Generalized tetanus: A persistent threat, review of the literature and report of three cases

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Tetanus is an immuno-preventable disease, produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, that causes a disease characterized by muscle spasms, respiratory insufficiency and life-threatening dysautonomia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We present a series of three patients who consulted for trismus, muscle stiffness and respiratory failure, which required intensive care management, muscle relaxation, intramuscular and intrathecal administration of tetanus immu-noglobulin, with satisfactory outcomes in all the cases.

DISCUSSION:

Its treatment is divided into two main sections; the first part, the control of infection and elimination of the causative agent, with washing and debridement of wounds, administration of antibiotics and neutralization of the neurotoxin. The second part is life support in the intensive care unit, with the administration of sedation, muscular relaxation and control of dysautonomia and the management of complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite the advances in vaccination, tetanus is still a present disease, whose diagnosis and rapid and adequate treatment allows patients to survive, as in the cases reported here.