[Tetanus in the newborn. Epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic aspects. Report of 34 cases].

This study is based on a review of the present situation of tetanus neonatorum. This study included 34 cases which were diagnosed as tetanus of the newborn. These 34 cases occurred in Dr A. Pumarejo hospital in the city of H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas (Mexico), during the period 1970-1974. It was found that during this pediatric age, in comparison with others, the incidence is high (61.8%) and shows a predominance of males over females of 4.62 to 1. The incidence of this pathology, as Cole & Youngman proposed, was as follows: grade I, 2.94% grade II, 11.76%; and 85.30% corresponding to grade III. The greater number of deaths were in those patients classified as grade III, which corresponded to 12 patients. The number of cases studied during spring and summer was much higher. The living conditions within our environment, our ecology and the unawareness of the basic means to prevent this pathology (correct management of the umbilical cord) were the main causes of this high incidence. Therefore, this case study leads to the conclusion that there is a great need to reorganize our programs of vaccination in order to protect this pediatric group, which is highly exposed.