title: Autonomic dysfunction in tetanus - what lessons can be learnt with specific reference to alpha-2 agonists?
abstract: Severe tetanus is seen infrequently in the developed world, but often requires intensive care support. Mechanical ventilation with neuromuscular blockade and heavy sedation, good wound care and prompt administration of antitoxin are important. The management of autonomic dysfunction remains challenging. We measured serum catecholamine levels in a patient with severe tetanus in whom autonomic crises were a major and persistent feature, and investigated the impact of sedatives plus alpha(2)-agonists on these levels. Serum adrenaline levels were elevated up to 100-fold with clinically observed crises, although noradrenaline levels were much more difficult to interpret. There was no appreciable difference in catecholamine levels following administration of alpha(2)-agonists in the doses we used, although clonidine did allow easier control of crises with other agents. This case highlights some important lessons in the management of severe tetanus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Queensland, Level 3 Ned Hanlon Building, RBWH, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Freshwater-Turner
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Udy
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lipman
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deans
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stuart
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Boots
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hegde
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: McWhinney
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D003000:Clonidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood; D013742:Tetanus / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D020927:Dexmedetomidine; D003000:Clonidine; D009638:Norepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine