Tetanus in Finland: diagnostic problems and complications.

Abstract

In a 16-year nationwide study in Finland 106 patients were diagnosed as having tetanus. Tetanus was diagnosed on the first visit to a doctor in half the patients, it was suspected in 28% but not considered in 22%. Diagnosis of tetanus may be delayed if a patient is elderly or has no known primary lesion. Abnormal EEGs and CSF findings with increased protein level were unexpectedly common (76% and 24% respectively). The most significant complications were cardiac arrhythmias (34%), blood pressure lability (32%), an increased haemorrhagic tendency (28%), an increase in thrombosis (8%) and/or of anoxic periods (16%) and death (11%). Intensive care has markedly improved the prognosis of tetanus; the main problems at present are difficulty of early diagnosis and treatment of complications of the most serious cases.

• Authors: M Luisto
• Journal: Annals of medicine (Ann Med) Vol. 22 Issue 1 Pg. 15-9 (Feb 1990) ISSN: 0785-3890 [Print] England
• PMID: 2331353 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Age Factors
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Electroencephalography
• Female
• Finland
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Tetanus (cerebrospinal fluid, complications, diagnosis, mortality, therapy)