THE TREATMENT OF TETANUS - EXPERIENCE OVE R THE LAST 20 YEARS

Even today, tetanus is encountered in the industrialised countries, in particular in the case of patients who have inadequate immunization p rotection. In a case encountered in 1991, the course and treatment of this condition are described and compared with the management of seven teen patients seen over the preceding 20 years. Basic treatment compri ses the administration of tetanus antitoxin in order to bind free toxi n circulating in the blood. In the severe forms of the disease, suppor tive intensive treatment measures, including the administration of mus cle relaxants and sedatives, artificial respiration and possibly trach eotomy may be required in addition. More modern approaches include the administration of magnesium sulphate and baclofen.