Management of Autonomic Dysfunction in Severe Tetanus: The Use of Magnesium Sulfate and .ALPHA.-Methyldopa

DOI 3 Citations 44 References

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 硫酸マグネシウム大量投与とα‐メチルドパの併用が有効であった重症破傷風の１例

Search this article

Description

A 63-year-old man injured his left forefinger during farm work, resulting in tetanus. His blood pressure (BP) became unstable as a result of autonomic dysfunction due to the tetanus. Since administration of magnesium sulfate had insufficient effects on stabilization of his BP, α-methyldopa was added. Excellent stabilization of BP without adverse effects was achieved with the addition of α-methyldopa. Beta-blockers have been reported to be dangerous in the treatment of unstable BP due to tetanus. Therefore, special attention has focused on inhibition of catecholamine release in the treatment of autonomic dysfunction due to tetanus. Although magnesium sulfate has been reported to be effective for the treatment of tetanus by inhibiting catecholamine release, it has not been commonly used in Japan. Alpha-methyldopa, as well as clonidine, is an inhibitor of the central α2 receptor and inhibits the release of catecholamine. Clonidine has been reported to be effective for the treatment of tetanus, but its use has decreased because of adverse effects. This case suggests that a combination of magnesium sulfate and α-methyldopa is useful in controlling the autonomic dysfunction in tetanus. It also seems to be worthwhile to examine whether other central α2-adrenergic receptor agonists may be effective in the management of tetanus.

Journal

Citations (3)*help

See more

References(44)*help

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top