Efficacy of concomitant use of dexmedetomidine and propofol in tetanus

Am J Emerg Med. 2015 Dec;33(12):1848.e3-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2015.04.069. Epub 2015 May 1.

Abstract

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which manifests systemic convulsion and autonomic instability associated with high case fatality. Despite proper medical intervention, management of those symptoms is often difficult. We report a case of 67-year-old man with tetanus in which a concomitant use of dexmedetomidine, an adrenaline α-2 receptor agonist, and propofol, a GABA(A) receptor binding agent, was successful in the management of systemic convulsion and autonomic instability without necessitating conventional anticonvulsant, neuromuscular blocking agents, or tracheostomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dexmedetomidine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Propofol / therapeutic use*
  • Tetanus / diagnosis*
  • Tetanus / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Dexmedetomidine
  • Propofol