Secondary pneumonia in tetanus patients: a review of six selectedcases (Case Report)
Abstract: Tetanus, an
infection by C.tetani continues to be a major health problem in the developing
world. The course of the disease is typically prolonged, requiring weeks to
months of supportive management to resolve. Several studies have been conducted
to determine which factor/s really influenced the outcome of tetanus. Factors
such as severity of spasms, age, sedation and tachycardia were found to significantly
influence mortality. Patients now surviving the initial acute phase of their
illness, but new problems have emerged autonomic dysfunction and hospital
acquired pneumonia (often with multiresistant organisms) are now the commonest
causes of death. This serial cases report presents six selected cases of
tetanus, three patients acquired secondary pneumonia during treatment, among
the three, two patients are elderly age 70 and 72 years old. Both of the
presented patients died during treatment in the hospital.
Author: Herdiman T. Pohan
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050119
