Thalheimer-Fisher Method

THALHEIMER-FISHER METHOD

The Thalheimer-Fischer Method is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing and detecting latent tuberculosis among patients with HIV infection. This method includes not only the diagnosis of tuberculosis, but also its prevention and treatment. In this article we will look at the basic principles of the Thalheimer-Fischer technique and its application in clinical practice.

The principle of operation of the method The method is based on the use of fluorography - x-ray examination of the lungs. The main advantage of fluorography over other diagnostic methods is its high accuracy and ease of implementation. However, when using a fluorogram, it is impossible to determine the activity of the process if there are minimal changes in the lungs. In this case, the Thalheimer technique is used.

There are several stages of the Thalheimer process: - during the first week, swelling of the lymph nodes in the lungs and mediastinal area occurs, after which a narrowing of the bronchial lumen is observed; - the second period is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, and this leads to compaction and decreased transparency of the lung fields. At the same time, the bronchial tree becomes clearer and more pronounced, and blood flow also increases;

In addition, the use of the technique allows you to objectively assess the condition of the patient’s body. The results show real figures for the incidence, prevalence of tuberculosis and the health status of patients. The use of the method can be useful in planning the necessary preventive measures and determining individual treatment programs.

One of the basic principles of the Thalheimer-Fisher method is the need for an integrated approach to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients. This involves assessing not only the lungs, but also other organs and systems, as well as diagnostic measures that help identify concomitant diseases. This is the only way to get a complete picture of the patient’s condition and create an individual treatment plan. This method is based on collecting information on all patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, since there is a high probability of tuberculosis infection, which is asymptomatic. The study allows you to detect even small changes in the pulmonary structure, which allows you to start treatment in a timely manner and prevent the development of severe consequences of tuberculosis. The technique is used not only for diagnosis, but also to predict the effectiveness and duration of tuberculosis treatment in patients with HIV. Fluctuation analysis allows us to determine which patient requires longer and more intensive therapy. This technique helps to establish the effectiveness and direction of treatment, develop individual programs and strategies, and also determine criteria for discharge from hospital. In addition, the technique can be used to determine the severity and stage of the disease, identify risk factors for the development of complications of tuberculosis in these patients and determine the need for hospitalization.

The Thalheimer-Fisher technique is a way of assessing the degree of readiness of personnel to perform specific tasks or carry out actions in a certain area. This method was developed by University of Kent professor Tal Frauenzi and Robert D. Thalheimer and consists of 16 questions - 6 readiness assessments and 10 tests