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Published on: March 12, 2020
Risk factors, morbidity and mortality of neonatal tetanus
A C Dey1, L Saha, M Shahidullah
1Infectious Disease Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|January 18, 2011
Summary
Neonatal tetanus is a significant threat in Bangladesh, with over half of affected infants dying. Key contributing factors include poor socioeconomic conditions, lack of maternal education, and unhygienic delivery practices.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Neonatal tetanus remains a critical public health concern in low-resource settings.
- Identifying risk factors and outcomes is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the risk factors, mortality, and morbidity associated with neonatal tetanus.
- To evaluate clinical presentation, hospital stay, and outcomes in affected neonates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital records for neonatal tetanus cases.
- Data collected over a one-year period (May 2008 - April 2009) at a national referral hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality rate for neonatal tetanus was 52.9%.
- Common morbidities included lockjaw, feeding difficulties, abdominal rigidity, and convulsions.
- Factors contributing to neonatal tetanus included low socioeconomic status, maternal illiteracy, lack of antenatal care, unassisted deliveries, and poor umbilical cord care.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal tetanus presents a high mortality rate and significant morbidity.
- Socioeconomic and educational factors, alongside inadequate healthcare access and hygiene practices, are major contributors.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to develop effective preventive strategies.
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