Tétanos de l'enfant au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mère­Enfant de Libreville, Gabon / Child tetanus at the Mother and Child University Hospital Center, Libreville, Gabon

L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer les aspects épidémiologique, clinique, thérapeutique et évolutif du tétanos de l'enfant au service de réanimation du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mère-Enfant de Libreville, au Gabon. Méthodes : Etude rétrospective de type descriptif menée du 1er janvier 2019 au 31 décembre 2022. Les dossiers des enfants âgés de 0 à 16 ans, admis en réanimation pour tétanos, ont constitué la base des données. Les variables étudiées étaient épidémiologiques, cliniques, thérapeutiques et évolutives. Résultats : Parmi les 561 enfants hospitalisés en réanimation durant la période, il y'avait 12 cas de tétanos, soit une prévalence de 2,1%. Le sexe ratio était de 2. Les enfants âgés de 10 ans et plus représentaient la moitié de l'effectif (n=6). La porte d'entrée la plus retrouvée était une plaie du pied soit 50%, suivie d'une plaie céphalique dans 25% des cas. Tous les enfants avaient un état vaccinal incorrect, un trismus et des troubles d'alimentation. Le score pronostique de Dakar était à 2 chez six enfants (50%) et de 3 chez les 6 autres. Les molécules les plus utilisées étaient le Midazolam (92%), le Métronidazole (100%), le sérum et vaccin antitétanique (100%). Cinq patients (42%) ont bénéficié d'une ventilation assistée. La durée moyenne de séjour était de 13,6 jours ±9,9 et la létalité de 42%. Conclusion : le tétanos prédomine chez le grand enfant n'ayant pas de couverture vaccinale. Des mesures de sensibilisation des populations sur la vaccination antitétanique sont indispensables pour baisser la létalité.

Perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos casos de óbitos por Tétano acidental no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Clinical and epidemiological profile of cases and deaths due to accidental tetanus in the state of Minas Gerais, brazil

O tétano é uma doença infecciosa aguda, não contagiosa, resultante do binômio continuidade de pele/mucosas e contaminação pelo bacilo Clostridium tetani. É uma doença prevenível por vacina e de alta letalidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil clínicoepidemiológico dos casos confirmados e dos óbitos por tétano acidental registrados no estado brasileiro de Minas Gerais no período de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2022. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal, descritivo e quantitativo. A estratégia metodológica envolveu a análise dos boletins epidemiológicos disponibilizados pelo Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) e pelo Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM), no período de 2007 a 2022. Foram notificados 395 casos e 27% de óbitos por complicações dessa infecção. Belo Horizonte, Ipatinga, Montes Claros e Juiz de Fora foram as cidades com maior prevalência da doença. Resultados: Verificou-se que os homens, pardos, com idade entre 40 e 59 anos, com baixo nível de escolaridade e moradores da zona urbana foram os mais acometidos. Houve 12 casos de infecção em gestantes. O perfil dos indivíduos que foram a óbito foi do sexo masculino, com 50 anos ou mais, raça branca, casado, com menor escolaridade e com ocupação relacionada à produção de bens e serviços industriais. Conclusão: Apesar da disponibilidade de vacinas eficazes, o tétano acidental ainda é um grande problema de saúde pública em Minas Gerais. A vigilância epidemiológica do tétano é essencial para identificar os fatores de risco e tomar medidas preventivas adequadas, envolvendo a colaboração entre as autoridades de saúde pública, os profissionais de saúde e a comunidade para reduzir a carga dessa infeção

Tetanus is an acute infectious, non-contagious disease resulting from the binomial solution of skin/mucosal continuity and contamination by the bacillus Clostridium tetani. It is a vaccine-preventable disease and highly lethal. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiologic profile of confirmed cases and deaths from accidental tetanus recorded in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between January 2007 and December 2022. Methodology: The methodological strategy involved the analysis of epidemiological bulletins provided by the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) and the Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) from 2007 to 2022. There were 395 reported cases and 27% of deaths due to complications of this infection. Belo Horizonte, Ipatinga, Montes Claros and Juiz de Fora were the cities with the highest prevalence of the disease. Results: It was found that males, brown people, aged between 40 and 59 years, with a low level of education and urban dwellers were the most affected. There were 12 cases of infection in pregnant women. The profile of individuals who died was male, 50 years or older, white race, married, with less education and with an occupation related to the production of industrial goods and services. Conclusion: Despite the availability of effective vaccines, accidental tetanus is still a major public health problem in Minas Gerais. Epidemiologic surveillance of tetanus is essential to identify risk factors and take appropriate preventive measures, involving collaboration between public health authorities, health care providers and the community for to reduce the burden of this infecction

Tétanos generalizado: reporte de caso y análisis clínico para su diferenciación con otras entidades como las crisis epilépticas / Tetanus as a seizure crisis simulator in a 70-year-old patient, case report

