Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children with diphtheria 2018–2023 in RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya

Background. Diphtheria remains a public health concern in many developing countries, despite the widespread availability of effective vaccines. Children are particularly vulnerable, with an increased risk of severe complications and mortality. The purpose was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with diphtheria hospitalized at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, between 2018 and 2023. Materials and methods. This study was a retrospective hospital-based descriptive case series using medical records of pediatric inpatients diagnosed with diphtheria. Data were analyzed descriptively to summarize demographic characteristics, clinical features, complications, and outcomes. Results. A total of 34 patients were included in the final analysis. Most patients were male (64.7 %) and under five years of age (70.59 %). Only 38.24 % had completed diphtheria immunization. Severe cases more frequently presented with bull neck, pseudomembrane bleeding, feeding difficulties, weakness, and systemic complications such as myocarditis and electrolyte imbalance. All patients received diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotic therapy. Most patients recovered (94.12 %), while one fatality was recorded (2.94 %). Conclusions. These findings provide a descriptive overview of pediatric diphtheria cases in a tertiary referral hospital and may assist clinicians in recognizing severe clinical presentations.