Factors affecting prognosis of neonatal tetanus

Neonatal tetanus is associated with a high mortality rate, despite intensive care. Although it can be prevented by immunization of expectant mothers and by good hygiene and asepsis during delivery, neonatal tetanus is still a common cause of neonatal mortality in underdeveloped countries. In our study, hospital records of 133 newborns with neonatal tetanus were evaluated to identify the possible factors affecting prognosis of neonatal tetanus; 79 were males and 56 females, and 54 (41.6%) of the 133 died. Sex and birth weight did not affect the prognosis. As a result of our study, we found that age on admission < 10 days, symptoms < 5 days and presence of risus sardonicus and fever indicate a poor prognosis in neonatal tetanus.