Generic Name Research Articles

Irrational medicine use and its associated factors in conflict-affected areas in Mali: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Rational use of essential medicines is a critical step towards prevention and treatment of many illnesses. However, it represents a significant challenge worldwide, and particularly for under-resourced health systems in conflict-affected areas. Objective To assess barriers to rational use of essential medicines at primary healthcare level in conflict-affected areas of Mali. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in twenty randomly selected community health centres (CHCs) in four health districts, by applying the World Health Organisation and International Network on Rational Use of Drugs core forms for the rational use of medicines. Seven hundred eighty-nine (789) prescriptions were retrospectively selected and analysed; four hundred forty-three (443) patients were interviewed: and health facility-related indicators were collected prospectively from the 20 CHCs. Results The average number of medicines per prescription was 3.89 ± 1.83; out of these, 94.0% were prescribed by generic name, and 91.0% belonged to Mali’s National List of Essential Medicines. Overall, 68% of the assessed prescriptions included antibiotics; 58% included injectables; and 75.79% were characterized by polypharmacy, i.e. more than two medicines per prescription. In multivariate analysis, the study area and prescriber’s sex were significantly associated with polypharmacy; prescriber’s seniority and training were associated with antibiotic overprescription; the study area, prescriber’s sex and seniority were associated with overprescription of injectables. Moreover, the average price of prescriptions was high in relation to average local income, likely making these unaffordable for many households. Conclusion Excessive polypharmacy and overprescription of antibiotics and injectables undermine the performance of the local health system and the achievement of intended therapeutic outcomes. Our findings provide a solid basis for more targeted and multidisciplinary research, to further inform relevant stakeholders on how best to mitigate the impact of conflict on the rational use of medicines.

Ananthakrishnana syn.n. of Haplothrips, with redescription of H. euphorbiae adult and larva (Thysanoptera)

The generic name Ananthakrishnana is newly synonymised with Haplothrips, because each of the diagnostic character states occurs in other species of Haplothrips. The type species, Haplothrips euphorbiae comb.rev., is redescribed from both sexes and larvae and newly recorded from Reunion Island.

Drug Prescription Pattern of Physicians Using Who Prescribing Indicators: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Prescriptions are one of the prescribing standards to promote the rational use of drugs. To provide a corrective message to prescribers, it is important to evaluate prescription patterns and identify unreasonable prescribing practices. Keeping these facts in consideration the present study was planned to assess the prescription pattern using WHO prescribing indicators. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at outpatient department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from January to December, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select prescriptions and data were collected by observation check list. Data were analyzed by statistical software- SPSS 23 version. Ethical issues were maintained strictly. Results: Around 296 prescriptions were analyzed. Average number of drugs per prescription was 3.5 (optimal value 1.6–1.8). About 1043 drugs were prescribed, from which 24.73% were with their generic name (optimal value 100%), antibiotics and injections were prescribed 57% (optimal value 20.0–26.8%) and 3.37% (optimal value 13.4–24.1%) respectively. About 32.7% drugs were prescribed from the Essential Drug List. During the study period, anti-ulcerant and NSAIDs were highest prescribed drug (69.3%) followed by antibiotics (57.1%). Conclusion: The study result revealed that average number of drugs per encounter, generic formatting, antibiotic prescribing, and the use of Essential Drug List (EDL) of the hospital to prescribe drugs out of the recommended values. Periodic training and initiating the performance evaluation for doctors are effective ways for improving prescription quality. There is a need to standardize the format of prescriptions so that all essential information is included. JOPSOM 2023; 42(2): 23-28

Morphemic Patterns of Pharmaceutical Brand Names on The Ghanaian Market

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the morphemic structures employed by pharmaceutical companies in naming medicine brand names and explore how these naming patterns reflect the brands' perceived effects on users. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using the purposive sampling technique, the researchers sampled 1,000 medicine brand names fully registered under the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana and applied Katamba’s Lexical Morphology Theory to identify the morphemic structures used in composing these names. Findings: The analysis revealed that the medicine brand names incorporate elements such as Generic Names (GN), Dosage Forms (DF), Manufacturers’ Names (MN), Local Representatives (LR), and Zero Criteria. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the morphemic patterns of medicine brand names on the Ghanaian market are structured mono-morphemically, incorporating coinages and borrowings, as well as di-morphemically and poly-morphemically, both of which involve blending and compounding word-formation processes. Research Limitation: The paper focused on brand names that omitted generic drug information. This limitation highlights the challenges in analysing pharmaceutical brand names while acknowledging the constraints of market-based pharmaceutical research. Social Implications: These findings carry significant social implications, particularly for the Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana, by emphasising the need to scrutinise medicine brand names to ensure they do not mislead consumers or pose potential risks. Practical Implication: Regulatory authorities, such as the Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana, can use these insights to evaluate and approve medicine brand names that prioritise accuracy and public safety. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and offers insights into the linguistic strategies used in medicine branding. It sheds light on how morphemic structures influence consumer perceptions and highlights the intersection of linguistics, public health, and regulatory practices in the pharmaceutical industry.

Naming Māori Learning Spaces

Abstract Following up on our recent article in this journal, this research note discusses the range of names used in Māori school settings for flexible learning spaces (FLS) and innovative learning environments (ILE), There are various existing Māori names for FLS/ILE, which fall into two types: individual names and category names. We consider several of these names as a way to explore this concept and provide a background for positing ‘he wāhi ako’ as a generic name for Māori FLS/ILE, which translates into English as ‘Māori learning space(s).’

Evaluation of Drug Utilization in Coronary Artery Disease in Tertiary Care Centre: A Cross Sectional Study

Aim: In this study, the goal was to asses Drug utilization evaluation, WHO core indicators, monitoring the patient’s response to therapy of coronary artery disease. Study Design: Sapthagiri institute of medical sciences, Bangalore. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Cardiology Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), From (June 2024- Nov 2024) Chikkasandra, Hesaraghatta Road Bangalore. Methodology: We conducted prospective cross-sectional study for 6 months which includes patients who were diagnosed with coronary artery disease diagnosed of different types. Results: Among 311 patients, 30.2% were in the age group between 58-67 years of age. By 68.8%, male patients outnumbered female patients. Ischemic heart disease in coronary artery disease were the most common diagnosis. Out of 311 patients, 197 patients had comorbidities and the most common comorbidity was Hypertension (66), Diabetes melitus (47). Most commonly used combination therapy was Coronary angiography (CAG) with drug therapy (233). Majority of drugs prescribed under generic name with Aspirin (244). Category of drugs used is antiplatelet (471). Oral route (1423) of drug administration was the preferred route. Drug interactions are moderate which can be avoided at dose adjustments and limiting to single drug use of antiplatelets. WHO reports 45% of prescriptions include 5.4 drugs, 2.3% prescribe antibiotics, 10.6% use injections, 73.2% use generic names, and 98% are from the essential medicines list. Conclusion: The study evaluated drug utilization in coronary artery disease patients in a tertiary care hospital. The most common treatment approach was Coronary Angiography with drug therapy, with antiplatelet, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic drugs being the most commonly prescribed.

Challenging the Transformation of Geographical Indications into Generic Names

Challenging the Transformation of Geographical Indications into Generic Names

Re-evaluation of the Bahariya Formation carcharodontosaurid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) and its implications for allosauroid phylogeny.

The first partial skeleton of a carcharodontosaurid theropod was described from the Egyptian Bahariya Oasis by Ernst Stromer in 1931. Stromer referred the specimen to the species Megalosaurus saharicus, originally described on the basis of isolated teeth from slightly older rocks in Algeria, under the new genus name Carcharodontosaurus saharicus. Unfortunately, almost all of the material from the Bahariya Oasis, including the specimen of Carcharodontosaurus was destroyed during World War II. In 1996, a relatively complete carcharodontosaurid cranium was described from similar aged rocks in Morocco and designated the neotype of the species Carcharodontosaurus saharicus in 2007. However, due to the destruction of the original material, comparisons of the neotype to the Egyptian fossils have so far only been done cursorily. A detailed reexamination of the available information on the Egyptian carcharodontosaurid, including a previously undescribed photograph of the exhibited specimen, reveals that it differs from the Moroccan neotype in numerous characters, such as the development of the emargination of the antorbital fossa on the nasals, the presence of a horn-like rugosity on the nasal, the lack of a dorsoventral expansion of the lacrimal contact on the frontals, and the relative enlargement of the cerebrum. The referability of the Egyptian specimen to the Algerian M. saharicus is found to be questionable, and the neotype designation of the Moroccan material for C. saharicus is accepted here under consideration of ICZN Atricle 75, as it both compares more favorably to M. saharicus and originates from a locality closer to the type locality. A new genus and species, Tameryraptor markgrafi gen. et sp. nov, is proposed for the Egyptian taxon. The theropods of the Bahariya Oasis and the Moroccan Kem Kem Group are thus not as closely related as previously thought, and the proposed faunal similarities between these two strata need further examination.

