A review of the anatomy and a step-by-step visual guide to performing an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Background: The aim of this description is to provide step-by-step guidelines for performing an ultrasound-guided supraclavicularbrachial plexus nerve block. Methods: The brachial plexus in the supraclavicular fossa of sixty healthy volunteers was scanned in the horizontal/transverse plane. The relevant regional anatomy was studied to identify the muscular and vascular structures seen on the ultrasound screen. Results: The entire process was documented and a standard, step-by-step guide to performing ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks was developed. Conclusion: This description serves as a comprehensive guide to a technique for performing ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks safely and successfully. It also aims to provide the reader with the background knowledge of the technique and the surrounding regional anatomy

What are the Reasons for Patients not Adhering to their Anti-TB Treatment in a South African District Hospital?

Introduction :TB is a major health problem in South Africa; with increasing numbers of patients notified; inadequate successful treatment rates and an emerging problem with resistant strains. This study was conducted at a District Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal where the successful treatment rate was as low as 23. The aim of this study was to identify key factors at the hospital that may affect adherence to TB treatment and to recommend interventions that could improve adherence. Methods:The study design was a case control study using prospectively collected data. Information was collected over an 8-month period; when the patients started their anti-TB treatment; according to the known factors that influence TB adherence. The patients were then followed up to determine those who did not adhere to their treatment; and those who successfully completed treatment. The two groups involved; therefore; were the controls (those who did adhere) and the cases (those who did not adhere). The data previously collected were then compared for significant associations with the controls and cases. Results :Data were obtained from 159 TB patients; 105 (66) were adherent and 54 (34) non-adherent. The following variables showed a significant association (p 0.05) with non-adherence: higher level of education; distance from the hospital; time taken to travel; the method of transport; satisfaction with the hospital; food security; income; the smoking of tobacco and/or marijuana; the patients' perspective and beliefs; HIV testing and status; functional status; social support; the relationship with the TB nurse; depression score; and self-rating of confidence. A stepwise logistic regression was performed; and only two variables remained significantly associated: travel time (OR7.9; 95CI 1.4-44.1) and the relationship with the TB nurse (OR2.6; 95CI 1.3-5.1). Conclusions: The most important recommendation is to improve the relationship between patients and TB nurses through training in communication skills. A more holistic assessment of patients would help identify issues such as depression; and a more patient-centred approach would help to understand and address patient's concerns; beliefs and expectations. It may also be important to ensure that management and administrative systems support a more patient-centred approach. It may be important to encourage the recruitment of family physicians who are trained in communication skills and a patient-centred approach; to work in the rural areas; where they can mentor and teach other colleagues and staff. More needs to be done in terms of helping patients to access facilities through transport; or in making services more available at the community level through DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment) supporters and adequate home-based carer support

Prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Patients Presenting with Pneumonia at Hospitals in Port Elizabeth

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in patients presenting with community-acquired pneumonia; in order to improve treatment management programmes. Sputum specimens from 45 patients presenting with pneumonia/symptoms of pneumonia admitted to hospitals in the Port Elizabeth region were assessed. Details of patient's gender; age; HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis status were provided by the hospitals. PCRs were performed employing primers directed at the following genes: P. jirovecii for detection of mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (mtLSUrRNA) and for cotrimoxazole resistance mutation analysis dihrdropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR); M. pneumoniae for detection of P1 adhesin and 16SrRNA. Women were seen to be at high risk for community-acquired P. jirovecii colonisation. Overall; prevalence of P. jirovecii was 73(33/45 patients). P. jirovecii was mainly associated with HIV (28/30 P. jirovecii-positive patients for which clinical data were available) and co-colonisation with M. tuberculosis was observed in 10 HIV cases and one HIV-negative patient. DHPS and DHFR primers seriously lacked sensitivity and on six and four PCR products obtained; respectively; no resistanceassociated mutations were found. M. pneumoniae was detected in one patient. The high prevalence of P. jirovecii and presence of M. pneumoniae in cases of pneumonia investigated emphasises that in the absence of definitive diagnoses; it is crucial to monitor treatment responses carefully; especially when first line antibiotic preferences are a-lactams or cephalosporins