How Common is Post-neonatal Tetanus in Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital, Jigawa, North Western Nigeria?

Abstract

Background:Tetanus, caused byClostridium tetanineurotoxin, is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children in developing countries. Children usually present with trismus followed by spasms of skeletal muscles. Tetanus infection can easily be prevented through immunization. However, despite provision of routine immunization schedule by government-based hospital at all levels of care, there is still poor immunization uptake which in association with dangerous traditional practices in the area leads to high burden of the disease.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective hospital-based study. It was conducted at the Department of Paediatric of Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital, Dutse, Nigeria. Medical records of all children between the ages of 1 month and 13 years, who were admitted between May 2014 and April 2017, with a diagnosis of tetanus were retrieved and analyzed. Diagnosis of tetanus is clinical based on the presence of trismus and spasms. Information obtained included biodata, immunization status, onset and duration of symptoms, length of hospitalization, and outcome.Results:Children admitted with tetanus in the period of study were 25, but only 20 qualified for analysis. The prevalence of tetanus was 1.03%. Twelve (60%) were in the 5–9 years age group. Majority (75%) were males, from rural areas (75%), and did not receive any immunization (65%). Circumcision was the portal of entry in 30%. All had generalized tetanus, and mortality rate was 25%.Conclusion:There is need to strengthen routine immunization and introduce booster immunization into the area to prevent post-neonatal tetanus.