Nurse Lecture Series

Toxic Shock Syndrome

BY: JOEL PAREDES DANTE

CODE & TRAUMA SENIOR NURSECCMC

Definition

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types ofbacterial infections.

Causes

Often toxic shock syndrome results fromtoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus(staph) bacteria, but the condition may alsobe caused by toxins produced by group Astreptococcus (strep) bacteria.

AGENTS

Sources

Toxic shock syndrome historically has beenassociated primarily with the use ofsuperabsorbent tampons & vaginal napkins.

Toxic shock syndrome can affect men,children and postmenopausal women. Riskfactors for toxic shock syndrome includeskin wounds and surgery.

Risk Factors

Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. About half the cases of toxic shock syndrome occur in menstruating women; the rest occur in older women, men and children.

Toxic shock syndrome has been associated with:

Having cuts or burns on your skin

Having had recent surgery

Using contraceptive sponges, diaphragms or superabsorbent tampons

Having a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox

Complications

Toxic shock syndrome can progress rapidly. Complications may include:

Shock

Renal failure

Death

Test & Diagnosis

There's no one test for toxic shock syndrome. Youmay need to provide blood and urine samples to testfor the presence of a staph or strep infection. Yourvagina, cervix and throat may be swabbed for samplesfor laboratory analysis.

Because toxic shock syndrome can affect multipleorgans, your doctor may order other tests, such as aCT scan, lumbar puncture or chest X-ray, to assess the

extent of your illness.

Treatment & Drugs

If you develop toxic shock syndrome, you'll likely be hospitalized. In the hospital, you'll

Be treated with antibiotics while doctors seek the infection source

Receive medication to stabilize your blood pressure if it's low (hypotension) and fluids to treat dehydration

Receive supportive care to treat other signs and symptoms

The toxins produced by the staph or strep bacteria and accompanying hypotension may result in kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary to remove nonliving tissue (debridement) from the site of infection or to drain the infection.

Prevention

Manufacturers of tampons & pads no longer use the materials or designs that were associated with toxic shock syndrome. Also, manufacturers to use standard measurement and labeling for absorbency and to print guidelines on the boxes.

If you use tampons, read the labels and use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Change tampons & pads frequently, at least every four. Alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins, and use minipads when your flow is light.

Toxic shock syndrome can recur. People who've had it once can get it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or a prior serious staph or strep infection, don't use tampons.

THANK YOUVERY MUCH