Tetanus and Gas Gangrene

Abstract

Human tetanus-immune globulin has proved satisfactory in the prophylaxis of tetanus in both children and adults and is replacing equine antitoxin therapy. The simple and obvious answer to management of tetanus is universal tetanus toxoid immunization. Debridement is the most important aspect of gas gangrene therapy. Gas gangrene antitoxin may be beneficial when given early but only as an adjunct to débridement and antibiotic therapy.

Although use of hyperbaric oxygen appears to be of little benefit in treating tetanus, it seems beneficial in treating gas gangrene, but still on an experimental basis.