Tetanus in Haiti.
In 1958-72, 985 cases of tetanus (excluding tetanus of the newborn) were admitted to a hospital in Haiti. Mortality was 22%, and in later years (1966-72) mortality fell. During this period the dosage of tetanus antitoxin was lowered to 10,000 units and, for sedation, diazepam has satisfactorily replaced multiple-drug regimens used in earlier years. However, good nursing, including close attention to breathing, is probably the most important item in treatment. As a result of a programme of maternal immunisation, admissions for neonatal tetanus have fallen, and mortality for this condition has been reduced to 26%.
D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy; D006205:Haiti; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013742:Tetanus / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014140:Tracheotomy
D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin; D003975:Diazepam