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Intensive care management of severe tetanus at the university of Benin teaching hospital: a 23–years retrospective study.
Abstract
Background: The advent of intensive care management of severe tetanus patients is said to have reduced the mortality rate from the ailment. This study evaluated the experience at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Materials and Methods: Case files of severe tetanus patients referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) over a period of 23 years (1990-2012), were retrieved. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from these and analysed.
Results: Twenty-three (23) patients were admitted into the ICU over the 23-year study period. These comprised 16 males and 7 females, aged between 1 to 74 years. Admission rate was highest among the 11-20 years age group. A total of 12 (52.2%) patients died, and 11 (47.8%) survived, and were discharged from the ICU. There was higher mortality rate (5/7, 72.4%) among the females, compared to males (7/16, 43.8%).
Conclusion: The overall mortality rate of 52.2% is still high. This may necessitate a review of the management protocol in the centre, in line with evidence-based medical principles. Key words: Intensive care management, severe tetanus, outcome.
Materials and Methods: Case files of severe tetanus patients referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) over a period of 23 years (1990-2012), were retrieved. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from these and analysed.
Results: Twenty-three (23) patients were admitted into the ICU over the 23-year study period. These comprised 16 males and 7 females, aged between 1 to 74 years. Admission rate was highest among the 11-20 years age group. A total of 12 (52.2%) patients died, and 11 (47.8%) survived, and were discharged from the ICU. There was higher mortality rate (5/7, 72.4%) among the females, compared to males (7/16, 43.8%).
Conclusion: The overall mortality rate of 52.2% is still high. This may necessitate a review of the management protocol in the centre, in line with evidence-based medical principles. Key words: Intensive care management, severe tetanus, outcome.
