An Unvaccinated Tetanus Case Discharged without Sequelae

Abstract

Tetanus is an acute-onset disease that results from exposure to the exotoxins produced by Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by tonic muscle spasms and has high morbidity and mortality. Respiratory failure is the most severe problem related to generalized tetanus. Mechanical ventilation is almost always mandatory for the therapy of respiratory insufficiency in patients with tetanus-developed airway obstruction. The patient presented herein was 15 years old and unvaccinated, and had generalized tetanus and respiratory failure. He was transported to pediatric intensive care unit following intubation. In this report, we aimed to present the follow-up and treatment of a patient with severe tetanus in pediatric intensive care unit.

Keywords

• tetanus
• pediatric intensive care
• immunization