The re-emergence of diphtheria in South Africa in recent years warns of incomplete vaccination coverage. Recent outbreaks have been associated with a high mortality rate, due to late presentation, limited access to antitoxin and the occurrence of serious systemic complications. Death due to diphtheria is most commonly associated with diphtheritic myocarditis, which presents with heart failure, cardiogenic shock and conduction abnormalities. This case highlights the key clinical features and systemic complications, and examines the reasons for the return of diphtheria in our community.
Unlabelled: Diphtheria cases are still being reported in various parts of the globe. Although complete heart block resulting from diphtheric myocarditis is infrequent, it can lead to fatality. Awareness and recognition of this help strengthen the importance of vaccines and their proper management.
Jha AK, Padala SRAN, Parida S, Mishra SK. Diphtheritic Myocarditis Patient with an Impending Upper Airway Compromise. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(10):1153-1154.
Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati, Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana. Correspondence to: Dr Meetu Yadav, Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati, Government Medical College, MC, Nuh, Haryana, 122 107.
Objective: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile and predictors of poor outcome in an outbreak of diphtheria.
Outcome: Records of 390 children admitted with the diagnosis of clinical diphtheria in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nuh, Haryana, from January, 2018 to December, 2020 were analysed with respect to demographic details, immunization status, clinical features, complications and mortality. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors, and various variables were compared between the two groups to identify the factors associated with poor outcome.
Diphtheria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by . Although the disease is seen infrequently in the postvaccination era, sporadic cases continue to occur. Cardiac involvement, in the form of myocarditis, is the most serious manifestation of diphtheria and is the most common cause of mortality in these patients.
The re-emergence of diphtheria in South Africa in recent years warns of incomplete vaccination coverage. Recent outbreaks have been associated with a high mortality rate, due to late presentation, limited access to antitoxin and the occurrence of serious systemic complications. Death due to diphtheria is most commonly associated with diphtheritic myocarditis, which presents with heart failure, cardiogenic shock and conduction abnormalities.
