Objective verification of tetanus immune status in an apparently non-immune population.
Patients who are not known to be immunised to tetanus are considered to be non-immune. The appropriate treatment is the commencement of active immunisation with a course of three tetanus toxoid inoculations; if the wound is considered to be tetanus-prone, 250 IU of human anti-tetanus immunoglobulin is given concurrently. This study determined the true immune status of 166 patients who were considered to be non-immune on the basis of the available history. The majority (90 of 166) had protective levels of immunoglobulin (greater than 0.06 IU/ml) and further treatment was not indicated. Only two patients were non-immune. The remainder had protective levels (between 0.01 and 0.06 IU/ml) and required a tetanus toxoid booster.
Murphy
N M
NM
Accident and Emergency Department, Milton Keynes General Hospital.
Olney
D B
DB
Brakenbury
P H
PH
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013742:Tetanus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000008:administration & dosage
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid