CARING FOR NEONATAL TETANUS PATIENTS IN A RURAL PRIMARY CARE SETTING IN NIGERIA - A REVIEW OF 237 CASES

Two-hundred-and-thirty-seven consecutive cases of neonatal tetanus treated in a rural health facility in Nigeria were reviewed. In spite of a high proportion of short incubation cases, a relatively simple, low-cost protocol yielded results compatible with those obtained in tertiary care settings in Africa. An incubation period of 6 days or less was the strongest predictor of mortality. Other prognostic factors were related to cord care and affected boys more than girls. Incidence was 40 per cent greater during the rainy season than during the dry season.