“Sichuanvirus”, a novel bacteriophage viral genus, able to lyse carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

BackgroundCarbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a severe threat for human health and urgently needs new therapeutic approaches. Lytic bacteriophages (phages) are promising clinically viable therapeutic options against CRKP. We attempted to isolate lytic phages against CRKP of sequence type 11 and capsular type 64 (ST11-KL64), the predominant type in China.ResultsWe recovered a lytic phage from sewage collected at a wastewater treatment station in Sichuan province, China. We obtained the genome of this phage and found that it is distinct from all known phages with the highest overall DNA similarity (12.5%, 16% coverage and 78.4% identity) with phage vB_EcoM_PHB05 (accession no. NC_052652) in ICTV. This phage represents a novel viral genus of the subfamily Stephanstirmvirinae, for which we proposed “Sichuanvirus” as the genus name. This phage has a narrow host range lyse specific for KL64 Klebsiella. This phage has no genes referring to antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and lysogen and is stable to a wide range of pH and temperatures. We also obtained three bacterial mutants resistant to the phage and performed genome sequencing for them. We therefore discovered that the interruption of a capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis-related gene wcaJ by insertion sequences mediated the resistance to this phage.ConclusionWe recovered and characterized a phage of “Sichuanvirus”, a novel viral genus of subfamily Stephanstirmvirinae, which is suitable for phage therapy. The discovery of this phage expands the arsenal against CRKP.

A Prospective Study of Drug Utilization and Evaluation in Gastrointestinal Disorders at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) is a comprehensive study examining the marketing, distribution, prescription, and use of medications within a society. This evaluation encompasses a range of medical, social, and economic factors related to drug use, with the primary goal of ensuring that drug therapy adheres to current standards of care. This prospective observational study conducted at Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (NMCH & RC) from 15th February to 15th August 2024 aimed to evaluate prescription patterns for gastrointestinal disorders, focusing on drug utilization from the Essential Drug List (EDL) and adherence to WHO core prescribing indicators.150 prescriptions were analyzed, revealing that 64.66% of patients were male, with the majority aged 20-39 years. Acute gastroenteritis was the most common diagnosis (34%), and common symptoms included abdominal pain, loose stools, and vomiting. Antibiotics, particularly metronidazole, were the most prescribed drug class (25.35%). Of the prescribed drugs, 75.95% were from the EDL, but only 8.91% were prescribed by generic name, and 64.82% involved injections. The average number of drugs per prescription was 6.65, indicating polypharmacy and drug interactions were prevalent. The study highlighted concerns about moderate antibiotic use, high injection rates, low generic drug prescriptions, and polypharmacy, underscoring the need for improved rational prescribing practices to enhance patient safety and cost efficiency.

A Study on Drug Prescribing Pattern in Psychiatry Out-Patient Department from a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Conventional public health statistics, which concentrate on mortality rather than morbidity or dysfunction, severely underrepresent the massive burden of sickness caused by behavioral and psychiatric illnesses. Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the patterns of psychotropic drug prescriptions. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Hospital during July’ 2022 to December’ 2022. A total of 765 prescriptions were selected. All patients attending the psychiatry OPD during the period of the study were included and analyzed as per the WHO drug indicators. Results: Clonazepam constitutes 119 (51.74%), Lorazepam 74 (32.17%), and Others 37 (16.09%) of the 230 anxiolytics listed in the table. In 195 antidepressant drugs, 76 (38.97%) were escitalopram, 33 (16.92%) were amitriptyline, 47 (24.10%) were imipramine, and 39 (20%) were other antidepressants. Antipsychotics were detected in 194 patients (21% of the cohort population). This includes Olanzapine (88.36%), Haloperidol (34.54%), Risperidone (14.22%), and Other Antipsychotics (12.89%). Trihexyphenidyl was prescribed to 75 of the 88 study participants, accounting for 85.23% of the total. Prescribing Indicators and it was observed that an average number of drugs per prescription were 2.59±1.37. Average number of Antipsychotics prescribed per prescription was 2.73±1.46. The number of antipsychotic drugs prescribed by generic name was 52.94%. Percentage of injectable drugs prescribed 2.48%, Percentage of the prescriptions containing psychotropic FDC 20.78%, Percentage of psychotropic drugs prescribed from essential drug list 42.75%, Percentage of psychotropic drugs prescribed from hospital pharmacy 62.22%. Conclusion: The most frequently prescribed antidepressant, antipsychotic, and BZD medications were escitalopram, olanzapine, and clonazepam, in that order. Carbamazepine was preferred over lithium as a mood stabilizer.

