title: [Tetanus: a case report and literature review].
abstract: A 79 year old farmer was referred to the University Hospital with a three days history of difficulty in opening his mouth. On examination, both masseters were seen to be stiff, suggesting tetanus or jaw-subluxation. An attempt to reduce the joint was made, but failed. He subsequently developed progressive respiratory difficulties requiring intubation. The farmer had recently cut his finger on barbed wire. He had not received tetanus immunization for years and it was not clear whether primary immunization had been completed. Tetanus immunoglobulin and antibiotics were administered. He proceeded to develop autonomic instability and critical illness polyneuropathy requiring 45 days of ICU care. He was finally discharged eight months later. The farmer has gradually improved and is now living unaided at home. In this article we will review this case and the literature on tetanus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Landspitali University Hospital Iceland, Iceland.
authors.forename: Bjarni
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gudmundsson
authors.forename: Albert Pall
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Sigurdsson
authors.forename: Anna S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Thorisdottir
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000383:Agriculture; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013742:Tetanus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin