A survey of neonatal tetanus at a district general hospital in north-east Nigeria

Neonatal tetanus (NNT) remains among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and a huge challenge in achieving the fourth goal of the Millennium Development Goals. We reviewed the morbidity and mortality pattern among neonates with NNT admitted to the District General Hospital in no...

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Published inTropical doctor Vol. 41; no. 1; p. 18
Main Authors Hassan, Bala, Popoola, Ayo, Olokoba, Abdulfatai, Salawu, Fatai K
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.01.2011
Subjects
Delivery, Obstetric - methods
Developing Countries
Female
Hospitals, General - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Immunization
Infant Mortality
Infant, Newborn
Male
Midwifery - education
Midwifery - standards
Nigeria - epidemiology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - prevention & control
Prenatal Care
Tetanus - epidemiology
Tetanus - mortality
Tetanus - physiopathology
Tetanus - prevention & control
Tetanus Toxoid - administration & dosage
Nigeria
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Summary:Neonatal tetanus (NNT) remains among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and a huge challenge in achieving the fourth goal of the Millennium Development Goals. We reviewed the morbidity and mortality pattern among neonates with NNT admitted to the District General Hospital in north-east Nigeria from 2006 to 2009. Half of the patients were from rural areas and were delivered at home by untrained traditional birth attendants with no prior antenatal health care. Razor blades and scissors were the instruments used to cut the cord in nonhygienic conditions. Spasticity, lack of sucking, trismus, fever, omphalitis, risus sardonicus and opisthotonus were the most common presenting signs and symptoms. Overall, mortality was 56%. Health education of mothers and traditional birth attendants, the promotion of hospital delivery and antenatal tetanus immunization of all pregnant women, particularly in rural areas, are recommended if NNT is to be prevented.
ISSN:1758-1133
DOI:10.1258/td.2010.100310