Toxic shock syndrome

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Toxic shock syndrome

• High fever, sometimes accompanied by chills
• Profound malaise
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• Diffuse red rash resembling a sunburn
• Rash followed in 1 or 2 weeks by peeling of the skin, particularly the skin of the palms or soles
• Redness of eyes, mouth, throat
• Confusion, seizures, headaches
• Myalgias (muscle aches)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Organ failure (usually kidneys and liver)

The diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome is based on several criteria: fever, low blood pressure (hypotension), 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.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page