Neonatal Tetanus: About 4 Cases - Abstract
Neonatal tetanus is a disease caused by toxoid produced by Clostridium tetani, which is rare in newborns; it is an unresolved medical problem in developing countries. The elimination of neonatal tetanus is one of the main objectives pursued by World Health Organization throughout the world. In Morocco; despite the certification of tetanus’s elimination; it still rages, with still 4 cases in 2016 in our unit.
We report 4 cases collected in the neonatal intensive care unit, in Mohamed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, during the year 2016.
Neonatal tetanus accounted for 0.68% of all admissions. Pregnancy was not monitored in all 4 cases. Only one woman received 2 doses spaced of tetanus vaccine. The delivery occurred at home in 3 of the cases with application of “Khôl” at the level of the umbilicus. The mean age of admission was 12.5 days. A Dakar score was noted ? 4 in 3 cases and is classified as stage III according to the Mollaret classification. The treatment was essentially palliative: it was based on sedation and artificial ventilation. There was mortality in 3 cases.
Tetanus remains a problem in Morocco, despite the progress made, it is necessary to review the eradication strategy. Currently the treatment is essentially preventive, based on vaccination, as well as health education and improvement of hygienic conditions.