Tetanus in children: current concepts of the infection management

The review presents current data on epidemiology, prophylaxis and treatment of tetanus in children. The highest rates of morbidity and mortality, primarily those for neonatal tetanus, are seen in the warm climatic zone countries with a low level of medical care. According to World Health Organization estimates, in 2013, neonatal tetanus killed about 49,000 newborns. Due to active immunization in Russia, only isolated cases of tetanus do occur. However, due to rare incidence and absence of causal treatment, its diagnosis and management can be challenging. The article focuses on the surgical management of wounds as an important element of non-specific disease prevention. The concept of active surgical strategy is proposed in tetanus, based on a one-stage radical excision of infected tissues, up to the amputation of the limb if vitally indicated. The effectiveness of treatment of tetanus patients depends on a combination of several conditions, such as the presence of highly skilled experienced personnel in a specialized multidisciplinary center, modern equipment and medical preparations, as well as rational use of specific therapy