Airway Management of Tetanus After the Haitian Earthquake: New Aspects of Old Observations

作者:Firth Paul G*; Solomon James B; Roberts Laura L; Gleeson Todd D
来源:Anesthesia and Analgesia, 2011, 113(3): 545-547.
DOI:10.1213/ANE.0b013e318223cc8c

摘要

Two men developed severe tetanus after the 2010 Haitian earthquake. They were admitted to the United States Naval Ship Comfort, a hospital ship sent to provide humanitarian relief. Severe masseter and intercostal muscle spasm impaired airway access and ventilation. Propofol and sevoflurane relieved the tetany, allowing airway control and ventilation without intubation or neuromuscular blocking drugs during wound debridement. Presynaptic impairment of inhibitory neurotransmitter release by tetanospasmin toxin is countered by enhancement of spinal cord postsynaptic inhibitory receptor activity by general anesthetics. Avoidance of tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation during anesthesia may be desirable in the settings of limited resources in which tetanus usually presents. (Anesth Analg 2011; 113: 545-7)

  • 出版日期2011-9