Toxic shock syndrome

The toxic shock syndrome is a rare, potentially fatal, triggered by certain bacteria (group A streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus). In toxic shock syndrome, toxins (poisons) produced by bacteria cause a sharp drop in blood pressure (hypotension) and organ failure. In some patients, these bacteria are introduced into the body through one obvious discontinuity in the skin such as a wound or puncture (minced). Other cases are related to the use of vaginal tampons. However, sometimes toxic shock develops after an injury relatively light, such as a welt (bruise) or a muscle and can not be identified any cause.
Treatment
Patients with toxic shock syndrome are admitted to a hospital and treated with:
• Serum intravenous and certain drugs to elevate blood pressure and improve blood flow to vital organs
• antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection and which release the toxin.
It may be necessary to institute mechanical ventilation (machine that breathes for the patient), dialysis or other supportive measures in case there is a failure of vital organs.


In some cases of toxic shock syndrome caused by group A streptococci, when there is an extensive soft tissue infection, it may be necessary surgical removal of tissue destroyed.

Prevention
There are no specific guidelines for preventing toxic shock syndrome. One may reduce the risk of tissue infections by cleaning and immediate treatment of skin wounds, even if they are small. The staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome that is associated with the use of vaginal tampons can be avoided by frequent change of buffers.