Tétano no Brasil: doença do idoso?

Abstract

Epidemiological data regarding the age distribution of tetanus in Brazil is scarce. This work analyzed the historical evolution of tetanus in Brazil, between 1980 and 1991, according to the Mortality Information System and established the age distribution for this disease. The data used was that provided by FUNASA-CENEPI, DATASUS and IBGE. Between 1980 and 1991, the coefficient of general incidence dropped from 2.6 to 1.0 case per 100,000 inhabitants. There was a decline in the mortality coefficients within all the age groups, except in the elderly. In the North and South regions, there was an increase in the mortality coefficient among the elderly. Infantile tetanus is disappearing, particularly, in the developed areas. However, the overall lethality tended to rise in this period and, in 1991, it reached 32.5%. In Brazil, tetanus presents epidemic behavior similar to that observed in the developed countries, where the elderly represent the main risk group to contract and die from the disease.

Tétano: relação de dois casos internados no Hospital Regiona de Araranguá em Santa Catarina e abordagem fisioterapêutica

“…No Brasil, o idoso constitui o principal grupo de risco de adoecer e morrer da doença. A vacinação, higiene e tratamento adequado das feridas permitirão o controle da doença [6].…”

Tétano Grave Associado a Choque Séptico Em Uma Paciente Idosa Internada Em Unidade De Terapia Intensiva

“…De fato, nas regiões norte e sul do Brasil a taxa de mortalidade desta doença aumentou em pessoas idosas. A introdução do tratamento de terapia intensiva e cuidados de enfermagem reduziu substancialmente a mortalidade, mas a sua taxa ainda é alta, particularmente nos idosos (15,22,23).…”

Situação vacinal e associação com a qualidade de vida, a funcionalidade e a motivação para o autocuidado em idosos

“…Studies have suggested that, in Brazil, the elderly population comprises the main risk group for acquiring and dying of tetanus. Vaccination with adult diphtheria and tetanus vaccine, along with sanitary measures and appropriate treatment of lesions are safe and effective measures to control the disease (8) . Finally, pneumococcal polysaccharide 23-valent vaccine is indicated, mainly, for the elderly who are more vulnerable to pneumococcal infections and their complications, given the prevalence of pneumococcal infections increases substantially because adults become more dependent and fragile as they grow older…”