Dissections of regional lymph nodes for treatment of skin cancer: predicting annual caseloads that will optimise outcomes

IntroductionDissection of regional lymph nodes (RLNs) can lead to significant morbidity and a high prevalence of complications. Published guidance states that these procedures should be carried out by surgeons who are members of a specialist skin multidisciplinary team who carry out a combined minimum of 15 axillary/groin dissections per year. However, there is little evidence to guide this minimum figure of procedures. We report on the burden of service provision and prevalence of complications across the South West of England and Wales.MethodsA 12-month review of dissections of RLNs for skin cancer was undertaken covering five Plastic Surgery Units with a collective catchment of 8.4 million people. Detailed data were collected on patient demographics, pathology, timing of surgery, and prevalence of complications.ResultsA total of 163 dissections were carried out. Forty-three per cent of patients experienced one or more complication. In that 12-month period, an average of 8 axillary/groin dissections was carried out per surgeon. A funnel plot demonstrated that the prevalence of complications for individual surgeons was within the limit of the plot but, in many cases, this was based only on a relatively small number of procedures per consultant. If surgeons carried out 10 procedures per year, the upper and lower limits on the plot were 73% and 11%, respectively.ConclusionsFunnel plots can provide a useful guide as to whether the prevalence of complications for procedures for individual surgeons lies within acceptable limits. Based on these results, 10 procedures per consultant per year should be sufficient to enable meaningful assessment of the prevalence of complications.     

Nodding syndrome in Mundri county,South Sudan: environmental,nutritional and infectious factors

Background

Nodding Syndrome is a seizure disorder of children in Mundri County, Western Equatoria, South Sudan. The disorder is reported to be spreading in South Sudan and northern Uganda.

Objective

To describe environmental, nutritional, infectious, and other factors that existed before and during the de novo 1991 appearance and subsequent increase in cases through 2001.

Methods

Household surveys, informant interviews, and case-control studies conducted in Lui town and Amadi village in 2001–2002 were supplemented in 2012 by informant interviews in Lui and Juba, South Sudan.

Results

Nodding Syndrome was associated with Onchocerca volvulus and Mansonella perstans infections, with food use of a variety of sorghum (serena) introduced as part of an emergency relief program, and was inversely associated with a history of measles infection. There was no evidence to suggest exposure to a manmade neurotoxic pollutant or chemical agent, other than chemically dressed seed intended for planting but used for food. Food use of cyanogenic plants was documented, and exposure to fungal contaminants could not be excluded.

Conclusion

Nodding Syndrome in South Sudan has an unknown etiology. Further research is recommended on the association of Nodding Syndrome with onchocerciasis/mansonelliasis and neurotoxins in plant materials used for food.     

Hepatitis C and blood transfusion among children attending the Sickle Cell Clinic at Mulago Hospital,Uganda

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounts for 90% of post-transfusion hepatitis. In Uganda, there has been limited research of prevalence of HCV among sickle cell anaemia (SS) patients, a group at risk for multiple transfusions.

Objectives

To establish prevalence of HCV infection and determine whether blood transfusion increases risk among SS patients.

Methods

244 SS patients aged 1–18 years were recruited by consecutive sampling. Socio-demographic, clinical and transfusion history was collected. Clinical examination done and blood tested for HCV by MEIA.

Results

244 children were recruited. Of these, 159 (65%) had a history of blood transfusion. Among the transfused, five patients were HCV positive. Four of these were over 12 years of age. Among patients with no history of transfusion, one patient aged 14 years was HCV positive. Risk of HCV was higher among the transfused OR 2.7(CI 0.31–24). Patients who received more than two units were more likely to be HCV positive (p=0.03).

Conclusions

HCV prevalence of 2.5% was low but higher than that reported by other investigators in Uganda. Blood transfusion was a major contributing factor in occurrence of HCV. Children who get repeated transfusions should be screened for Hepatitis C and screening of blood for HCV prior to transfusion would help reduce occurrence of the disease.