Utilization and prescription patterns of topical steroids: a study at dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, Ethiopia

BackgroundTopical steroids are widely used in dermatology for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, but misuse can cause skin thinning and systemic issues. In Ethiopia, where skin conditions are common, understanding how topical steroids are prescribed and used is essential for ensuring their safe and effective use.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess topical steroids’ prescription and utilization pattern in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DCSH) from February 1 to May 30, 2024.MethodologyThe study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach, analyzing data from 175 patient records on prescription and utilization patterns of topical steroids at DCSH. Participants were selected using a random sampling technique. Data were categorized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010, with findings presented through descriptive statistics, including tables and figures.ResultEczematous dermatitis (31.49%) was the most common skin disease observed, followed by dermatophytosis (12.15%). Out of 304 drugs prescribed, averaging 1.73 per prescription, clobetasol (44.4%) and betamethasone (25.0%) were the most common topical corticosteroids. These steroids were primarily prescribed for eczema, dermatitis, pigmentary disorders, psoriasis, urticaria, and lichen planus. The commonly prescribed drugs were topical steroids 108[35.53%]. Generic names were used for 54.63% of the 108 topical steroids prescribed.ConclusionThe study found that dermatitis and eczema are the most common skin conditions treated in dermatology clinics, with topical steroids being the main treatment. However, many prescriptions lacked details on the application site, treatment duration, and quantity. To improve safety and effectiveness, the study recommends community education, better dermatological services, and increased oversight in professional training.

Prescribing practices of corticosteroids in outpatient dermatology department of Injibara General Hospital, north-West Ethiopia, 2024.

Corticosteroids are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world because they are extremely effective for the relief of symptoms of many inflammatory and immune disorders and other conditions. Corticosteroids have been a mainstay of pharmacotherapy in dermatological practice. This study aimed to assess prescribing practices of corticosteroids in outpatient dermatology department of Injibara General Hospital, North-West Ethiopia, 2024. A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to September 10, 2024, with 422 patient prescriptions issued at the dermatology outpatient department of Injibara General Hospital containing at least one corticosteroid medicine. All patient prescriptions dispensed from the dermatology outpatient department from April to August 2024 containing at least one corticosteroid medicine were included. A structured data collection tool was used to collect data, and Statistical Package for Social Science version 27.1 was used for data analysis. The study population was characterized through descriptive analysis. Female patients accounted 54.2% of the cases recorded, and the most common age group was between 21 and 30 years (26.5%). Atopic dermatitis (15.4%) was the most common skin disorder, followed by papular urticaria (9.97%) and seborrheic dermatitis (8.9%) for which corticosteroids were prescribed. Topical corticosteroids were the most commonly prescribed medications, accounting for 94.1%. The percentage of corticosteroids prescribed by generic name was 82.4%. We found that the percentage of topical corticosteroid prescriptions in fixed drug combinations and extemporaneous prescription was 4.4 and 1.2%, respectively. Mometasone furoate was the most commonly prescribed (34.6%), followed by clobetasol propionate (26.7%). Ointments (53%) followed by creams (40.6%) were the most common formulations of topical corticosteroids issued. In the present study, moderate potency TCS were most commonly prescribed (32.3%), followed by high potency (28.3%), and super high potency (27.6%), respectively. From this study, it can be concluded that atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease observed in the studied dermatology outpatient where the corticosteroid was indicated. Mometasone furoate and clobetasol propionate were the two most commonly prescribed agents. Prescribing practice of high potent and very high potent topical corticosteroids was found to be considerably high.

