Evaluation of intrathecal human tetanus immunoglobulins in tetanus neonatorum
Chugh, K.; Sehgal, H.
Indian Pediatrics 22(2): 153-158
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3905603 Document Number: 266351
The 161 cases of neonatal tetanus were randomly divided into 3 groups for therapy. The groups were well matched in all respects. Patients in group I, i.m. group and group II, intrathecal group received the same dose of HTIG [human tetanus Ig] of 250 U, and the patients in group III did not receive HTIG by any route. Supportive care was same for all. In each group more than half the cases required heavy sedation for control of spasms and in almost 1/2 of the cases spasms could not be controlled in spite of very heavy doses of sedative-anticonvulsant drugs. Mortality in the 3 groups was 74.5, 74.5 and 81.8%, respectively (differences not statistically significant). A separate analysis of mortality showed that intrathecal HTIG did not improve survival even in mild to moderate cases. HTIG given by any route apparently provides no beneficial effect in neonatal tetanus.