Tetanus: 2,449 cases in 68 years at Charity Hospital

The 68-year Charity Hospital experience with tetanus has been reviewed with particular emphasis on the past 8 years. There were 2,449 cases treated at Charity Hospital from 1906 through 1974. The mortality rate has remained high. There were 24 cases in the past 8 years, with a 58% case fatality rate. Clues to our high mortality rate could be: 1) many cases with a short period of onset, 2) none of our 24 cases received treatment at time of injury, and 3) there were more severe cases, as judged by the high rate of need for tracheostomy. The method of management emphasizes: 1) wound care, 2) neutralization of the toxin, 3) antibiotic therapy, 4) supportive measures including good nursing care with control of convulsions and seizures, and 5) completion of active immunization. Prophylaxis is stressed, with particular emphasis on wound debridement and toxoid. The decreasing incidence of the disease is encouraging, probably related directly to proper immunization. However, the mortality rate remains high and the solution to the problem of tetanus is still prophylaxis. Epidemiologic considerations were discussed with particular emphasis on tetanus in the five Gulf States, the South in general, and the decreasing incidence in endemic areas.