Toxic Shock Syndrome - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome is defined1.Vomiting.
group A streptococcal infection. It is associated2.Sunburn-like rash.
with the early onset of shock and organ failure. It3.Diarrhoea.
can be caused by one of two different types of4.Fever.
bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and5.Muscle aches.
Streptococcus pyogenes. This bactria affects the6.Dizziness.
whole body. Staphylococcus can produce toxins.7.Confusion.
In some people whose bodies can't fight theseTreatment of Toxic Shock Syndrome
toxins, the immune system reacts. Most often1.Toxin production: Drain or debride the lesion,
STSS appears after streptococcus bacteria haveremove foreign material, and irrigate copiously.
invaded areas of injured skin, such as cuts andRecent surgical wounds should be explored and
scrapes, surgical wounds, and even chickenpoxirrigated even when signs of inflammation are
blisters. It almost never follows a simpleabsent.
streptococcus throat infection (strep throat). The2. Aggressive fluid resuscitation: Loss of fluid into
symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, athe extravascular compartment can be very
faint feeling, watery diarrhea, headache, andsubstantial. Maintenance of cardiac filling pressures
muscle aches. If your child has these symptoms,is critical in order to prevent end organ damage.
it's important to call your child's doctor right away.Adult patients with TSS have required up to 10 L
S. aureus commonly colonizes skin and mucousof fluid in the first 24 hr.
membranes in humans. TSS has been associated3. Administration of antistaphylococcal antibiotics:
with use of tampons contraceptive devices inSemisynthetic penicillins have been widely used for
women. In the United States, annual incidence isTSS. Recommends treating suspected TSS
1-2/100,000 women 15-44 years of age.Otherpatients with clindamycin (900 mg i.v. every 8
risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skinhours for adults; 13 mg/kg i.v. every 8 hours for
wounds and surgery. Signs and symptoms ofchildren), either alone or in combination with a cell
toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and thewall active agent (semisynthetic penicillin or
disease can be fatal. Almost every organ systemvancomycin). If the diagnosis of TSS is initially
can be involved, including the cardiovascular, renal,uncertain, broader empiric coverage is appropriate.
skin, mucosa, GI, musculoskeletal, hepatic,4.General supportive care: Intensive care
hematologic, and central nervous systems. Toxinsmonitoring is often indicated. Replete calcium and
produced by the staph or strep bacteria andmagnesium; provide ventilatory, pressor, and
accompanying hypotension may result in kidneyinotropic support; manage rhabdomyolysis, renal
failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.dysfunction, and / or coagulopathy.
Always use a tampon with the lowest absorbancy5.Administration of pooled human immunoglobin:
suitable for your period flow and use a sanitaryThis should be reserved for refractory cases or
towel or panty liner from time to time during yourcases associated with an undrainable focus of
period.infection. All commercial immunoglobulin
Causes of Toxic Shock Syndromepreparations contain high levels of anti-TSST-1
1.Use of superabsorbent tampons.antibody. A single infusion of 400 mg/kg i.v. will
2.Postpartum toxic shock.generate a protective titre in a nonimmune
3.Nasal packing.patient
4.Common bacterial infections.6.Toxins produced by the staph or strep bacteria
5.Viral infection with influenza A or varicella.and accompanying hypotension may result in
6.Diabetes mellitus.kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need
Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndromedialysis.