Toxic Shock Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
Definition/ Causes
A
Septicaemia from toxin (TSST 1) produced by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria
o Staphylococcus -> exotoxins (e.g. TSS toxin 1)
o Streptococcus -> inflammatory cascade initiation
· Aetiology – multisystem inflammatory response to bacterial exotoxins
Risk factors:
- tampons of higher absorbency
- infrequent change of tampons
- overnight tampon use
o Rare – up to 17 per 100 000 tampon users per year (40 per year in UK)
2
Q
Signs and Symptoms
A
Signs & symptoms:
- Fever (usually >39C)
- Myalgia
- Diffuse red macular rash
- D&V
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Desquamation of palms and soles (late symptom)
- Shock
3
Q
Investigations
A
Bloods
- FBC (raised WCC, low platelets)
- U&Es (impaired renal function)
- LFT
- raised CK
- raised CRP
o Microbiology – HVS, blood culture, culture of tampon
4
Q
Management
A
ABCs and remove tampon
Antibiotics (broad-spectrum IV)
5
Q
Complications
A
Complications:
o Septic shock, MOF, DIC, ARDS, death
o Prognosis - Mortality is 5-15%