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El tétanos es una enfermedad que afecta el sistema nervioso. Su presentación clínica se caracteriza por espasmos musculares en respuesta a la liberación de la neurotoxina producida por la formación de esporas de la bacteria Clostridium tetani. DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO: Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 70 años que luego de una caída presentó una herida en la región ocular. Al ingreso se evidenciaron signos de infección local y contracción involuntaria en los músculos maseteros, con imposibilidad de apertura oral. Posteriormente, presentó insuficiencia respiratoria, contracciones generalizadas y necesidad de traslado a unidad de cuidado intensivo. Debido a que entre los diagnósticos diferenciales se encontraba la presencia de crisis epilépticas motoras, se hicieron estudios complementarios para descartar esta posibilidad. DISCUSIÓN: El diagnóstico del tétanos es clínico, es importante sospecharlo en pacientes con antecedentes de lesión en piel e inmunización inadecuada. Por su amplia presentación clínica, puede llevar a confusión con otras patologías. Entre los diagnósticos diferenciales están las crisis epilépticas, sin embargo, el tétano no cumple con las características semiológicas, no compromete el estado de conciencia y no progresa a estado epiléptico, asociado con la normalidad de estudios complementarios como las neuroimágenes, el estudio de líquido cefalorraquídeo y el registro electroencefalográfico. CONCLUSIÓN: El tétanos es una enfermedad altamente prevenible y un reto diagnóstico para el profesional de la salud por su amplio debut de síntomas. Por ello, en el abordaje diagnóstico es importante reconocer los diagnósticos diferenciales, teniendo como base la historia clínica, lo que permite un diagnóstico temprano y oportuno.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Tetanus is a disease that affects the nervous system and its clinical presentation is characterized by muscle spasms caused by the release of a neurotoxin produced by the formation of spores of the Clostridium tetani bacteria. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 70-year-old man who after a fall, presented an injury to the ocular region. On admission, signs of local infection and involuntary contraction of the masseter muscles were evident, with impossibility of oral opening. Subsequently, he presented respiratory failure, generalized contractions and transfer to the intensive care unit, due to its similarity to convulsive events, pathology at the level of the central nervous system is suspected, for which it requires complementary studies and clinical analysis to rule it out. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of tetanus is clinical, it is important to suspect it in patients with a history of skin lesions and inadequate immunization, due to its extensive clinical presentation, it can lead to confusion with other pathologies. Among the differential diagnoses are epileptic seizures, however, tetanus does not meet the semiological characteristics, does not compromise the state of consciousness and does not progress to status epilepticus, associated with the normality of complementary studies such as neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid study and registry electroencephalographic. CONCLUSION: Tetanus is a highly preventable disease and a diagnostic challenge for the health professional due to its wide onset of symptoms. That is why the diagnostic approach is important to recognize the differential diagnoses based on the clinical history, which allows an early and timely diagnosis.

Artificial intelligence-based literature data warehouse for vaccine safety / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To establish a sustainable updated literature data warehouse for global vaccine safety assessment, and provide data support for evidence-based vaccine safety assessment. Methods: Semi-automated construction and updating of a literature data warehouse were achieved through the continuous integration of standard operating steps of evidence-based reviews with artificial intelligence technologies. Following the standard procedure of a systematic literature review, the literatures about vaccine safety assessment published before November 29, 2020 were retrieved from 9 databases including OVID, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrails.org in English and Wanfang, CNKI, VIP, and SinoMed in Chinese. Literatures were screened for two rounds in a semi-automatic manner (by artificial intelligence literature processing system and manual work) according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Furthermore, the literatures were classified according to the types of vaccines and adverse events. The updating strategy was established, and the literature data warehouse was updated regularly. Experts were organized to select specific vaccine safety topics and carry out special demonstration studies. Results: More than 0.41 million articles were retrieved. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 23 304 articles were included after two rounds of screening. At present, we have selected and completed three prior topics as demonstration studies, including the systematic review of "DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) vaccine and encephalopathy/encephalitis", and the classified management of literatures about allergic purpura and brachial plexus neuritis. Conclusions: The sustainable updated literature data warehouse of vaccine safety can provide high-quality research data for vaccine safety research, including evidence support for immunization related policy-making and adjustment and vaccine safety-related methodological research or clinical tool development; and further demonstration studies can provide references for building a new methodological framework system for timely and efficient completion of the evidence-based assessment of vaccine safety.

