ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome

Causes and Risks:
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. It is most common in menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons and occurs within 5 days of the onset of a menstrual period. The syndrome has also been seen in children, infants, and men. Skin wounds or infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus elsewhere in the body may also cause TSS.

The syndrome is marked by a sudden onset of symptoms ( fever , chills, rash and diarrhea) and a rapid drop in blood pressure resulting in shock. The incidence of the disease is approximately 2 out of 10,000 people annually. Risk factors include recent menstruation, recent use of barrier contraceptive, recent child birth, recent surgery, and prior Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Prevention:
Alternate tampons with sanitary napkins. Women who have had Staphylococcus aureus infections should not use tampons, because the recurrence rate is 30%.

Symptoms:

sudden high fever
chills
headache
vomiting or diarrhea
diffuse red rash
rash followed in 1 or 2 weeks by peeling of the skin, particularly the skin of the palms or soles

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

muscle pain
hallucinations
consciousness, decreased
confusion
sore throat
dry mouth, vaginal dryness, or dry eyes

Signs and Tests:

elevated temperature measurement
low blood pressure
CBC showing elevated white blood cell count (indicating infection)

Treatment:
The objective of therapy is to remove the source of infection, (for example, removing a tampon or draining an abscess ) and to treat the infection with antibiotics.

The manifestations of shock are treated by intravenous fluid and blood pressure support. Hospitalization is required for the management of shock.

Prognosis:
Toxic shock may recur. Women who have had this disorder should not use tampons.

Complications:

kidney failure , heart failure , or liver failure
profound shock

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if TSS symptoms occur, especially in conjunction with menstruation and tampon use.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if hallucinations , decreased consciousness , or confusion are noticed.