Medicine availability and affordability for paediatric cancers, China.

To investigate access to essential anticancer medicines for children throughout China. We obtained cross-sectional drug use data for 2021 from 55 tertiary children's hospitals in seven geographical regions (one third of public children's hospitals in mainland China). Affordability was assessed by comparing the single-day copayment for each medicine with the same generic name and route of administration (i.e. product) or for a treatment course with daily disposable income per capita in each region. The median availability and affordability of all 33 anticancer medicines in the 2021 WHO Model list of essential medicines for children were calculated and compared by region and medicine type. Although all medicines had been approved in China, 14 (42.4%) were available in under 50% of hospitals and six (18.2%) products had a median single-day copayment exceeding daily disposable income. Median availability was higher among the 19 medicines with approval for paediatric indications than among the 14 without (80.0% versus 48.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Overall, 42.4% (14/33) of medicines had both good availability and affordability; the lowest proportion was in north-west China (30.3%, 10/33). A Chinese resident needed to work for 5.3days to afford 4weeks' induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common childhood cancer. Access to essential anticancer medicines for children remained suboptimal in China and varied across regions. Fewer than half the medicines studied had both good availability and affordability. Actions are warranted to address potential shortages and decrease the financial burden on families.

Proposal of Paradevosia tibetensis (Wang et al. 2015) comb. nov. by transferring the species Youhaiella tibetensis to the genus Paradevosia.

The authors of a recent study in this journal in which the union of the genera Youhaiella and Paradevosia was proposed wrongfully indicated the correct generic name that should be used. According to Rule 24b(4) of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, Paradevosia Geng et al. 2015 has priority over Youhaiella Wang et al. 2015. Hence, a new combination is needed for the species that contains Youhaiella tibetensis F4T, and in this letter, Paradevosia tibetensis (Wang et al. 2015) comb. nov. is proposed by correctly adopting the earliest legitimate generic name.

On the nomenclatural status of the prokaryotic name Skermania piniformis (Blackall et al. 1989) Chun et al. 1997. Request for an Opinion.

In 1997, the name Skermania piniformis (Blackall et al. 1989) comb. nov. was proposed by Chun et al. on transfer of the species Nocardia pinensis to the newly established genus Skermania as its type species. The appearance of the epithet in S. piniformis was quite different from that in its basonym N. pinensis. This could be seen, at first glance, as an unnecessary epithet change that may render S. piniformis and its generic name Skermania illegitimate according to the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP). But in this paper, the author argues that for this particular case, 'pinensis' and 'piniformis' are better treated as different spellings of the same epithet. And if so, the change from 'pinensis' to 'piniformis' will not give rise to a case of illegitimacy under Rule 41a of the ICNP. Several possible counterarguments are discussed, which are shown to be based on a misinterpretation of the ICNP, particularly in relation to Rule 20a. As this is a non-trivial issue, the author requests a final decision by the Judicial Commission according to Rule 58 of the ICNP. An additional request for clarifying Rule 54 is also made.

Estrategias de nominación de las plantas medicinales en la nomenclatura etnobotánica cashinahua (Pano, Perú)

This article is the first study on the naming strategies in the ethnobotanical nomenclature of medicinal plants in Cashinahua (Pano). This linguistic group is located in the Yuruá-Purús basin, on the border between Peru and Brazil. This study focuses on the variety spoken in Peru. First, within the framework of cognitive semantics, we have seen the use of an important series of metonymies, metaphors and metaphtonymies to name a whole paradigm of plants according to their medicinal uses and the Cashinahua cosmovision. A Cashinahua taxonomy has also been identified that distinguishes plants with a generic name and distinct curative properties, and several plants with specific names and similar curative properties. There are also specific plant names that correspond to a single plant family. Finally, four morphosyntactic processes have been analyzed, which are prefixation, nominal composition, suffixation and clitization, and the whole paradigm of nominalization of clauses in Cashinahua has been described for the first time.