Morbidity and mortality of tetanus at Kenyatta National Hospital: a ten-year case audit

Introduction: Tetanus is a major health problem in developing countries, and is associated with high a morbidity and mortality. There are no recent local data in Kenya on the impact of the disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the type, severity, risk factors, immunization history and outcome of tetanus patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study of patients with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus admitted to KNH over ten years, who were aged 13 years and above. All available files with tetanus diagnosis were selected, and the patients' data were retrieved and analysed using SPSS Software version 21.0. Results: Out of 53 patients with tetanus, 50 (94.3%) were males and 3 (5.7%) were females. The mean age at presentation was 33.2 years (SD= 15.6). Only 4 (7.5%) patients had prior tetanus immunization. The commonest risk factor was acute injury - seen in 37 (69.8%) patients. The common site of injury was the lower limb - seen in 26 (49.1%) patients. The incubation period ranged from 3 to 90 days (IQR 7-17). Generalized tetanus was the commonest form found in 50 (94.3%) patients. Only 16 (30.2%) patients were managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The overall mortality was 49.1%. Conclusion: Tetanus mortality is still high as reported in many other studies. Most patients were males without prior immunization history. Only few patients were managed in Intensive Care Unit. We recommend advocacy on tetanus immunization and booster dosing

Tétanos generalizado: Una amenaza persistente, reporte de tres casos y revisión de la literatura / Generalized tetanus: A persistent threat, review of the literature and report of three cases

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El tétanos es una enfermedad inmunoprevenible, ocasionada por la bacteria Clostridium tetani, desencadenando una enfermedad caracterizada por espasmos musculares, insuficiencia respiratoria y disautonomías, potencialmente mortal. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Presentamos una serie de tres pacientes que consultaron al servicio de urgencias por presentar trismus, rigidez muscular generalizada y dificultad respiratoria, requiriendo manejo en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, con relajación muscular y administración intramuscular e intratecal de inmunoglobulina antitetánica, con evolución satisfactoria en todos los casos. DISCUSIÓN: Su tratamiento está divido en dos grandes secciones; la primera parte, el control de la infección y eliminación del agente causal, con lavado y desbridamiento de heridas, administración de antibióticos y neutralización de la neurotoxina. La segunda parte del tratamiento está en el soporte vital en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, con la administración de sedación, relajación muscular, control de disautonomías y manejo de complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: El tétanos a pesar de los avances en vacunación aún es una enfermedad presente, cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento rápido y adecuado, permite sobrevivir a los pacientes, como en los casos aquí reportados.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Tetanus is an immuno-preventable disease, produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, that causes a disease characterized by muscle spasms, respiratory insufficiency and life-threatening dysautonomia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a series of three patients who consulted for trismus, muscle stiffness and respiratory failure, which required intensive care management, muscle relaxation, intramuscular and intrathecal administration of tetanus immu-noglobulin, with satisfactory outcomes in all the cases. DISCUSSION: Its treatment is divided into two main sections; the first part, the control of infection and elimination of the causative agent, with washing and debridement of wounds, administration of antibiotics and neutralization of the neurotoxin. The second part is life support in the intensive care unit, with the administration of sedation, muscular relaxation and control of dysautonomia and the management of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the advances in vaccination, tetanus is still a present disease, whose diagnosis and rapid and adequate treatment allows patients to survive, as in the cases reported here.

Tétanos generalizado en un adolescente / Spread tetanus in an adolescent

Se presenta el caso clínico de un adolescente de 13 años de edad, con antecedentes de buena salud, quien solo recibió inmunización durante la etapa neonatal, el cual sufrió una herida causada por un clavo enmohecido en el dorso del pie derecho y acudió al Hospital Wete de Zanzíbar, Tanzania, por presentar dolores musculares, espasmos generalizados, risa sardónica y trismo, por lo cual se le diagnosticó tétanos generalizado. Se prescribió tratamiento médico con hidratación parenteral, toxina antitetánica, toxoide tetánico, antibióticos, sedantes y curación local de dicha herida. Luego de 2 meses de hospitalización el paciente tuvo una evolución satisfactoria.

The case report of a 13 years adolescent, with history of good health who just received immunization during the neonatal period is presented. He suffered from a wound caused by a rusty nail in the back of the right foot and he went to the Wete Hospital in Zanzibar, Tanzania, presenting muscular pains, spread spasms, sardonic laugh and trismus, reason why he was diagnosed spread tetanus. Treatment was prescribed with parenteral hydration, anti-tetanus toxin, anti-tetanus toxoide, antibiotics, sedative and total cure of this wound. After 2 months of hospitalization the patient had a favorable clinical course.

Expert consensus on the China Pertussis Initiative / 中华预防医学杂志

Some countries with high coverage of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis combined vaccines have experienced pertussis epidemics and/or local outbreaks since 1980s. This phenomenon is called "pertussis resurgence". In recent years, pertussis epidemics in several provinces of China have resurged dramatically, arousing great concern from all parties. By referring the working model of the Global Pertussis Initiative, the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association has organized and launched the China Pertussis Initiative. A group of experts in this field has analyzed data of current pertussis in China and identified problems posed by the disease. This expert consensus was completed based on the discussions of the latest national and international research progeress, epidemiological trends and immunization strategies of pertussis, with special aims to provide guidance for the surveillance, prevention and control of pertussis in China.

