Since the introduction of magnesium sulphate into the treatment of tetanus by Meltzer, numerous case reports have appeared in the literature, showing a decided reduction in mortality. Smith and Leighton1 have recently reported eight consecutive cases of acute tetanus; all of the patients recovered with treatment by tetanus antitoxin and magnesium sulphate.
Bratusch-Marrain2 seems to be the only one to have reported its use in tetanus neonatorum. Kocher3 warns against its use in these cases, because of the narrow margin of safety in the prevention of respiratory paralysis. However, he mentions a case of tetanus of the head in a child, aged 3 years, cured by Arndt with intraspinal injections of magnesium sulphate. Abt4 does not mention it in his "Pediatrics" in the treatment of tetanus neonatorum.
Bratusch-Marrain has reported a series of thirty-six cases of tetanus neonatorum, which occurred at the Kinderklinik in Graz from