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Pediatric streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
D Janner1, M Rutherford, P Azimi
1Children's Hospital of Oakland, Children's Hospital Medical Center of Northern California 94609.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|August 1, 1992
Insights
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal toxic shock syndrome can mimic staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome in children. Early recognition is crucial for prompt treatment of this severe infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe, multisystem illness.
- Staphylococcal TSS is the most commonly recognized form.
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) can also cause TSS.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of GAS TSS are presented.
- Patients exhibited fever, rash, and hypotension.
- Clinical presentation mimicked staphylococcal TSS.
Findings:
- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were identified as the causative agent.
- Exotoxin production by GAS led to severe illness.
- Multisystem failure was a prominent feature.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider GAS TSS in children with symptoms similar to staphylococcal TSS.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of GAS TSS are critical.
- Understanding GAS pathogenicity is vital for pediatric critical care.
Abstract:
Two children who presented with fever, rash, and hypotension were found to have group A beta hemolytic streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. These cases are reported to remind physicians who care for acutely ill children that exotoxin-producing streptococci can produce clinical features and multisystem failure similar to staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.