Experience with Tetanus in a Tertiary Hospital in South East Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Tetanus has for long been an avoidable source of morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to review the experience with managing tetanus in a regional tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who were admitted with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus between January 1999 and December 2003 was done. Relevant data were extracted from the patients' case records. Results: A total of 12 patients were identified within the time frame with a diagnosis of tetanus. There were more male than female patients (ratio 1.41) with city dwellers constituting a small majority. The mean age of the patients was 29.8 years. Lower limb injuries accounted for the portal of entry in 75of cases while one case followed a practice of oral sex. All patients were managed in the general ward and no mortality was recorded despite the presence of dysautonomia in some patients. Conclusion: Despite the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with tetanus in developing countries and despite some regional differences in presentation; careful clinical management even in resource poor countries can result in very good outcomes: