Abstract
Of the 97 throat smear-positive cases of diphtheria treated, 16 developed evidence of myocarditis (16.5%). Age, duration of illness prior to admission, anatomical extent of membrane formation, total leukocyte count and serum glutamic oxalo-acetic transaminase (SGOT) levels were analysed in fatal and non-fatal cases and the differences between the two groups found to be statistically significant with regard to anatomical extent of membrane formation, total leukocyte count and SGOT levels. The extension of membrane formation to two or more sites was a highly sensitive predictor of mortality. A total leukocyte count > 25,000 cells/mm3 had a high specificity and positive predictive value while SGOT levels of > 80 IU/l had high sensitivity and a negative predictive value.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
