Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital saves two babies from tetanus.
(Baonghean.vn) - On the morning of October 23, Mr. Nguyen Van Son, head of the infectious diseases department at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, said that Tran Thi Hai Yen (22 months old, residing in Nghi Thai commune, Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province), who had generalized tetanus, has been confirmed to have survived and her health is improving.
According to the doctor, 14 days prior, Tran Thi Hai Yen was admitted to the hospital with generalized seizures and jaw stiffness. After an emergency examination and consultation, doctors determined that the victim had suffered from generalized tetanus seven days prior to the incident, caused by stepping on a piece of broken glass with her left foot.
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| Two children were rescued. |
The patient received high-dose tetanus antitoxin, anticonvulsants, intravenous fluids, and high-dose antibiotics.
"Today, after 14 days, we can confirm that this case has been successfully saved. The doctors have started reducing the dosage of medication, and the patient can now eat and breastfeed normally," said Dr. Son, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department, adding that the victim will be discharged after a few more weeks of treatment.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department, two months ago, also at this department, a 6-day-old baby named Lau Y Ho from Ky Son district, Nghe An province, also contracted generalized tetanus. The cause was determined to be that at birth, relatives used a bamboo stick to cut the umbilical cord, leading to neonatal tetanus infection.
"Baby Ho was hospitalized after a 6-day incubation period and was in critical condition, but was saved by doctors in the infectious diseases department. Currently, the baby has been discharged and is in good health, with no lasting effects," said Mr. Son, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department. He also advised everyone, especially parents, to vaccinate their children in case of accidents to prevent tetanus.
| Tetanus is a disease that causes severe muscle spasms and stiffness, often fatal. It is caused by a neurotoxin released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani through a wound in the skin. Symptoms include numbness of the tongue and jaw, followed by generalized spasms, and difficulty breathing due to stiffening of the chest muscles, leading to death. |
Phuong Nguyen