Pattern and Outcome of Diphtheria-Related Complications Among Hospitalised Children at Birnin Kebbi

Abstract

Background: Diphtheria remains a re-emerging vaccine-preventable disease in Nigeria, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality among children. Understanding the pattern and outcomes of diphtheria-related complications is essential for prevention and enhancing case management.

Objective: To describe the pattern and outcomes of diphtheria-related complications among hospitalised children at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study analysed the data of 49 children diagnosed with diphtheria over 1 year. Information was collected using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to assess associations between predictors and clinical outcomes.

Results: Fifty-one per cent of the patients were aged 5–10 years. Airway obstruction was the most common complication (49%), followed by myocarditis (16.3%) and acute kidney injury (12.2%). The overall mortality rate was 36.7%, with the highest mortality rate observed among the under-five group (20.4%) and those with incomplete immunisation. There was a statistically significant association between age, immunisation status, and clinical outcomes (p < 0.05), with children under five and those with incomplete immunisation having significantly lower odds of recovery.

Conclusion: Diphtheria continues to pose a significant threat to childhood survival in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, with incomplete immunisation and young age being major risk factors for poor clinical outcomes. Strengthening immunisation coverage and improving case management are crucial to reducing mortality and complications associated with diphtheria.