Post Neonatal Tetanus as Seen in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria: Prevalence, Clinical Profile and Outcome

Background: Post neonatal tetanus, a vaccine preventable disease is a cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in many developing countries including Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, clinical profile and outcome of children with post-neonatal tetanus.

Methods: This prospective observational study carried out over 3years in the Paediatric ward of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, was among children older than 28days and up to 16years.

Result: Of 966 children admitted during the period of study, 12 had post-neonatal tetanus giving a prevalence of 1.2%. Six (50%) were > 10years old with a M:F ratio of 5:1, 5(41.7%) resided in rural areas and all (100%) were of low socioeconomic status. Six (50%) did not receive tetanus toxoid vaccine and no child had booster doses. Portal of entry for the infection was majorly via injuries on their limbs, 7(58.3%). The mean incubation period was 10.58±7.39 days while the mean onset interval was 31.58±27.85 hours. Three (25%) children had severe tetanus using Ablett’s classification with spasm 11(91.7%) documented as the commonest symptom. Half, 6(50%) of the children had autonomic complications and an overall case fatality rate of 25%.

Conclusion: The prevalence of post-neonatal tetanus in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital was low being 1.2%, although unacceptable. The mortality rate of post-neonatal tetanus of 25% was high. Thus, there is a need to strengthen existing immunization program and immediately adopt the commencement of booster doses of tetanus toxoid vaccines for eligible children in Nigeria.