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Revision as of 02:48, 22 September 2017

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Toxic shock syndrome

Overview

What are the symptoms?

Who is at highest risk?

When to seek urgent medical care?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Toxic shock syndrome?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Diseases with similar symptoms

Prevention of Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Toxic shock syndrome

Videos on Toxic shock syndrome

FDA on Toxic shock syndrome

CDC on Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome in the news

Blogs on Toxic shock syndrome

Directions to Hospitals Treating Toxic shock syndrome

Risk calculators and risk factors for Toxic shock syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty

Overview

Toxic shock syndrome is a severe bacterial infection that involves fever, shock, and problems with the function of several body organs.

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.

Although the earliest described cases of toxic shock syndrome involved women who were using tampons during their periods (menstruation), just slightly over half of current cases are associated with such events. Toxic shock syndrome can also occur in children, postmenopausal women, and men.

What are the symptoms of Toxic shock syndrome?

  • 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

Who is at highest risk?

Risk factors include:

  • Childbirth
  • Current Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection
  • Foreign bodies or packings (such as those used to stop nosebleeds)
  • Menstruation
  • Surgery
  • Tampon use (particularly if you leave on in for a long time)
  • Use of barrier contraceptives such as a diaphragm or vaginal sponge

Diagnosis

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.

When to seek urgent medical care

Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency. You must seek immediate attention if you develop fever or rash, particularly during menstruation and tampon use, or if you have had recent surgery.

Treatment options

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)
  • Methods to control blood pressure

Where to find medical care for Toxic shock syndrome?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Toxic shock syndrome

What to expect (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

Diseases with similar symptoms

Prevention of Toxic shock syndrome

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.

Sources

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