An acute bacterial infection, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by toxin-producing, penicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, such as TSS toxin-1 and staphylococcal enterotoxins B and C. The disease primarily affects menstruating women younger than age 30 and is associated with continuous use of tampons during the menstrual period.
TSS incidence peaked in the mid-1980s and has since declined, probably because of the withdrawal of high-absorbency tampons from the market.
TSS incidence peaked in the mid-1980s and has since declined, probably because of the withdrawal of high-absorbency tampons from the market.
Causes
Although tampons are clearly implicated in TSS, their exact role is uncertain. Theoretically, tampons may contribute to development of TSS by:
Although tampons are clearly implicated in TSS, their exact role is uncertain. Theoretically, tampons may contribute to development of TSS by:
- introducing S. aureus into the vagina during insertion
- absorbing toxin from the vagina
- traumatizing the vaginal mucosa during insertion, thus leading to infection
- providing a favorable environment for the growth of S. aureus.
Signs and symptoms
Typically, TSS produces intense myalgias, fever over 104° F (40° C), vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased level of consciousness, rigors, conjunctival hyperemia, and vaginal hyperemia and discharge. Severe hypotension occurs with hypovolemic shock. Within a few hours of onset, a deep red rash develops—especially on the palms and soles—and later desquamates.
Typically, TSS produces intense myalgias, fever over 104° F (40° C), vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased level of consciousness, rigors, conjunctival hyperemia, and vaginal hyperemia and discharge. Severe hypotension occurs with hypovolemic shock. Within a few hours of onset, a deep red rash develops—especially on the palms and soles—and later desquamates.
Major complications include persistent neuropsychological abnormalities, mild renal failure, rash, and cyanotic arms and legs.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of TSS is based on clinical findings and the presence of at least three of the following:
A diagnosis of TSS is based on clinical findings and the presence of at least three of the following:
- GI effects, including vomiting and profuse diarrhea
- muscular effects, with severe myalgias or a fivefold or greater increase in creatine kinase
- mucous membrane effects such as frank hyperemia
- renal involvement with elevated blood urea nitrogen or creatinine levels (at least twice the normal levels)
- liver involvement with elevated bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, or aspartate aminotransferase levels (at least twice the normal levels)
- blood involvement with signs of thrombocytopenia and a platelet count < 100,000/µl
- central nervous system effects such as disorientation without focal signs.
Negative results on blood tests for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, leptospirosis, and measles help rule out these disorders.
Treatment
TSS is treated with intravenous (I.V.) antistaphylococcal antibiotics that are beta-lactamase-resistant, such as oxacillin and nafcillin. To reverse shock, replace fluids with I.V. solution and colloids.
TSS is treated with intravenous (I.V.) antistaphylococcal antibiotics that are beta-lactamase-resistant, such as oxacillin and nafcillin. To reverse shock, replace fluids with I.V. solution and colloids.
Special considerations
- Monitor the patient’s vital signs frequently.
- Administer antibiotics slowly and strictly on time. Be sure to watch for signs of penicillin allergy.
- Check the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Obtain specimens of vaginal and cervical secretions for culture of S. aureus.
- Tell the patient to avoid using tampons.
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