title: Betamethasone in tetanus patients: an evaluation of its effect on the mortality and morbidity.
abstract: The effect of betamethasone on the outcome in moderate to severe tetanus was studied in a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study in 22 patients. The mortality rate was reduced by 36.1% with the addition of corticosteroids to the regime of treatment. Betamethasone did not alter the duration of intensive care in those requiring it, but reduced the need for tracheostomy and ventilation. The mean daily dose of diazepam required was not significantly different between the two groups and there was no increase in the incidence of infections in the betamethasone group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Chandy
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nayyar
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mathai
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Dayal
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Sheshadri
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cherian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D013742:Tetanus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality
chemical_list: D001623:Betamethasone