Tetanus

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Tetanus

 

This man underwent a leg amputation for an open fracture.

He did not receive tetanus toxoid or immunoglobulin.

When checked this man for the first time early in the week, he looked like this-- unable to open his mouth much and barely able to swallow liquids.

I started him on metronidazole and gave him a tetanus toxoid.

He continues to pull out his IV, but at the end of this week, he is now able to open his mouth and take water with a straw.

We will see what happens.

Lack of basics in Haiti is a big killer. 

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My Comments in 2021--

This man survived. And he most likely survived due to his own immune system and his own fight-or-flight response rather than anything I did for him. 

The point is that he should never have had tetanus in the first place. Basics (like immunization availability) are so important in a society.