All issues > Volume 15(3); 1972

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1972;15(3):197-205. Published online March 31, 1972.

Electrocardiographic Abnormalities, and the Serum Transaminase and Lactic Dehydrogenase Activity in Diphtheric Myocarditis

Goo Young Chung¹, Chui Hong Paek¹, Sang Ha Suh¹, Dong Sup Han¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Kyungfiook National University, School of Medicine, Taegu, Korea

Abstract

The serum transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase activity were studied in 28 children with diphtheria who were admitted to the Kyungpook University Hospital during the one year and 4 month pericd frem April 1970 to July 1971, and their relation to electrocardiographic abnormalities was observed. The results were as follows: 1) Fifteen (54%) of 82 cases complicated diphtheric myocarditis, clinically and electrccardiographically. 2) In general, the levels of SGOT and SGPT were elevated in the children with myocarditis, and the former tended to be increased more markedly. However, the levels of SGPT were elevated markedly in association with extensive hepatic congestion. 3) The elevation of both SGOT and SGPT levels correlated well with the degree of clinical severity and electrocardiographic abnormalities, though the variation among individuals was observed. 4) The high levels of LDH encountered in children with severe myocarditis, especially with extensive liepatic congestion.

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