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Ency. home > Disease > T > Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

TSS; Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome

Symptoms

  • high fever sometimes accompanied by chills
  • profound malaise
  • nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • diffuse red rash resembling a sun-burn
  • 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
  • organ failure (kidneys, liver most commonly involved)

Signs and Tests

The diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome rests on several criteria which include: fever, low blood pressure (hypotension), rash, peeling after 1-2 weeks, and at least 3 organs with signs of dysfunction. In some cases, blood cultures may be positive for growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

Ency. home > Disease > T > Toxic shock syndrome

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