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Toxic shock syndrome
Definition
Toxic shock syndrome is a severe disease that involves fever, shock, and problems with the function of several body organs.
Alternative Names
Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome
Causes
Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxin produced by certain types of Staphylococcus bacteria. A similar syndrome, called toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS), can be caused by Streptococcal bacteria. Not all staph or strep infections cause toxic shock syndrome.
Although the earliest cases of toxic shock syndrome involved women who were using tampons during their periods (menstruation), today less than half of current cases are associated with such events. Toxic shock syndrome can also occur with skin infections, burns, and after surgery. The condition can also affect children, postmenopausal women, and men.
Risk factors include:
- Recently having a baby
- Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection, commonly called a Staph infection
- Foreign bodies or packings (such as those used to stop nosebleeds)
- Menstruation
- Surgery
- Tampon use (particularly if you leave one in for a long time)
- Wound infection after surgery
Symptoms
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- General ill-feeling
- Headaches
- High fever, sometimes accompanied by chills
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Organ failure (usually kidneys and liver)
- Redness of eyes, mouth, throat
- Seizures
- Widespread red rash that looks like a sunburn -- skin peeling occurs 1 or 2 weeks after the rash, particularly on the palms of the hand or bottom of the feet
Exams and Tests
No single test can diagnose toxic shock syndrome.
The diagnosis is based on several criteria: fever, low blood pressure, a rash that peels after 1-2 weeks, and problems with the function of at least three organs.
In some cases, blood cultures may be positive for growth of S. aureus.
Treatment
Any foreign materials, such as tampons, vaginal sponges, or nasal packing, will be removed. Sites of infection (such as a surgical wound) will be drained.
The goal of treatment is to maintain important body functions. This may include:
- Antibiotics for any infection (may be given through an IV)
- Dialysis (if severe kidney problems are present)
- Fluids through a vein (IV)
- Medicines to control blood pressure
- Intravenous gamma globulin in severe cases
- Staying in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring
Outlook (Prognosis)
Toxic shock syndrome may be deadly in up to 50% of cases. The condition may return in those that survive.
Possible Complications
- Severe organ dysfunction
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Liver failure
- Shock
- Death
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash, fever, and feel ill, particularly during menstruation and tampon use or if you have had recent surgery.
Prevention
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome can be prevented by avoiding the use of highly absorbent tampons. You can reduce your risk by changing tampons more frequently and using tampons only once in a while (not regularly) during menstruation.
References
Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract:vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In:Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6thed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 23.
Que Y, Moreillon Ph. Staphylococcus aureus (including staphylococcal toxic shock). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 195.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
