Tetanus

Abstract

Tetanus is a potentially lethal disease that is preventable with appropriate vaccination. The diagnosis is made exclusively on clinical criteria, and early recognition and treatment are essential for positive outcome. Patients should be monitored in the intensive care unit immediately on diagnosis. Early intubation and mechanical ventilation have drastically reduced the mortality from tetanus. Autonomic instability is associated with a high fatality rate and therefore must be aggressively treated. Metronidazole, human tetanus immunoglobulin, and active immunization should also be initiated on presentation. Because of extremely high metabolic demands in patients with tetanus, care must be taken to provide adequate nutrition and fluids. Prevention of sequelae of long-term critical illness, such as nosocomial pneumonia and deep venous thrombosis, are also important for achieving good outcomes.