Análise epidemiológica e avaliação dos gastos/efetividade nas internações por tétano no Brasil / Epidemiological analysis and evaluation of costs/effectiveness in tetanus hospitalizations in Brazil

Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico do tétano acidental no Brasil e analisar a efetividade dos custos das internações associadas à doença. Metodologia: estudo descritivo e quantitativo sobre as internações decorrentes do tétano acidental no País, de 2008 a 2019, com dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Departamento de Informática do SUS (SIH/DATASUS). Resultados: foram registrados 2334 internações e 464 óbitos, com um valor médio de R$ 5.431,14 gastos por paciente internado. As idades entre 40 e 69 anos foram as mais acometidas (57,55%), com uma tendência de aumento da permanência hospitalar, taxa de mortalidade e valores investidos com o aumento da idade. Homens representaram 80,37% das internações, e as etnias parda (54,62%) e branca (39,89%) foram as mais afetadas. As regiões Nordeste (35,51%) e Norte (21,55%) apresentaram as maiores taxas de internações e mortalidade, respectivamente. Entre os estados, Minas Gerais (11,39%) e Rio Grande do Sul (9,94%) registraram mais internações, e Alagoas (43,10%) e Sergipe (37,93%), as maiores taxas de mortalidade. Além disso, constataram-se diferenças significativas nas participações (69,06% e 30,94%) e taxas de mortalidade (19,16% e 27,02%) dos setores público e privado, respectivamente. Conclusão: os dados levantados neste estudo favorecem a atuação preventiva contra o tétano acidental no País, pois ampliam o conhecimento de seu padrão epidemiológico. Por fim, deixam clara a importância das campanhas de vacinação para reduzir a incidência e os gastos com internações.

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of accidental tetanus in Brazil and to analyze the cost-effectiveness of hospitalizations associated with the disease. Methods: Descriptive and quantitative study on hospitalizations due to accidental tetanus in the country, from 2008 to 2019, using data from the Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Departamento de Informática do SUS (SIH/DATASUS). Results: A total of 2334 hospitalizations and 464 deaths were recorded, with an average value of R$ 5,431.14 spent per hospitalized patient. The ages between 40 and 69 years were the most affected (57.55%), with a tendency to increase hospital stay, mortality rate, and amounts invested with increasing age. Men accounted for 80.37% of hospitalizations, and the brown (54.62%) and white (39.89%) ethnicities were the most affected. The Northeast (35.51%) and North (21.55%) regions had the highest hospitalization and mortality rates, respectively. Among the states, Minas Gerais (11.39%) and Rio Grande do Sul (9.94%) registered more hospitalizations and Alagoas (43.10%), and Sergipe (37.93%), the highest mortality rates. In addition, there were significant differences in the shares (69.06% and 30.94%) and mortality rates (19.16% and 27.02%) of the public and private sectors, respectively. Conclusion: The data collected in this study favor preventive action against accidental tetanus in the country, as they expand the knowledge of its epidemiological pattern. Finally, they make clear the importance of vaccination campaigns to reduce the incidence and hospitalization costs

Characterization and evaluation of the enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin submitted to cobalt-60 gamma radiation

Tetanus toxin blocks the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and causes tetanus and its main form of prevention is through vaccination. The vaccine is produced by inactivation of tetanus toxin with formaldehyde, which may cause side effects. An alternative way is the use of ionizing radiation for inactivation of the toxin and also to improve the potential immunogenic response and to reduce the post-vaccination side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the tetanus toxin structure after different doses of ionizing radiation of 60Co. Methods Irradiated and native tetanus toxin was characterized by SDS PAGE in reducing and non-reducing conditions and MALD-TOF. Enzymatic activity was measured by FRET substrate. Also, antigenic properties were assessed by ELISA and Western Blot data. Results Characterization analysis revealed gradual modification on the tetanus toxin structure according to doses increase. Also, fragmentation and possible aggregations of the protein fragments were observed in higher doses. In the analysis of peptide preservation by enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry, there was a slight modification in the identification up to the dose of 4 kGy. At subsequent doses, peptide identification was minimal. The analysis of the enzymatic activity by fluorescence showed 35 % attenuation in the activity even at higher doses. In the antigenic evaluation, anti-tetanus toxin antibodies were detected against the irradiated toxins at the different doses, with a gradual decrease as the dose increased, but remaining at satisfactory levels. Conclusion Ionizing radiation promoted structural changes in the tetanus toxin such as fragmentation and/or aggregation and attenuation of enzymatic activity as the dose increased, but antigenic recognition of the toxin remained at good levels indicating its possible use as an immunogen. However, studies of enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin irradiated with doses above 8 kGy should be further analyzed.(AU)

