The Management of Severe Tetanus in the Intensive Care Unit

Despite widespread immunization programmes, tetanus remains an important cause of mortalityin the developing world. In tetanus, the severe muscle spasms and autonomic instability affectthe respiratory and cardiovascular systems, generally requiring treatment in the intensive care unit. This is the case study of a 59 year-old female patient who developed sever tetanus because tetanus immunopropyhlaxis guidelines were not followed. The patient had generalized muscular spasms which ended with respiratory distress; was entubated, sedated and relaxed. The autonomic instability which is the main cause of mortality in tetanus was treated. On day 50 she was weaned from ventilation and later discharged.