Hospital-based study on neonatal tetanus, Buluba Hospital, 1985-1989

Neonatal tetanus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates in Uganda. A retrospective study has been made of 228 cases of neonatal tetanus seen in Buluba Hospital over the 5-year period of 1985-1989. The number of cases of neonatal tetanus admitted per year to the hospital did not decrease significantly during that period suggesting that the immunization programme aimed at immunization of pregnant women with tetanus toxoid has not had a clear impact. Over 40% of neonatal tetanus cases came from the two nearest subcounties: Waina and Imanyiro. Over 75% of admitted cases of neonatal tetanus accounted for 23% of all deaths among child admissions. More than 90% of neonatal tetanus cases showed the first symptoms of the illness within the first 14 days of life; the shortest incubation period was 2 days. The average age at onset was 5.6 days and the average age at death was 9.9 days. The need for a more effective immunization programme and more intensified activities to increase the proportion of deliveries attended by trained personnel and improve hygienic conditions during and after deliveries is emphasized.