title: Intrathecal baclofen for the treatment of tetanus.
abstract: Tetanus remains a serious problem in public health, particularly in developing countries, despite efficient prevention programs. A retrospective study was conducted at an infectious diseases intensive care unit during 1998-2003 involving patients admitted with grade III tetanus. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen for the treatment of tetanus. Lumbar puncture was performed, and a subarachnoid catheter was inserted for drug administration. An intrathecal bolus of baclofen was followed by a continuous infusion of 20 microg/h, until a maximum daily dose of 2 mg was provided. Twenty-two patients were treated overall. Control of the symptoms was achieved in all patients but one. Seven patients had colonization of the catheter, and 1 patient developed meningitis. All patients except one recovered. In our study, this means of treatment was efficacious and well tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases Service-Intensive Care Unit, Hospital S. João and School of Medicine, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: M Lurdes
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: António
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mota-Miranda
authors.forename: António
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alves-Pereira
authors.forename: Armanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Correia
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marçal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013742:Tetanus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen