Guidelines for the management of accidental tetanus in adult patients.

Abstract

Although tetanus can be prevented by appropriate immunization, accidental tetanus continues to occur frequently in underdeveloped and developing countries. Tetanus mortality rates remain high in these areas, and studies regarding the best therapy for tetanus are scarce. Because of the paucity of data on accidental tetanus and the clinical relevance of this condition, the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira (AMIB) organized a group of experts to develop these guidelines, which are based on the best available evidence for the management of tetanus in patients requiring admission to the intensive care unit. The guidelines discuss the management of tetanus patients in the intensive care unit, including the use of immunoglobulin therapy, antibiotic therapy, management of analgesics, sedation and neuromuscular blockade, management of dysautonomia and specific issues related to mechanical ventilation and physiotherapy in this population.

• Authors: Thiago Lisboa, Yeh-Li Ho, Gustavo Trindade Henriques Filho, Janete Salles Brauner, Jorge Luis Dos Santos Valiatti, Juan Carlos Verdeal, Flavia Ribeiro Machado
• Journal: Revista Brasileira de terapia intensiva (Rev Bras Ter Intensiva) Vol. 23 Issue 4 Pg. 394-409 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1982-4335 [Electronic] Brazil
• Vernacular Title: Diretrizes para o manejo do tétano acidental em pacientes adultos.
• PMID: 23949453 (Publication Type: Journal Article)