Tetanis is a neuromuscular disorder, often referred to colloquially as lockjaw, which is caused by a specific exotoxin of the infectious agent, Clostridium tetani.
Author contemplated a clinical survey of 24 cases of tetanus, during last 5 years from May 19´,
68 to Sept. 1973 at the Department of Surgery, Chonnam University. As a result of survey, following were obtained;
1. The most frequent age group was between 30 to 39 years Six cases(27.28%) of these were in this age group. Male to female sex ratio was 1.2 : 1.
2. Ten cases(45. 45%) of these had one to two weeks of incubation period. Poor prognosis was observed in shorter incubation period.
3. Mode of infection was through tine open injuries, in 15 cases(68. 18%) of these.
4. Causative wounds were chiefly located in the lower extremities in 10 cases(45.45%) and prognosis was worse in the cases .with inflammation of deep part of trunk i.e, female reproductive
organs etc.
5. Mortality rate revealed 22.72%(5 of 22 cases) and its main cause of death were aspiration pneumonia in 2 cases, sepsis due to P.I.D. in 2 cases and acute renal failure due to mercurial intoxication in one case.
6. There was no remarkable relationship between given dose of tetanus antitoxin and its clinical course. Its prognosis was worse in cases of delayed treatment and rapid progression of symptoms after onset.
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