1/4. Fatal tetanus in a drug abuser with "protective" antitetanus antibodies.tetanus is a rare disease in the united states. From 1995-1997, the average annual incidence of tetanus was 0.15/1,000,000 population. Injecting-drug users, particularly those who use heroin, are among the highest risk population for acquiring tetanus. We present a case of an injecting-drug user who was seen in the emergency department with worsening diffuse midthoracic back pain and spasms. He subsequently developed acute respiratory failure and central nervous system hypoxic injury. serum obtained before administration of tetanus immune globulin showed a tetanus antibody titer greater than 16 times the level considered protective. Because of limited human data on the minimum protective level of neutralizing antibody, as well as reports of tetanus among individuals with "protective" antibody titers, the diagnosis of tetanus should not be excluded solely on the basis of antitetanus titers.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/4. Dysphagia as a major symptom of tetanus.Dysphagia is a common symptom presenting to ENT departments. Two cases of tetanus with dysphagia as a major symptom are discussed, together with a review of previously reported cases. Although tetanus is a rare disease in the United Kingdom, the possibility of this diagnosis should be borne in mind in patients presenting with progressive dysphagia, especially if there are other head and neck symptoms present.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/4. tetanus: a case report.tetanus is a rare disease in the united states, with only 40 to 60 cases reported annually. This potentially lethal disease affects unimmunized or partially immunized persons, with the elderly at greatest risk. tetanus usually follows an injury such as a puncture wound, abrasion, or laceration. The pathogen is an anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-negative, ubiquitous bacillus known as clostridium tetani. In the vegetative form, it produces a lethal toxin, tetanospasmin, which enters the central nervous system through retrograde axonal transport, resulting in characteristic muscle spasms and tonic contractions. Severe tetanus can cause autonomic instability, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest. patients with tetanus usually require intensive care with dose monitoring and extensive supportive care. Most patients experience full recovery with no signs of neurological sequelae. This case report and discussion illustrate the severity of the disease and the complexity of managing a patient with tetanus.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/4. tetanus: critical implications for nursing.In the united states today, tetanus is a rare disease. However, when it occurs, it can be a highly challenging situation for all members of the healthcare team. The majority of care during the course of the disease is supportive. The availability of personnel trained in managing cardiorespiratory emergencies and sustained mechanical ventilation in the ICU environment can have a beneficial effect on patients' outcomes. An awareness of the potential complications of tetanus can hasten recovery and maintain the patient's preexisting quality of life.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = rare disease (Clic here for more details about this article) |