URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000653.htm
Alternative names
TSS; Staphylococcal toxic shock syndromeDefinition
Toxic shock syndrome is a severe disease that involves fever, shock, and problems with the function of several body organs.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) 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 Streptococcus bacteria.)
Although the earliest described cases of TSS involved women who were using tampons during their periods (menstruation), only 55% of current cases are associated with menstruation. Toxic shock syndrome can also occur in children, postmenopausal women, and men.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms
Signs and tests
There is no one diagnostic test for TSS. The diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome is based on several criteria: fever, low blood pressure, rash that peels after 1-2 weeks, and at least 3 organs with signs of dysfunction. 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 surgical wound) will be drained.
Treatments maintain important body functions (supportive measures) are essential. This may include:
Expectations (prognosis)
Toxic shock syndrome may be deadly in up to 50% of cases. The condition may return in those that survive.
Complications
Calling your health care provider
TSS 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.
Prevention
Menstrual TSS can be prevented by avoiding the use of highly absorbent tampons. Risk can also be reduced by using less absorbent tampons, changing tampons more frequently, and using tampons only intermittently (not regularly) during menstruation.
References
Rakel P. Conn’s Current Therapy 2006. 58th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2006:103-106.
Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:1785-1786.
Update Date: 9/6/2006 Updated by: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.