BACKGROUND: Tetanus is an acute vaccine preventable illness
manifested by neuromuscular dysfunction due to a potent exotoxin,
tetanospasmin produced by Clostridium tetani. It is a common
health problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. The aim of
this study was to assess clinical profile and outcome of Pediatrics
tetanus in a referral hospital, South Ethiopia.
METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of medical
records of 24 Pediatric tetanus patients who were admitted from
July 2014 to June 2016 to the Pediatrics Department of Hawassa
University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa-Ethiopia.
Tetanus was diagnosed clinically. Data were entered and analyzed
using SPSS statistical software.
RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 8 years with 19
(79.2%)of the study subjects being males. There were 3 male
neonatal tetanus cases with 2 deaths. From post-neonatal cases,
only 8(38.1%) were fully vaccinated for infant Expanded Period of
Immunization (EPI). Booster vaccination with TT (tetanus toxoid)
was only given to 5(29.4%) of discharged patients. Trauma was
common in above 5 years of age and documented in 19(79.2%) of
patients. All tetanus cases were generalized type with mild,
moderate and severe grades comprising 7(29.2%), 8(33.3%),
7(29.2%) and 2(8.3%) respectively. Case fatality rate was 29.2% (7)
with more deaths in higher grades. Respiratory failure 6(85.7%),
and aspiration pneumonia 1(14.3%) were causes of death.