Tetanus patient has recovered - Photo: Hospital provided
On the afternoon of March 25, Dr. Dang Minh Hien - Director of Soc Trang General Hospital - said that the hospital had just successfully treated and saved the life of patient Mach Van M. (52 years old, residing in Khanh Hoa ward, Vinh Chau town, Soc Trang province) who had severe tetanus from just a scratch on the skin.
"Patient M. had severe tetanus with pulmonary embolism. Over the years, the hospital has treated many patients with tetanus, but this is the most severe case ever.
Thanks to early diagnosis and active treatment along with good coordination between specialized departments, the patient's life was saved in time," said Dr. Hien.
Mr. M. was hospitalized on February 29. According to his family, Mr. M. had previously suffered skin injuries from a traffic accident.
Two weeks later, Mr. M. had a stiff jaw and went to the hospital for examination and treatment.
After being hospitalized, the patient's condition worsened, with convulsions, cardiac arrest, and respiratory arrest.
Immediately, the hospital's doctors performed an emergency endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy; continued to use muscle relaxants, sedatives, and mechanical ventilation to control the dangerous situation.
On March 12, the patient was on a ventilator with high pressure and oxygen levels, and had a rapid heart rate, so a chest CT scan was performed. The results showed that the patient had bilateral pulmonary artery occlusion.
The infectious disease department held a hospital-wide consultation to find the most effective treatment for the patient.
After consultation, the hospital decided to administer thrombolytic drugs (fibrinolytics) to the patient and continue monitoring. The patient continued to deteriorate but was still under the control of the hospital.
As of March 21, the patient's health has improved and he is no longer on a ventilator. He is currently breathing on his own, has stable vital signs, is eating and exercising on his own, and is expected to be discharged in the next few days.
Doctor Tang Vu - head of the infectious disease department, Soc Trang General Hospital, where Mr. M. was directly treated - advised people not to be subjective about tetanus, and when they encounter wounds, they should proactively get vaccinated against the disease.
In case of suspected illness, the patient should be taken to a medical facility promptly for timely treatment to avoid dangerous complications.
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