A report of two pediatric tetanus cases

AYDIN TEKE T., BAYHAN G. İ., Afşarlar Ç. E., Öz F. N., Akansel A. R., Tanir G.

Turkish Journal of Pediatrics, cilt.53, sa.4, ss.437-440, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 53 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2011
  • Dergi Adı: Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.437-440
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Acute abdomen, Antitoxin, Muscle spasms, Tetanus, Vaccine
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Tetanus is still a difficult-to-treat disease with high morbidity and mortality. Although it most commonly occurs in non-immunized children, it can also be seen in partially immunized or immunized children11. We report herein two pediatric cases of generalized tetanus. Case 1 presented with signs of acute abdomen, while Case 2 presented with the typical clinical findings of tetanus. In this report, we highlight the importance of obtaining a history of the vaccination status of pediatric patients as an essential part of the evaluation. Furthermore, the differential diagnosis of non-immunized children with abdominal rigidity should include generalized tetanus.