Tétanos generalizado en adulto. Reporte de caso / Adult generalized tetanus. Case report

RESUMEN Fundamento: El tétanos es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por las esporas de la bacteria Clostridium tetani que afecta el sistema nervioso. La inmunización contra esta enfermedad ha permitido reducir la morbilidad y la mortalidad en Cuba por esa causa. Los pocos casos reportados son pacientes sin previa vacunación contra el tétanos, por lo que constituye de interés para la comunidad científica el reporte de aquellos que desarrollan esa enfermedad después de haber sido vacunados. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de tétanos generalizado a pesar de que ya había sido vacunado contra esa enfermedad. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 33 años, con el antecedente de haber sido vacunado contra el tétanos, al cual le diagnosticaron tétanos generalizado, por lo se decidió su ingresó en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Clínicamente se manifestó por contracciones musculares generalizadas y rigidez, los síntomas y signos neurológicos tuvieron una duración de 4 semanas. A pesar de las complicaciones el paciente egresó con adecuada calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La presentación de este caso busca concientizar en la comunidad científica la importancia de considerar el diagnóstico de tétanos en pacientes ya vacunados, lo cual es poco frecuente y obliga a actuar con prontitud.

ABSTRACT Background: Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani spores which affects the nervous system. In Cuba, immunization against this disease has made it possible to reduce morbidity and mortality from this cause. The few cases reported are patients without prior vaccination against tetanus, so is the interest to the scientific community the reporting of those who develop this disease after having been vaccinated. Objective: To describe a patient´s case with a generalized tetanus diagnosis despite has already been vaccinated against this disease. Case report: A 33-year-old patient, with a history of has been vaccinated against tetanus, and diagnosed with generalized tetanus, so it was decided he to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Clinically manifested by generalized muscle contractions and stiffness, the neurological symptoms and signs lasted 4 weeks. Despite the complications, the patient discharged from hospital with an adequate life quality. Conclusions: This case presentation searches for raising awareness in the scientific community about the importance of considering the diagnosis of tetanus in previous vaccinated patients, which is rare and requires quickness of action.

Clínical Audit of Primary Treatment of Open Fractures: Antibiotic Treatment and Tetanus Prophylaxis / Auditoria clinica do tratamento primário de fraturas expostas: Tratamento antimicrobiano e profilaxia antitetânica

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether the conducts involving antimicrobial treatment and prophylaxis against tetanus have been performed according to the Clinical Protocol of the Institution. Methods Descriptive and retrospective study conducted in patients of both genders, > 18 years old admitted to a public hospital specialized in emergency and trauma, to treat primary open fracture. The data of interest were surveyed in medical records, drug prescriptions, report of patients admitted in the Surgical Block and tetanus prophylaxis requests. Results A total of 241 patients were selected, mostly male (81.7%), young adults (64.3%), victims of motorcycle accidents (53.5%). Infectious complications were present in 18.7% of the fractures, the mean time for the surgical approach was 4 hours and 12 minutes, and 91.7% of the patients had preoperative antimicrobial prescription. The main inadequacies identified were: period of prescription of antimicrobial treatment (63.5%); choice of the antimicrobial scheme (59.3%) and antimicrobial dose (58.0%). Only 14.1% of the patients were immunized against tetanus. Conclusion The greatest divergences with the Clinical Protocol were observed in the issues involving the antimicrobial regimen used, doses and time of prescription, as well as in tetanus prophylaxis.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar se as condutas envolvendo o tratamento antimicrobiano e a profilaxia contra o tétano têm sido realizadas conforme o Protocolo Clínico da Instituição. Métodos Estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, realizado em pacientes de ambos os gêneros, > 18 anos, admitidos em um hospital público estadual especializado em urgência e trauma, para tratamento primário de fratura exposta. Os dados de interesse foram pesquisados em prontuários médicos, prescrições de medicamentos, relatórios de pacientes admitidos no Bloco Cirúrgico e solicitações de profilaxia antitetânica. Resultados Foram selecionados 241 pacientes, a maioria homens (81,7%), adultos jovens (64,3%), vítimas de acidentes motociclísticos (53,5%). As complicações infecciosas estiveram presentes em 18,7% das fraturas, o tempo médio para a abordagem cirúrgica foi de 4 horas e 12 minutos, e 91,7% dos pacientes tiveram prescrição do tratamento antimicrobiano no pré-operatório. As principais inadequações identificadas foram: período de prescrição do tratamento antimicrobiano (63,5%); escolha do esquema de antimicrobianos (59,3%) e dose dos antimicrobianos (58,0%). Apenas 14,1% dos pacientes foram imunizados contra o tétano. Conclusão As maiores divergências com o Protocolo Clínico foram observadas nas questões envolvendo o esquema de antimicrobianos utilizados, doses e tempo de prescrição, bem como na profilaxia antitetânica.

