Tetanus is a nervous system disorder characterized by muscle spasms that is caused by the toxin-producing anaerobe, Clostridium tetani, which is found in the soil.
Patients with shorter incubation periods have increased disease severity and mortality. There are some factors associated with a poor prognosis in tetanus:
| Adult Tetanus | Neonatal Tetanus |
|---|---|
| Age >70 years | Younger age, premature birth |
| Incubation period <7 days | Incubation period <6 days |
| Short time from first symptom to admission | Delay in hospital admission |
| Puerperal, IV, postsurgery, burn entry site | Grass used to cut cord |
| Period of onseta <48 h | |
| Heart rate >140 bpmb | |
| Systolic blood pressure >140 mmHgb | |
| Severe disease or spasmsb | |
| Temperature >38.5°Cb |
a Time from first symptom to first generalized spasm.
b At hospital admission.
Reference:
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 18th Edition