Diseases & Conditions >
This topic is from 5-Minute Pediatric Consult About our sources

Tetanus, Pediatric Updated 4/2010

Email       Print Section  |  Print Topic       Add to My Favorites

BASICS

  • Description
  • General Prevention
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Initial Stabilization
  • General Measures
  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Surgery

Ongoing Care

  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Tetanus is a disease characterized by muscle rigidity and spasms due to a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani in infected wounds.
  • There are 4 clinical forms of tetanus: Generalized, localized, cephalic and neonatal.
General Prevention
  • All wounds should be cleaned with soap and water and foreign bodies should be removed.
  • Universal immunization with tetanus toxoid is vital.
    • Primary series: DTaP given at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months and 4–6 years.
    • Booster dose: Tdap at 11–12 years.
    • Unimmunized pregnant women should complete primary series prior to delivery if possible or at least receive 2 doses of Td 4 weeks apart.
  • Tetanus prophylaxis should be initiated at the time of injury in the following manner for clean ...

    • You must be logged in to fully access this content.

    View a sample algorithm for "Anemia"
    Sign In
    Forgot your password?
    Sign up for a 30-Day Free Trial

    Sign up for a 30-Day FREE Trial now and receive access to all content.

    Start free trial!
    Take a tour of 5MinuteConsult.com
    Subscribe now to 5MinuteConsult

    Have a book code?

    Submit your book code to create your FREE standard account.
See Also
Images >
1
View Large
Figure 211.1. Gram stain of Clostridium tetani showing typical “drumstick” forms.Credit: Sherwood L. Gorbach, John G. Bartlett, etal. Infectious Diseases. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004.
Diseases & Conditions >
Related Subjects