This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pediatrics
[{'content': 'What is the COMMONEST cause of death in diphtheritic child? \nSelect and explain. \nA. IIIrd cranial nerve palsy, B. Myocarditis, C. Tonsillitis, D. Septicemia', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': 'Answer: B \nExplanation: Diphtheria is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract or skin caused by toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Impoant complications of diphtheria are diphtheritic myocarditis, polyneuritis and bronchopneumonia. Myocarditis is the most common cause of death in these children with moality varying between 3-25% when associated with early myocarditis. Myocardial dysfunction occur 2-40 days after the onset of pharyngitis. Diphtheritic myocarditis is characterized by rapid thready pulse, thready pulse, indistinct hea sounds, dysrhythmias, cardiac failure and ECG showing ST-T wave changes. Ref: Ogle J.W., Anderson M.S. (2012). Chapter 42. Infections: Bacterial & Spirochetal. In W.W. Hay, Jr., M.J. Levin, R.R. Deterding, J.J. Ross, J.M. Sondheimer (Eds), CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics, 21e.', 'role': 'assistant'}]