandemic containment in the Caribbean Region: A review of case-management and public health strategies.

COVID-19 emerged initially from Wuhan, Hubei province, China, in late December 2019, and since then, it has spread globally to be declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The Caribbean region started reporting COVID-19 cases in early March 2020, triggering new regional public health crises. The initial suspects and confirmed cases across the Caribbean countries were mainly imported cases and from cruise ships. The clinical manifestations varied from fever, cough, and malaise in mild cases to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and shock in severe cases. The Caribbean Public Health Agency has provided frequent updates on the preventive strategies and quarantine measures across the Caribbean member states. COVID-19 has had a serious impact on the Caribbean region's health system, economy, and psychology. This review presents the Caribbean perspective of COVID-19, detailing the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and preventive and surveillance measures. Vaccine hesitancy was found to be a major challenge that needs appropriate health education strategies to address the public. Strong leadership and regional collaboration among the Caribbean member states are necessary to provide optimal real-time data to the public and implement appropriate and effective guidelines in the island states.

The protective role of statins in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate and determine the protective role of statins in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted across five hospitals in India. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized with existing and valid medical documentation were included. RESULTS: This study comprised 3252 COVID-19 patients, of whom 1048 (32.2%) were on statins, with 52.4% being males. The comorbidity prevalence of hypertension was 75%, followed by diabetes 62.51% and coronary artery disease being 47.5%. At the time of hospitalization, statin users had a higher incidence of dyspnea, cough, and fatigue (95.8, 93.3, and 92.7%). The laboratory results revealed a lower mean of WBC count (7.8 × 103/µL), D-dimer (2.4 µg/mL), and C-reactive protein (103 mg/L) among statin users. They also had lower mortality rates (17.1%), a lesser requirement for mechanical ventilation (20%), and hemodialysis (5.4%). CONCLUSION: This observation study elaborates on the beneficial effects of statins in COVID-19 patients. However, the inferences from this study should be viewed with caution due to the impending effect of confounding factors on its statistical results.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Resistance in India Explored through a Population-Based Longitudinal Survey.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has recommended that individual governments identify vaccine hesitancy areas. It is proposed that the governments, with the aid of local organizations, educate and implement social insights on the vaccination so that high population levels are covered with this safe immune program. METHODS: A longitudinal online survey covered 3000 adults from India. We examined the demography, behavioral (socio-economic) attitude, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine resistance for the COVID-19 vaccine. The specific reasons for the COVID-19 vaccine decline were also evaluated. RESULTS: Our survey revealed 59% definite response, 29% low-level response, and 7% high-level response for vaccine hesitancy, while 6% had resistant views on the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who had higher income levels, lived in a society, maintained social distancing, had downloaded the COVID-19 update app, showed a positive attitude towards their government, and more confidence in their healthcare system were more inclined towards the vaccination. On the contrary, individuals who had overstated the risks of COVID-19 and had a religious and populistic attitude towards vaccination were more hesitant/resistant to vaccination. The respondents who declined vaccine administration were further evaluated for their specific reason for their response. The most common reasons for declining the COVID-19 vaccine were post-vaccine scare of adverse health effects and accepting the information spread by social media. CONCLUSIONS: The results in our study show that by identifying population "hot spots" that have negative or unclear information on the COVID-19 vaccination, these "hot spots" can be addressed by involving friendly organizations that can clear their strong disbeliefs and increase the percentage of vaccine-definite people within the population. The role of government-induced COVID-19 vaccine policy measures can always be beneficial to cause this shift from disbelief to confidence within the population.

Multiple intracranial juvenile xanthogranuloma not a straightforward diagnosis (a case report).

