Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Diphtheria Treatment & Management
- Author: Andrew A Dahl, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...
Medical Care
Treatment includes supportive care and isolation, as well as penicillin or erythromycin, which are extremely effective against C diphtheriae.
Diphtheria antitoxin, a hyperimmune antiserum produced in horses, protects against neurotoxicity when given within the first or second day of the illness. Prevention is accomplished by immunization with formalin-inactivated toxin, usually given within the first year of life.
Additional treatment of primary ocular infection includes topical erythromycin ointment, frequent manual removal of infected membranes, and ocular lubrication. Topical steroids may be used to reduce inflammation if no corneal ulceration is present.
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