title: Management of autonomic dysfunction in severe tetanus: the use of magnesium sulphate and clonidine.
abstract: The treatment of severe tetanus with autonomic dysfunction is discussed, with emphasis on the use of magnesium sulphate. An exemplary case is reported, describing the inadequate response to magnesium, but the previously unreported and successful use of clonidine to control sympathetic overactivity. The properties of clonidine are reviewed. Clonidine is felt to be a logical and appropriate drug for the treatment of autonomic dysfunction in severe tetanus.
authors.affiliation: Shackleton Department of Anaesthetics, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Sutton
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Tremlett
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Woodcock
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Nielsen
mesh_terms: D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000097:blood; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013742:Tetanus / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D002395:Catecholamines; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D003000:Clonidine