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BackgroundIn many countries, in-hospital survival from tetanus is increasing, but long-term outcome is unknown. In high-income settings, critical illness is associated with muscle wasting and poor functional outcome, but there are few data from resource-limited settings. In this study we aimed to assess muscle wasting and long-term functional outcome in adults with tetanus.MethodsIn a prospective observational study involving 80 adults with tetanus, sequential rectus femoris ultrasound measurements were made at admission, 7 days, 14 days and hospital discharge. Functional outcome was assessed at hospital discharge using the Timed Up and Go test, Clinical Frailty Score, Barthel Index and RAND 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and 3 and 6 months after discharge using the SF-36 and Barthel Index.ResultsSignificant muscle wasting occurred between hospital admission and discharge (p<0.01), particularly in severe disease, where a median 23.49% (interquartile range 10.01-26.07) reduction in rectus femoris cross-sectional area occurred in those with severe (Ablett grades 3 and 4) disease. Muscle mass at discharge was related to objective and subjective measures of physical and emotional function at discharge and 3 and 6 months after discharge. In patients >70 y of age, functional recovery at 6 months was reduced compared with younger patients. Hospital-acquired infection and age were risk factors for muscle wasting.ConclusionsSignificant muscle wasting during hospitalization occurred in patients with tetanus, the extent of which correlates with functional outcome.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/trstmh/trz055

Type

Journal article

Journal

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Publication Date

11/2019

Volume

113

Pages

706 - 713

Addresses

Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 764 Vo Van Kiet, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

Keywords

Humans, Tetanus, Muscle Weakness, Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Follow-Up Studies, Prospective Studies, Time Factors, Adult, Middle Aged, Male