Neonatal tetanus associated with skin infection
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Date
Authors
Maharaj, M.
Dungwa, Norman
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
A 1-week-old infant was brought to a regional hospital with a history of recurrent seizures following lower abdominal septic skin infection.
She was found to have neonatal tetanus, and a spatula test was positive. The tetanus infection was associated with a superficial skin infection,
common in neonates. Treatment included sedatives (diazepam, chlorpromazine, phenobarbitone and morphine), muscle relaxants,
antibiotics and ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit. Intrathecal and intramuscular immunoglobulin were given, and the wound
was treated. The infant recovered, with no seizures by the 16th day from admission, and was off the ventilator by the 18th day. This was
shorter than the usual 3 - 4 weeks for neonates with tetanus at the hospital. The question arises whether tetanus immunisation should be
considered in infants with skin infections, which frequently occur in the neonatal period.
Description
Keywords
Hospital, Skin infection, Neonatal tetanus, Infant
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Maharaj, M & Dungwa, N 2016, 'Neonatal tetanus associated with skin infection', South African Medical Journal, vol. 106, no. 9, pp. 888-890.