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Overview

Topic Editor: Grant E. Fraser, M.D., FRACGP, FACRRM, ASTEM

Review Date: 10/2/2012


Definition

Tetanus is a life-threatening condition caused by a neurotoxin produced by the organism Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by muscular rigidity and intermittent tonic spasms of voluntary muscles, especially in the jaw and neck.

Description

Epidemiology

Incidence/Prevalence

Risk factors

Etiology


History & Physical Findings

History

Physical findings on examination


Differential Diagnosis

Generalized tetanus

Trismus

Treatment/Medications

General treatment items

Non-Pharmacological treatment

Pharmacological treatment

Medications indicated with specific doses

Immunoglobulins

AntibioticsMuscle relaxantsAntihypertensives

Dietary or Activity restrictions

Disposition

Admission Criteria

Discharge Criteria


Follow-up

Monitoring

Complications


Miscellaneous

Prevention

Vaccination

Prognosis

Pregnancy/Pediatric effects on condition

Synonyms/Abbreviations

Synonyms

ICD-9-CM

ICD-10-CM


References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. Tetanus: Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/tetanus.html. Updated Apr 15, 2011. Last accessed July 6, 2012.
  2. Glezen WP. Prevention of neonatal tetanus. Am J Public Health. 1998;88(6):871-2. abstract
  3. Prevots DR. Neonatal tetanus. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1999;48:176-7.
  4. Udwadia FE. Tetanus. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 1994.
  5. Brook I. Current concepts in the management of Clostridium tetani infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2008;6(3):327-36. abstract
  6. Roper MH, Vandelaer JH, Gasse FL. Maternal and neonatal tetanus. Lancet. 2007;370(9603):1947-59. abstract
  7. Ogunrin OA. Tetanus - A Review of Current Concepts in Management. BJPM. 2009;11(1):46-61.
  8. Sheffield JS, Ramin SM. Tetanus in pregnancy. Am J Perinatol. 2004;21(4):173-82. abstract
  9. Thwaites CL, Yen LM, Loan HT, et al. Magnesium sulphate for treatment of severe tetanus: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2006;368(9545):1436-43. abstract
  10. Attygalle D, Rodrigo N. New trends in the management of tetanus. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2004;2(1):73-84. abstract
  11. Weng WC, Huang WY, Peng TI, et al. Clinical characteristics of adult tetanus in a Taiwan medical center. J Formos Med Assoc. 2011;110(11):705-10. abstract
  12. Henderson SO, Mody T, Groth DE, et al. The presentation of tetanus in an emergency department. J Emerg Med. 1998;16(5):705-8. abstract
  13. Umesh G, Nanda S, Prasad KN. Complications of generalized tetanus. Can J Anaesth. 2009;56(7):541. abstract
  14. Edlich RF, Hill LG, Mahler CA. Management and prevention of tetanus. J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2003;13(3):139-54. abstract
  15. Lawn JE, Kerber K, Enweronu-Laryea C, et al. 3.6 Million Neonatal Deaths - What is progressing and what is not? Seminars in Perinatology. 2010;34(6):371-86. abstract
  16. Immunoglobulin Handbook. Tetanus. Health Protection Agency (U.K.). http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947314087. Updated October, 2011. Last accessed October 2, 2012.