Neonatal tetanus in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Tetanus is caused by the spore forming gram positive, anaerobic organism clostridium tetani. It is a well known killer in neonates. In Islamabad this disease is especially seen in its Katchi Abadis. Over the past three years 88 patients of neonatal tetanus were admitted to the Children's Hospital, PIMS, out of which we were able to save sixty eight. Advanced and sophisticated techniques like intermittent positive pressure ventilation and endotracheal intubation helped to save patients who would probably have died if these facilities were not available. These measures are not available in most of the hospitals in a poor country like Pakistan. It is felt that, under the circumstances, a preventive programme consisting of immunization of women of child bearing age would be a more practicable and cost effective solution