Updates of adult immunization in Korea

An increase in the number of patients with infectious diseases in Korea, can be attributed to various factors, such as the prevalence of new infectious diseases of the 21st century, the re-emergence of past infectious diseases, an increase in the number of elderly individuals, patients with chronic diseases, immune deficiency, and globalization. In this context, vaccination becomes vital for the adult population. Although, the guidelines for adult immunization are currently being updated, the rate of adult vaccination remains lower than that of infant vaccination. At present, the major challenges for increasing the rate of adult immunization include negative views on the need for some immunizations and a lack of understanding of group immunity among the youth. Consequently, a successful immunization program will be required to direct efforts towards educating patients and spreading awareness. Based on the current guidelines and practical applications, varicella zoster; Japanese encephalitis; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; pneumococcus; measles, mumps, and rubella; and hepatitis A vaccines could effectively be considered for adult vaccination.

Head and neck symptoms as predictors of outcome in tetanus patients

@#Objective: This study aims to investigate which, if any head and neck symptoms (trismus, dysphagia, alterations in speech or facial movements, and dyspnea) might be good predictors of outcomes (mortality, tracheostomy, discharged, decannulated) and prognosis of tetanus patients. Methods: Design: Retrospective Cohort Study Setting: Tertiary National University Hospital Patients: Seventy-three (73) pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with tetanus and admitted at the emergency room of the Philippine General Hospital between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. Demographic characteristics, incubation periods, periods of onset, routes of entry, head and neck symptoms, stage, and outcomes were retrieved from medical records and analyzed. Results: Of the 73 patients included, 53 (73%) were adults, while the remaining 20 (27%) were pediatric. The three most common head and neck symptoms were trismus (48; 66%), neck pain/ rigidity (35; 48%), and dysphagia to solids (31; 42%). Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only trismus (OR = 3.742, p = .015) and neck pain/ rigidity (OR = 4.135, p = .015) were significant predictors of decannulation. No dependent variable/symptoms had a significant effect in predicting discharge and mortality. Conclusion: Clinically diagnosed tetanus can be easily recognized and immediately treated. Most of the early complaints are head and neck symptoms that can help in early diagnosis and treatment resulting in better prognosis. In particular, trismus and neck pain/rigidity may predict the outcome of decannulation after early tracheotomy, but not of discharge and mortality.

Clinical profile and management of tetanus: A 5-year retrospective case series in a referral tertiary hospital in Metro Manila

OBJECTIVE@#To describe the profile, management, and outcome of adult patients admitted for tetanus. @*METHODOLOGY@#A search of the hospital and department database was conducted for patients with admitting or final diagnosis of tetanus. Patients below 19 years old, with alternative diagnosis, incomplete or unavailable records, transferred to another institution, and went home against medical advice were excluded. Data on patient demographics, source of infection, symptom severity, and management were obtained. Data was described using proportions and averages.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-two patients were included in the study. Twenty-seven were male with a mean age of 45.63 ± 13.39. All cases had no history of tetanus vaccination. The most common focus of infection was acute injuries. More than half of patients would be diagnosed within 72 hours of symptom onset. The most common symptoms on presentation were trismus, rigidity, dysphagia, and spasms. On admission, Cole severity for 11 (34.4%) cases was mild, 17 (53.1%) moderate, and 4 (12.5%) severe. Prophylactic tracheostomy was performed in 31 patients and 19 (59.4%) were placed on assisted ventilation. All cases were treated with metronidazole. A benzodiazepine was started in all cases for spasm control. Baclofen, magnesium sulfate, and antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine were also used. Twenty (62.5%) patients suffered from complications, the most common of which was nosocomial pneumonia, which resulted in longer ICU and hospital stays. Eleven patients exhibited progression in Cole severity: 8.6% at stage 1, 57.1% at stage 2, and 34.3% cases were at stage 3. Mortality rate was 19% with the proportion increasing with Cole severity. @*CONCLUSION@#We describe the presentation and course of patients admitted for tetanus in our institution. Most cases were males and all cases had no vaccination history. Trismus was the most common presenting symptom. Metronidazole was the antibiotic of choice and benzodiazepines were the mainstay for spasm control. Majority of cases were mild to moderate in severity on presentation. Advanced disease stages were associated with higher fatality rates. Complications were associated with longer ICU and hospital stay. These findings suggest that prevention of progression of disease severity and complications must be the focus of tetanus protocols to shorten hospital stay and decrease mortality rate. Promoting vaccination of at-risk adults is recommended to lower the incidence of tetanus.

