A report of two pediatric tetanus cases
Aydin-Teke, Türkan.; Bayhan, Gülstüm.Iclal.; Afşarlar, Cğatay.Evrim.; Oz, F.Nur.; Akansel, A.Ragip.; Tanir, Gönül.
Turkish Journal of Pediatrics 53(4): 437-440
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-4301 PMID: 21980847 Document Number: 649453
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 children. 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.