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Tetanus in Children: Clinical Insights and Management From a Multicenter Study in Turkey
Ayşe Hitay Telefon1, Sibel Lacinel Gurlevik2, Tugce Tural Kara3
1From the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Adana, Turkey.
Insights
Tetanus remains a significant threat to unvaccinated children, especially migrant populations. Prompt medical care and vaccination are crucial for preventing severe outcomes in pediatric tetanus cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tetanus is a preventable disease through vaccination.
- Unvaccinated and under-immunized children remain at risk, particularly in vulnerable groups.
- Tetanus poses a persistent clinical concern globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of pediatric tetanus cases.
- To highlight the ongoing threat of tetanus in unvaccinated children.
- To inform vaccination strategies for at-risk pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter case series.
- Analysis of 5 pediatric patients diagnosed with tetanus between 2018 and 2024.
- Review of demographic data, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- All 5 patients were unvaccinated migrant boys with generalized tetanus.
- Penetrating foot injury was the most common risk factor.
- Clinical features included muscle rigidity, spasms, airway compromise, and autonomic instability; all required intensive care, with 3 needing mechanical ventilation.
- All patients received tetanus immune globulin, antibiotics, and sedation, recovering fully with supportive care and subsequent immunization.
Conclusions:
- Tetanus is a preventable but persistent threat among unvaccinated migrant children.
- Targeted vaccination strategies are essential to mitigate tetanus risk in pediatric populations.
- Maintaining a high clinical suspicion is vital for early diagnosis and management of tetanus.
Background:
Although tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease, it remains a clinical concern among unvaccinated and under-immunized children, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective multicenter case series of 5 pediatric patients diagnosed with tetanus between 2018 and 2024 at 4 tertiary care centers in Turkey. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, management strategies and outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
All patients were unvaccinated migrant boys with generalized tetanus. The most common risk factor was penetrating foot injury. Prominent clinical features included muscle rigidity, spasms, airway compromise and autonomic instability. All patients required pediatric intensive care, and 3 required mechanical ventilation. Tetanus immune globulin, antibiotics and multimodal sedation were administered to all cases. No mortality was observed, and all patients recovered with supportive care and subsequent immunization.
Conclusions:
This case series highlights that tetanus remains a preventable, yet persistent threat among unvaccinated migrant children. Strengthening targeted vaccination strategies and maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion are essential to prevent morbidity in at-risk pediatric populations.
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