Incidence et facteurs de risque du tétanos néonatal en milieu rural centrafricain

Objectif : Décrire le profil épidémiologique et clinique du tétanos néonatal et identifier les facteurs de risque.Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude cas-témoins portant sur les nouveau-nés atteints du tétanos ou non (témoins), réalisée entre 2012 et 2017 à l'hôpital de district de Carnot. Un questionnaire a permis de collecter les données sociodémographiques et cliniques qui ont été saisies et analysées sur Epi info. Le test de chi-carré a servi à comparer les proportions au seuil de significativité 5%.Résultats : Au total,332 nouveau-nés ont été inclus dont 166 cas de TN et 166 témoins. L'âge moyen était de 7,8 ±3,6jours. L'incidence du TN était de 2,7 à 5,2 cas pour 1000 naissances vivantes. La fréquence hospitalière était de 7,5% et celle du tétanos de classe 3 selon le score de Dakar a été de 62,4%, le taux de létalité de 54%. Les facteurs de risque de TN étaient: le sexe masculin (p=0,00), le bas niveau d'instruction des mères (p=0,001),l'éloignement de l'hôpital (p=0,000), la primiparité (p=0,000), un faible nombre de consultations prénatales (p=0,000)et de doses de vaccin antitétanique (p=0,000), l'accouchement à domicile (p=0,000), l'accouchement par un personnel non qualifié (p=0,000),la section septique du cordon ombilical (p=0,000), l'absence de pansement du cordon (p=0,000) et un pansement septique (p=0,024).Conclusion : En Centrafrique, l'incidence du tétanos néonatal reste élevée et les facteurs de risque multiples. Des mesures efficaces de promotion de la santé peuvent contribuer à l'élimination de cette maladie

Ocorrência de eventos adversos após o uso da vacina adsorvida difteria, tétano e pertussis (acelular) - dTpa -, São Paulo, SP, 2015-2016 / Aparecimiento de eventos adversos después del uso de la vacuna adsorbida difteria, tétanos y tosferina (acelular) - dTpa -, São Paulo, SP, Brasil, 2015-2016 / Adverse event occurrence following use of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis adsorbed vaccine - Tdap -, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 2015-2016

Objetivo: descrever a ocorrência de eventos adversos pós-vacinação (EAPV) com a vacina dTpa durante a gestação. Métodos: estudo descritivo, com dados de relatos das participantes de estudo de efetividade e imunogenicidade realizado em dois hospitais de São Paulo, SP, Brasil, entre 2015 e 2016. Resultados: das 201 mães incluídas no estudo, 48 (23,9%) apresentaram pelo menos um EAPV; foram identificados 60 sintomas relacionados ao uso da dTpa - dor (22,4%), inchaço (2,5%), febre (1,5%), sono (1,0%), vermelhidão (0,5%), vômito (0,5%), dor de cabeça (0,5%), reação local (0,5%) e cansaço (0,5%); não foram registrados eventos adversos raros, muito raros ou extremamente raros; todos os eventos foram considerados esperados e estão descritos em bula; todos tiveram desfecho para cura sem sequelas. Conclusão: a dTpa, na forma adotada pelo Programa Nacional de Imunizações (PNI), é segura; não foram identificados eventos adversos inesperados entre as gestantes imunizadas com a vacina.

Objetivo: describir el aparecimiento de eventos adversos posvacunación (EAPV) con la vacuna dTpa durante el embarazo. Métodos: estudio descriptivo con datos de relatos de las participantes del estudio de efectividad e inmunogenicidad realizado en dos hospitales de São Paulo, SP, Brasil, entre 2015 y 2106. Resultados: de las 201 madres del estudio, 48 (23,9%) tuvieron al menos un EAPV; se identificaron 60 síntomas relacionados al uso de dTpa - dolor (22.4%), hinchazón (2.5%), fiebre (1.5%), somnolencia (1.0%), enrojecimiento (0.5%), vómitos (0.5 %), dolor de cabeza (0.5%), reacción local (0.5%) y cansancio (0.5%) -; no se informaron eventos adversos raros, muy raros o extremadamente raros; todos los eventos se consideraron esperados y se describen en el prospecto; todos tuvieron resultados curativos sin secuelas. Conclusión: el estudio mostró que la vacuna dTpa utilizada por el Programa Nacional de Inmunización (PNI) es segura y no se identificaron eventos adversos inesperados entre las mujeres embarazadas vacunadas.

Objective: to describe occurrence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Methods: this was a descriptive study using data from reports by participants in an effectiveness and immunogenicity study conducted in two hospitals in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, from 2015 to 2016. Results: of the 201 mothers included in the study, 48 (23.9%) had at least one AEFI; 60 symptoms related to Tdap use were identified - pain (22.4%), swelling (2.5%), fever (1.5%), somnolence (1.0%), redness (0.5%), vomiting (0.5%), headache (0.5%), local reaction (0.5%), and fatigue (0.5%); no rare, very rare, or extremely rare adverse events were reported; all events were considered to be expected, as they are described in the vaccine package insert; outcome of all events was recovery without sequelae. Conclusion: Tdap vaccine in the form adopted by the National Immunization Program is safe; no unexpected adverse events were identified among vaccinated pregnant women.

