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Tetanus in New Zealand children: Intensive care management of a vaccine preventable disease
Author(s) -
Wen Sophie CH,
Webb Catherine,
Miles Fiona,
Wilson Elizabeth
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.13306
Subject(s) - medicine , tetanus , pediatrics , disease , intensive care medicine , vaccine safety , vaccination , immunization , immunology , antigen
Aim To review management of children admitted with tetanus to Starship Children's Hospital from 2000 to 2013. Methods Retrospective chart review of children aged 0–15 years admitted to Starship Children's Hospital with tetanus from 2000 to 2013. Follow‐up of immunisation status was via the National Immunisation Register and/or phone contact with patient's primary health care provider. Results Four cases of tetanus occurred, all in unimmunised children. All four required paediatric intensive care unit admission ( length of stay (LOS) 2.5–7 weeks) for ventilatory support; three required tracheostomy. Specific tetanus treatment included metronidazole, tetanus immunoglobulin and antispasmodic medications such as magnesium sulphate and benzodiazepines. Three remain partially or unimmunised following discharge. Conclusion Tetanus in children is a rare but preventable life‐threatening disease, requiring costly intensive care management. Immunisation is cheap and effective in preventing tetanus and should be offered to all children, including tetanus cases for their future protection.