Tetanus after antitoxin prophylaxis: Report of six cases

1. 1. Six cases of tetanus after administration of 1,500 units of antitoxin at the time of injury are reported. 2. 2. Factors possibly contributing to the development of tetanus in these patients including age, type of wound, incubation period, antitoxin sensitivity and initial wound care are analyzed. 3. 3. Evidence is presented supporting administration of minimal doses of 5,000 units of tetanus antitoxin for all nonsensitive patients requiring prophylaxis. 4. 4. Puncture wounds of the extremities are again emphasized as particularly “tetanus prone”.