A Phase III Study to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of GC1107 (Adult Tetanus Diphtheria Vaccine) in Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the immunogenicity and safety of GC1107 (adult tetanus diphtheria [Td] vaccine). The primary goal was to evaluate the non-inferiority of the immunogenicity of GC1107 compared to the control vaccine. Additionally, the safety profiles of GC1107 and the control vaccine were compared. METHODS: The subjects were adults ≥ 18 years old who were not injected with Td or adult tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TdaP) vaccine within the recent 5 years. A total of 253 subjects were enrolled and randomized to either the GC1107 group or the control group. For immunogenicity assessment, blood samples were collected at baseline and 28 days after vaccination and antibody titer of diphtheria and tetanus were assessed. RESULTS: The seroprotection rates of diphtheria and tetanus were 89.76% and 91.34%, respectively, in the GC1107 group, and 87.80% and 86.99% in the control group. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of the anti-diphtheria antibody increased after vaccination in both groups, showing no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.139). The anti-tetanus GMTs after vaccination also showed comparable increases in both groups, and showed no significant difference (P = 0.860). In the safety evaluation, solicited local adverse reactions occurred in 81.2% of the subjects in the GC1107 group and in 86.4% of the subjects in the control group. Solicited systemic adverse events occurred in 33.2% of the subjects in the GC1107 group and in 47.2% of the subjects in the control group, which did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This phase III study demonstrated non-inferiority in immunogenicity and comparable safety of GC1107 compared with the control Td vaccine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02361866

Control of Motility in the Internal Anal Sphincter

The internal anal sphincter (IAS) plays an important role in the maintenance of fecal continence since it generates tone and is responsible for > 70% of resting anal pressure. During normal defecation the IAS relaxes. Historically, tone generation in gastrointestinal muscles was attributed to mechanisms arising directly from smooth muscle cells, ie, myogenic activity. However, slow waves are now known to play a fundamental role in regulating gastrointestinal motility and these electrical events are generated by the interstitial cells of Cajal. Recently, interstitial cells of Cajal, as well as slow waves, have also been identified in the IAS making them viable candidates for tone generation. In this review we discuss four different mechanisms that likely contribute to tone generation in the IAS. Three of these involve membrane potential, L-type Ca²⁺ channels and electromechanical coupling (ie, summation of asynchronous phasic activity, partial tetanus, and window current), whereas the fourth involves the regulation of myofilament Ca²⁺ sensitivity. Contractile activity in the IAS is also modulated by sympathetic motor neurons that significantly increase tone and anal pressure, as well as inhibitory motor neurons (particularly nitrergic and vasoactive intestinal peptidergic) that abolish contraction and assist with normal defecation. Alterations in IAS motility are associated with disorders such as fecal incontinence and anal fissures that significantly decrease the quality of life. Understanding in greater detail how tone is regulated in the IAS is important for developing more effective treatment strategies for these debilitating defecation disorders.

Clinical profile and prognostic factors of mortality among adult tetanus patients in Cagayan Valley Medical Center: A crosssectional study

Introduction@#Tetanus remains a public health threat in developing countries and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. There is paucity of published data regarding the management of tetanus in the Philippines, hence, the study was conducted to determine the demographic, clinical profile, and prognostic factors that are associated with mortality among adult tetanus patients admitted in Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC).@*Methods@#This is a retrospective study of patients who presented with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus, above 19 years old at CVMC between September 1, 2012 to October 31, 2018.@*Results@#A total of 194 patients were studied. The male to female ratio was 11:1.Majority of patients were aged > 40 years (68.56%), rural dwellers (88.66%), farmers (84.02%) and males (91.75%). Only 3.09% of patients had prior tetanus immunization. Most common antecedent injury is trauma (84.53%), most commonly due to punctured wounds (63.40%). All patients had generalized tetanus, and majority were admitted in moderate grade (68.56%). Most common manifestations were trismus (92.78%), spasms (84.02%), dysphagia (80.93%) and rigidity (68.04%). Complication rate is 64.43%. Mortality rate is 38.66%. Most common cause of death is acute respiratory failure. Poor prognostic factors determined by univariate analysis were age more than 40 years (OR=2.24, p-value=0.0160), incubation period less than seven days (OR=2.65, p-value= 0.0027), period of onset less than three days (OR=2.52, p-value=0.0150) , severity of disease (OR=17.35, p-value=<0.0001), need for ventilatory support (OR=22.20, p-value=<0.0001) and presence of complications (OR=2.96, p-value= 0.0013). In multivariate analysis, only need for ventilatory support is associated with mortality (OR=31.57, p-value=0.000).@*Conclusion@#Mortality rate of adult tetanus in Cagayan Valley Medical Center is high. Therefore, health education is highly encouraged to promote awareness, specifically in immunization and basic wound management.