Neonatal tetanus treated with diazepam as single antispasmodic agent

Taslim Soetomenggolo (Department of Child, University of Indonesia Medical School/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta)
Ratna Heni Purboyo (Department of Child, University of Indonesia Medical School/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta)
S. K. Hendarto (Department of Child, University of Indonesia Medical School/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta)
Sofyan Ismael (Department of Child, University of Indonesia Medical School/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta)

Paediatrica Indonesiana
Vol 21 No 5-6 (1981): May - June 1981

The use of diazepam as single antispasm in treating neonatal tetanus is better than the conventional therapy with the combination of Phenobarbital chlorpromazine and diazepam. The dose of diazepam 10 mg/kg body weight/day can be increased for very severe cases. The overall mortality of this study is 50%. Incubation period of less than 7 day and temperature on admission of more than 39°C are important factors to contribute to the high mortality. The critical period of neonatal tetanus is 15 days.