Tetanus medical therapy

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Tetanus is a medical emergency. Medical therapy includes hospitalization, immediate treatment with human tetanus immune globulin (TIG) (or equine antitoxin if human immune globulin is not available), a tetanus toxoid booster, agents to control muscle spasm, aggressive wound care, and antimicrobial therapy. Mechanical ventilation and agents to control autonomic nervous system instability may be required among patients with severe disease.

Medical Therapy

• 1. General measures

• Preferred regimen: Patients should be placed in a quiet shaded area and protected from tactile and auditory stimulation as much as possible; All wounds should be cleaned and debrided as indicated

• 2. Immunotherapy

• Preferred regimen: Human TIG 500 units IV/IM as soon as possible AND Age-appropriate TT-containing vaccine, 0.5 cc IM at a separate site
• Note: patients without a history of primary TT vaccination should receive a second dose 1–2 months after the first dose and a third dose 6–12 months later

• 3. Antibiotic treatment

• Preferred regimen: Metronidazole 500 mg IV/PO q6h OR Penicillin G 100,000–200,000 IU/kg/day IV, administered in 2–4 divided doses
• Alternative regimen: Tetracyclines OR Macrolides OR Clindamycin OR Cephalosporins OR Chloramphenicol

• 4. Muscle spasm control

• Preferred regimen: Diazepam 5 mg IV OR Lorazepam 2 mg IV titrating to achieve spasm control without excessive sedation and hypoventilation
• Alternative regimen (1): Magnesium sulphate 5 g (or 75mg/kg) IV loading dose, then 2–3 g per hour until spasm control is achieved ± Benzodiazepines
• Note: Monitor patellar reflex as areflexia (absence of patellar reflex) occurs at the upper end of the therapeutic range (4mmol/L). If areflexia develops, dose should be decreased
• Alternative regimen (2): Baclofen OR Dantrolene 1–2 mg/kg IV/PO q4h
• Alternative regimen (3): Barbiturates 100–150 mg q1-4h by any route
• Alternative regimen (4): Chlorpromazine 50–150 mg IM q4–8h
• Pediatric regimen: Lorazepam 0.1–0.2 mg/kg IV q2–6h, titrating upward as needed; Barbiturates 6–10 mg/kg in children by any route; Chlorpromazine 4–12 mg IM every q4–8h
• Note: As for Benzodiazepines, large amounts may be required (up to 600 mg/day); oral preparations could be used but must be accompanied by careful monitoring to avoid respiratory depression or arrest

• 5. Autonomic dysfunction control

• Preferred regimen: Magnesium sulphate OR Morphine OR Esmolol

• 6. Airway/respiratory control

• Note: Drugs used to control spasm and provide sedation can result in respiratory depression. If spasm, including laryngeal spasm, is impeding or threatening adequate ventilation, mechanical ventilation is recommended when possible. Early tracheostomy is preferred as endotracheal tubes can provoke spasm and exacerbate airway compromise.