The evaluation of late sequelae of tetanus infection

Tetanus is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Fifty two patients with tetanus were admitted within a 15 year period to our hospital, and 24 of them died. The remaining cases were called for re-evaluation 3-13 years after the infection. Only 10 cases were admitted again, and 6 of them recovered from neonatal tetanus. Their neurological examinations were unremarkable with 5 of them having mild mental retardation. Their EEG's were normal except for one case who had epileptic focus. Their visual and brainstem evoked potentials (VEP, BAEP) were measured and they were in normal ranges. Their results were compared with the results of a control group which consisted of 9 healthy children of matched age and sex.