An analysis of tetanus deaths in Lagos.

Between 1974 and 1984, 418 patients with tetanus, aged 10 years and older, represented 64.8% of all admissions to the intensive care unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Students accounted for the largest single group with tetanus, which mainly occurred during the dry season. There was a male preponderance (1.4 to 1), but no appreciable sex influence on mortality rates (46.1% for men; 44.6% for women). The mean mortality rate was 45.5%, with the highest mortality occurring in the elderly. Other high risk factors identified were neck and head injuries, post abortal or post partum states, hyperpyrexia, and tachycardia.