1 Astor Home for Children, Rhineheck, New York
The successful treatment of newborn tetanus has continued to be a challenge. An appreciable drop in the mortality rate for this disease from a high percentage of some 80% to a current 36% has occurred only within the past 10 years. In a retrospective appraisal of treatment, it would seem that antitoxin serum has not been specific in the treatment of tetanus or in a decrease of the mortality rate; whereas heretofore, neglected supportive treatment was the primary factor contributing to a high mortality rate.