An Epidemiological Profile of Accidental Tetanus Cases in a Referral Hospital, 2007-2013

Abstract

Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of accidental tetanus cases (ICD-A35) in a referral hospital in the State of Pernambuco, during a 7-year term, between 2007-2013. Method: this is a descriptive, retrospective, quantitative study based on secondary data.Results: there were 126 cases confirmed, mostly male (89%) and from the urban area (77%). The most frequent professions were agricultural workers in general and masons (31.7%), with age group between 35-49 years old (39.7%). The perforation was the most evident injury (48.4%). The lower limbs were the most affected region (65.1%), and the predominant clinical sign was trismus (90.5%). The lethality rate was 19.0%, and the mean length of hospital stay was 49.4 days. Conclusions:Thus, tetanus, notwithstanding the easy availability of an efficient vaccine remains a public health problem in Pernambuco, presenting high lethality and a long time in the service.

Temporal trends in tetanus incidence and lethality in Brazil: analysis of the national database from 2009 to 2018

“…The age group most affected was 40-59 years. Our findings are in agreement with other studies carried out in Brazil with other time frames 13 .…”

“…This greater risk is due to inadequate vaccination, as the vaccine is sufficiently immunogenic in the elderly people 16 . Furthermore, over the years, psychomotor capacity and perception of space have decreased, resulting in the elderly people more susceptible to accidents 13 .…”

Perfil dos casos de tétano acidental registrados durante 10 anos em um hospital de referência no estado de Alagoas, Nordeste do Brasil

“…Este fato, em especial, deve-se ao item "ignorado" ter contribuído numericamente e por ter sido excluído da análise como pontua a tabela 1. Entretanto, pode-se perceber que em pesquisas como a realizada em Pernambuco, com dados de 2007 a 2013, sendo baixo o número de ignorados, com um total de 126 pacientes com tétano acidental, cerca de 20,6% eram agricultores (Pereira et al, 2017). E também devido às condições de trabalho no campo, que envolve a manipulação de instrumentos em estados inadequados de conservação (Romeiro et al, 2017).…”

“…Esse sinal, em especial nos casos generalizados, os quais são os mais comuns, decorre da contratura do grupo muscular da mandíbula (Bae et al, 2022). Dados semelhantes foram confirmados em estudos conduzidos em Pernambuco, onde encontraram esse achado em 90% dos casos (Pereira et al, 2017).…”