One in Three Hospitalised Adult Tetanus Patients Die: Meta-Analysis Finds
Written By : Medha Baranwal
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2025-08-06 02:15 GMT | Update On 2025-08-06 02:16 GMT
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China: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open has highlighted the alarming mortality rate among hospitalised adult patients with tetanus and identified key factors that significantly influence survival outcomes.
The study, conducted by Zhenlin Chen and colleagues from the Department of Emergency, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, analysed data from 22 observational studies comprising 1,618 adult patients admitted with tetanus between January 2000 and February 2024.
The study revealed the following findings:
- The pooled analysis showed an overall mortality rate of 32% among hospitalised adult tetanus patients, highlighting the persistent threat of this preventable disease despite medical advancements.
- The findings emphasize the need for enhanced preventive strategies, including better adult vaccination coverage and timely wound care education, particularly for individuals over 40 years of age.
- Age ≥40 years was identified as a significant risk factor for mortality (RR = 1.89).
- An incubation period of less than seven days was linked to higher mortality risk (RR = 2.10).
- The onset of symptoms within two days increased the likelihood of death (RR = 2.06).
- Severe disease, indicated by the Ablett classification ≥III, was strongly associated with mortality (RR = 3.40).
- The presence of autonomic dysfunction was a major predictor of poor outcomes (RR = 4.84).
- The need for mechanical ventilation significantly increased the mortality risk (RR = 2.46).
- These identified factors can help clinicians in early risk assessment and implementing targeted management strategies to improve survival in hospitalised tetanus patients.
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