Favorable Effects of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Diphtheria

Abstract

Limited use of corticosteroids for the initial treatment in nine cases of diphtheria was attempted and followed by adding erythromycin after disappearance of the pseudomembrane. Cortisosteroids gave a good response, with disappearance of fever within 12 hours and pseudomembrane in 2 to 6 days (average 2.7 days).