TETANUS: Presentation and Outcome in Adults at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the presentation, management and mortality rate of tetanus patients at Tertiary Care Hospital. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Surgical Department ofPMCH Nawabshah from August 2016 to July 2017. A total of 30 patients diagnosed as tetanus were admitted from the surgical outdoor patient (surgical OPD) and emergency department of PMCH Nawabshah. All required investigations were done. All the patients were treated accordingly. Results were statistically analyzed. Results: Out of total 30 patients, 20 (66.6%) were males with gender ratio of 2:1 male to females respectively. Age was between 15 -SO years with average age of 45 years. Commonest presentation was lock jaw, observed in 93.3% of cases followed by 83.3% cases of neck rigidity, 76.6% cases of Seizures, 50% cases of Hyperthemia and 50% cases of Abdominal Rigidity. 10 (33.3%) patients recovered and discharged while 20 (66.6%) patients expired. Conclusion: Males are more affected. The mortality rate in tetanus patients was 66.6% in our setup.