Tetanus associated with medical treatments: about a case

Tetanus prophylaxis in routine wound management is a major strategy for tetanus prevention in health care settings. Failed wound management interventions leave patient dangerously exposed to this disease. We report the case of a patient with tetanus occurred after medical treatment for head injury p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Pan African medical journal 2016, Vol.25, p.108-108
Main Author: Mamoudou, Savadogo
Format: Article
Language:fre
Subjects:
Deglutition Disorders - etiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neck Pain - etiology
Tetanus - etiology
Tetanus - prevention & control
Tetanus Toxoid - administration & dosage
Trismus - etiology
Trismus - prevention & control
Wound Infection - microbiology
Wound Infection - prevention & control
Wounds and Injuries - complications
Wounds and Injuries - microbiology
Wounds and Injuries - therapy
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Summary:Tetanus prophylaxis in routine wound management is a major strategy for tetanus prevention in health care settings. Failed wound management interventions leave patient dangerously exposed to this disease. We report the case of a patient with tetanus occurred after medical treatment for head injury performed in a healthcare facility without appropriate tetanus prophylaxis. This study aims to remind clinicians of the importance of prophylaxis in previously unvaccinated wounded patients or with a doubtful immune status. A 52-year-old patient who had not previously been vaccinated against tetanus was admitted to Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital CHU/YO with cervical pain, dysphagia, difficulty walking and opening the mouth. The patient had a personal history of deep wound on his forehead sutured without previous anti-tetanus prophylaxis approximately three weeks before. Physical examination on admission showed loose lockjaw, abdominal spasm, dysphagia, a body temperature of 36,5 °C and a scar on his forehead measuring about 7 cm. The diagnosis of generalized tetanus (stage II) infection occurring after forehead wound was retained. Treatment outcome was favorable and the patient was dismissed on September 18, 2015. The prevention of tetanus associated with an appropriate treatment requires rigorous application of aseptic techniques, systematization of antitetanus serum therapy in the management of previously unvaccinated patients or with a doubtful immune status presenting with a deep wound.
ISSN:1937-8688
DOI:10.11604/pamj.2016.25.108.9237