Results of treatment of patients with severe tetanus. A study o 18 cases

From 1964 to 1980 a total of 18 patients with tetanus were treated at Tampere Central Hospital, 5 (28%) of whom died. No assurance regarding earlier immunization could be obtained in 15 cases. In 13 cases the site of infection was a small scratch on the finger, the legs or the face. The mean incubation period was 8 days. Ten patients suffered from severe tetanus and 8 from moderate tetanus. Eight patients, of whom 2 died, were treated in an ordinary ward. After the surgical intensive care unit was set up, 10 patients received treatment there. Three died. The mean duration of hospitalization was 27 days and the mean treatment period in the intensive care unit 24 days. Seven patients were asymptomatic when discharged and 6 had minor after-effects. Cardiovascular complications can be prevented by intensive care, but pulmonary embolism remains the commonest cause of death. Special attention should be paid to its prevention.