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) rarely presents as multifocal intracranial disease in the paediatric population. Therefore, this case of extensive tumour burden, primarily within the lateral ventricles, presented a neurosurgical challenge on numerous fronts. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This is the case of a 9-year-old male presenting with a 2-year history of visual disturbances. Radiographic imaging demonstrated extensive intracranial masses involving both lateral ventricles, the straight sinus and right cerebellum. A staged tumour resection was planned, targeting the lesions within the right lateral ventricle initially. Complete resection was achieved during surgery. Post-operative morbidity showed a decline in the patient's functional status with respect to mobility and communication, Glasgow outcome scale 3. Extensive immunohistochemical analysis ultimately revealed a diagnosis of JXG. The patient is undergoing chemotherapy, with subsequent surgical resection being dependent on overall recovery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: JXG is the most common form of non-Langerhans histiocytosis and typically arises as a cutaneous disorder during early childhood. It is a rare cause of extensive intracranial tumour burden, with limited publications of this kind in the literature. This is even more atypical given the absence of any of the classic cutaneous morphology seen in JXG. CONCLUSION: JXG involving the central nervous system is a rare encounter. Therefore, a clear algorithm for the management of a case of extensive intracranial tumours resulting from JXG has not been defined. This only amplifies the difficulty in treating these cases.

Molecular Genetics in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Malignancies.

Global genomic studies have detected the role of genomic alterations in the pathogenesis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated tumors. EBV oncoproteins cause a vital shift of EBV from an infectious virus to an oncogenic form during the latent and lytic phase within the lymphoid B cells and epithelial cells. This epigenetic alteration modulates the virus and host genomes and inactivates and disrupts numerous tumor suppressors and signaling pathways. Genomic profiling has played the main role in identifying EBV cancer pathogenesis and its related targeted therapies. This article reviews the role of genetic changes in EBV-associated lymphomas and carcinomas. This includes the prolific molecular genesis, key diagnostic tools, and target-specific drugs that have been in recent clinical use.

A rapid review of recent advances in diagnosis, treatment and vaccination for COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which originated in Wuhan, Hubei province, Central China, in December 2019 and since then has spread rapidly, resulting in a severe pandemic. The infected patient presents with varying non-specific symptoms requiring an accurate and rapid diagnostic tool to detect SARS-CoV-2. This is followed by effective patient isolation and early treatment initiation ranging from supportive therapy to specific drugs such as corticosteroids, antiviral agents, antibiotics, and the recently introduced convalescent plasma. The development of an efficient vaccine has been an on-going challenge by various nations and research companies. A literature search was conducted in early December 2020 in all the major databases such as Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar search engines. The findings are discussed in three main thematic areas namely diagnostic approaches, therapeutic options, and potential vaccines in various phases of development. Therefore, an effective and economical vaccine remains the only retort to combat COVID-19 successfully to save millions of lives during this pandemic. However, there is a great scope for further research in discovering cost-effective and safer therapeutics, vaccines and strategies to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 prevention and treatment services.

Breast cancer in Trinidad and Tobago: Etiopathogenesis, histopathology and receptor study.

Background: Breast Carcinoma (BCa) is the leading cause of cancer among females in Trinidad and Tobago (TnT). This twin-island has a diversified population of 1.3 million individuals that display and are exposed to a variety of lifestyle choices that have been linked to the development of BCa. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors that influence the development of BCa, analyze the common histopathological details, and categorize BCa based on receptor study. Methods: Cancer information for 120 BCa cases at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex from 2012 to 2019 was retrieved, analyzed, and statistically estimated. The clinical details were categorized based on data tabulations, and histological assessment was performed to identify specific features. The receptor analysis was classified based on estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER-2neu) staining intensity. A descriptive data analysis and comparison were statistically evaluated in all these cases. Results: Epidemiological factors influencing the development of BCa were age with a peak of 56-65 years 27.5% (n = 33), ethnicity predominated in Indo-Trinidadians 48.33% (n = 58), and marital status primarily in unmarried/single/widowed patients 55% (n = 66). Infiltrating ductal carcinoma was the principal histopathological type 91.66% (n = 110). Receptor analysis revealed ER/PR + HER-2neu as the most common type 40% (n = 18) for therapeutic surveillance. Conclusion: This study highlights various epidemiological factors that influence the development of BCa among females in TnT. Histopathological analysis and receptor studies would provide a useful link between the tumor behavior and its prognosis.