A Retrospective Clinical Study Of Factors Affecting Tetanus

Abstract

Tetanus is a devastating disease of muscle spasm and autonomic instability with a high mortality. Despite being easily preventable with a highly effective vaccine, tetanus remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide . Our aim of the study was to review the demographic and clinical presentations of tetanus and to study the route of entry, immunization status and outcome of the disease. This study included all cases diagnosed as tetanus in a period of 6 years from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005. Data of the patients was retrospectively collected from the Medical Records Department of Kasturba medical college hospital, Manipal. The data included details of the patients and clinical findings. The maximum incidence was noted in the age group above 30yrs of age and males were more than females. Incidence among patients of various occupations was higher among those involved in manual work farmers (66.66%) Common clinical manifestations included trismus with the common site of injury was lower Limb. Mortality was found to be higher with increase in severity of the disease and short Incubation period. Poor adherence to immunization schedule in adult population,low level of care administered for minor injuries by the primary health care providers, without keeping in mind the possibility of tetanus and lack of awareness among general public about the immunization schedule and the disease, was probably the reason for a higher incidence of tetanus in this country compared to the west. Severe tetanus had a higher mortality than moderate tetanus. The mortality of patients with tetanus remained phenomenally high (23.33%), the reason for which had to be elucidated with further prospective studies.