| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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A form of blood poisoning caused by poisons (toxins) released by
staphylococcal bacteria. Menstrual toxic shock involves the female
reproductive system and respiratory system. Nonmenstrual toxic shock
can affect all ages and both sexes (up to 15% of cases occur in males).
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
- Sudden, high fever in a previously healthy person.
- Vomiting and watery diarrhea.
- Rash that resembles sunburn.
- Low blood pressure.
- Excessive thirst.
- Rapid pulse.
- Feeling of impending doom.
- Mental changes, such as confusion.
- Extreme fatigue and weakness.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
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| Causes |
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Some strains of staphylococcal bacteria produce toxins that enter the
bloodstream, causing sudden symptoms. Most serious cases have come
from staphylococci in the vagina of women using tampons. Toxic shock
syndrome can also arise from wounds or infections in the throat, skin,
lungs or bone.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Continuous or prolonged use of tampons (particularly super
absorbent) during menstrual periods.
- Staphylococcal infections.
- Postpartum women.
- Postoperative patients, particularly after nasal surgery.
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| Preventive Measure |
- Change tampons frequently, and alternate them at night with
sanitary napkins.
- Don't use super absorbent tampons. Use those made of cotton.
- Don't use tampons if you have a skin infection, especially near
the genitals.
- Wash hands thoroughly before inserting tampons. Staphylococci
are commonly found on the hands.
- Get early medical attention for infected wounds.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Most patients recover with early diagnosis and prompt hospital
treatment, but some cases are fatal. Skin of the palms and soles
often peels during recovery.
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| Possible Complications |
- Severe shock.
- Kidney failure.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Respiratory distress.
- Loss of hair and nails.
- Recurrence of TSS.
- Mortality may be as high as 15% in severe cases.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
studies and mucosal cultures.
- Immediate hospitalization is required to administer
intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and electorates to correct
fluid and electrolyte loss and dehydration and also to manage
kidney or cardiac problems and provide mechanical breathing
support if needed.
- Tampons, diaphragms or other foreign bodies are removed at
once.
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| Medication |
- Antibiotics, usually intravenous, for infection.
- Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
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| Activity |
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Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
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| Diet |
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No special diet after recovery. Intravenous nourishment is usually
necessary during hospitalization.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of toxic shock
syndrome. Call immediately! Shock develops rapidly.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in
treatment may produce side effects.
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