8. A study of clinico-etiological profile of Diphtheria with special reference to complications & early outcome.

• Main Authors: Dr. Bela Shah, Dr. Sonu Akhani, Dr. Monika Solanki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: B.J.Medical College Development Society, Ahmedabad 2020-12-01
• Series: BJ Kines: National Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences
• Subjects: myocarditis; unimmunized; partially immunized. .
• Online Access: http://bjkines.com/vol12dec20/paper8d20fulltext.pdf

Background: Diphtheria is an acute disease caused by exotoxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Globally, diphtheria has been showing a declining trend due to effective childhood vaccination programs. A substantial proportion of global burden of diphtheria is contributed by India. Diphtheria cases are frequent among school-going children and adolescents. Objective: This prospective study was conducted at civil hospital, Ahmedabad, a tertiary care hospital to study incidence, epidemiology and clinical presentation of diphtheria in children up to 12 years in special reference to arising complications associated with early outcome. Materials and methods :This retrospective observational study was carried out at civil hospital Ahmedabad in period of 01/09/2019 to 01/02/2020 including all patients admitted in paediatric department under age of 12 years who clinically diagnosed as case as per WHO case definition. Results: Out of total enrolled 56 cases, highest incidence found in children between 5 to 10 years of age (39.3%), more in female (53.6%). Unimmunized children (73.2%) were more as compared partially (8.9%) or immunized children (17.9%). Most common complication found was myocarditis (53.6%), followed by palatal palsy (16.1%) and renal failure (7.1%). Conclusion : Diphtheria is commonly affecting children between 5 to 10 years of age who are unimmunized which leads to most common complication of myocarditis. Diphtheria can be prevented by proper coverage of vaccines among children.