Progress toward the global elimination of neonatal tetanus, 1989-1993

Article Abstract:

Global eradication of neonatal tetanus (NT) may require intensified efforts in countries with a preponderance of cases. Concentrated vaccination efforts, improved surveillance, and the development of health care systems to meet the needs of those at risk for the disease will also be necessary. NT is caused by bacterial contamination of the umbilical cord that results from unsanitary childbirth practices or umbilical cord care. In 1989 and 1990, the World Health Organization and the World Summit for Children set a goal of eliminating NT worldwide. As of 1993, the number of pregnant women who were vaccinated against NT increased from 27% to 45% worldwide. The number of reported cases of NT declined from 29,494 in 1989 to 14,232 in 1993, although these figures grossly underestimate the actual number of cases. Eighty percent of the estimated 515,000 deaths from NT occurred in 12 countries. Most deaths occurred in Southeast Asia.

Demographic aspects, Diseases, Infants (Newborn), Neonatal diseases, Tetanus

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Inadvertent Use of Bicillin(r) C-R for Treatment of Syphilis--Maryland, 1998

Article Abstract:

A public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in Maryland used an antibiotic that is not recommended for syphilis to treat syphilis patients between January and October 1998. The clinic gave the patients or their contacts Bicillin C-R. However, this form of the antibiotic has only half the dose needed to treat syphilis. In addition, the package insert specifically states that it should not be used to treat syphilis. The manufacturer makes another antibiotic, Bicillin L-A, which is the preferred treatment for syphilis. But the drugs have similar names and the packages and labels have similar lettering and colors.

Health aspects, Reports, Drug therapy, Syphilis, Penicillin, Penicillins, Medication errors

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Inadvertent intradermal administration of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines instead of tuberculosis skin tests

Article Abstract:

The investigation report about the potential for inadvertent administration of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines (TTCVs) instead of tuberculin purified protein derivative used for tuberculosis skin tests was presented to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The findings of this investigation along with previous other reports involving the same error indicates the need for health-care providers to take steps to minimize the risk for inadvertent intradermal injection of TTCVs.

Legal issues & crime, Company legal issue, Investigations, Complications and side effects, Tetanus antitoxin, Tetanus toxoid

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