Predictors of mortality among adult tetanus patients in Northwestern Nigeria
- Author:
LF Owolabi
;
AG Habib
;
M Nagoda
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2011;16(3):199-203
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background & Objective: Tetanus remains an important health problem in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.
It is associated with a high mortality rate, it is therefore necessary to identify predictors of mortality
with the view to reducing the mortality rate. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of all adult
tetanus patients managed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital
between Jan 2004 to Dec 2009 were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 146 patients were
identifi ed during the study period, out of which complete information was obtained in 126 patients.
All the patients had generalized tetanus. There were 93 (73.8%) males and 33 (26.2%) females. Their
age ranged between 17 and 62 with mean age of 35.2. Two fi fth (39%) of the patients were in the age
group of 21 – 30 years. The risk factors of high mortality were: age >40 years, incubation period <48
hours, onset <48 hours, absence of previous tetanus immunization, evidence of autonomic dysfunction,
and severity. Mortality was not related to fever and gender. Binary logistic model revealed that severity
of tetanus at presentation was the most signifi cant (p= 0.029) prognostic factor to mortality.
Conclusion: The mortality rate of adult tetanus in Northwestern Nigeria is high. Several risk factors
for high mortality have been identifi ed.
- Full text:P020150806574069233092.pdf