An Observational Study on Prescription Patterns of Drugs and Psychiatric Disorders Occurring in Child and Adolescent Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background Mental health issues in children and adolescents are quite significant. Despite their impact, research on psychiatric disorders in these age groups is limited. This study aims to evaluate the prescription patterns of psychiatric medications and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescent age group patients. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the prescription pattern of psychiatric medications and the pattern of psychiatric illnesses among child and adolescent age group patients at a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods This hospital-based observational study was conducted over 1.5 years at the Government Hospital for Mental Care in Visakhapatnam, India. A total of 150 patients aged 2–18 years, diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and prescribed at least one psychiatric drug, were included. Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, and prescription details were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 2022, following WHO drug use indicators. Cost analysis compared drug costs within the hospital pharmacy and external pharmacies. Results The study population comprised 56% children (2–10 years) and 44% adolescents (11–18 years), with a male predominance in both groups. The average number of medications per prescription was 2–4, with 94% prescribed by generic names and no use of fixed drug combinations or injectable drugs. Mental retardation was the most common disorder, followed by attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in children and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in adolescents. Risperidone, trihexyphenidyl, carbamazepine, and valproate were the most commonly prescribed medications. Most drugs were available at the hospital pharmacy, minimizing the financial burden on patients. Cost analysis showed significant variations in drug prices outside the hospital. Conclusion The study highlights the rational prescription trends among child and adolescent psychiatric patients. There was preference for atypical antipsychotics and newer drug classes over conventional medications. Polypharmacy was up to the mark. The findings emphasize the need for periodic prescription monitoring to ensure safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment.

Myopedicellina, a replacement name for Myosoma Robertson (Entoprocta: Pedicellinidae)

Myosoma is a genus name proposed in 1900 by Alice Robertson for a colonial species of Entoprocta, Myosoma spinosa Robertson. Myosoma has been used for this genus up to the present time, which now includes two named species. However, we determined that Robertson’s name is preoccupied by the parasitoid wasp genus name Myosoma (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), described by Brullé in 1846. Therefore, we propose another epithet for this entoproct genus: Myopedicellina new replacement name. Brief descriptions of the genus Myopedicellina and the two species belonging to it are provided.

A new forest lizard fauna from Caribbean islands (Squamata, Diploglossidae, Celestinae)

The taxonomy of Neotropical forest lizards (Diploglossidae) has been the subject of controversy because of a paucity of diagnostic characters and genetic data. Recent molecular studies have produced phylogenies that are highly supported but have few individuals represented for each species. These studies have corrected generic names and defined new genera and subfamilies in Diploglossidae. However, they have shown that multiple species are not monophyletic or have high levels of genetic divergence, indicating the need to define new species. Three subfamilies, 12 genera, and 56 species of diploglossid lizards are currently recognized; 25 of these are in the subfamily Celestinae. We conducted a systematic revision of Caribbean celestine forest lizards (from the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Hispaniola) using DNA sequence data from 372 individuals, supplemented by both conventional and unconventional morphological characters from 958 preserved specimens. In some cases, we obtained DNA sequence data from museum specimens, including types, nearly 200 years old. We propose and use a new species delimitation method based on time of divergence. We define 17 new species, elevate 17 subspecies, and elevate one species from synonymy, resulting in 35 newly recognized species. Additionally, we synonymize two pairs of previously recognized subspecies and one pair of species. This increases the number of celestine species from 25 to 59 and raises the total number of diploglossids to 90 species. Of those, 63 occur on Caribbean islands and all are endemic to those islands. Fourteen Caribbean celestine species (24%) are Critically Endangered, 17 species (29%) are Endangered, and 1 species (2%) is Vulnerable, resulting in a proportion of threatened species (54%) more than twice as high as the average for reptiles, based on IUCN Redlist criteria. Three of the Critically Endangered species are possibly extinct because of human activities during the last two centuries. Several of the surviving species are near extinction and in need of immediate protection. Extensive forest loss on Caribbean islands has led to the decline of Caribbean forest lizards, which rely on forests as their primary habitat. In addition to deforestation, the introduction of the Small Indian Mongoose is in part responsible for the decline of Caribbean diploglossid lizards. That invasive predator was introduced as a biological control of rats in sugar cane fields in the late 19th Century (1872–1900), immediately resulting in a mass extinction of reptiles. The ground-dwelling and diurnal habits of diploglossids have made them particularly susceptible to mongoose predation.