Related Experiment Videos
Toxic shock syndrome occurring in children with abrasive injuries beneath casts
1Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
Insights
Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome can occur in children with skin infections under casts. This highlights a hidden infection source for this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious condition often associated with menstruation.
- Non-menstrual TSS has been documented in various settings, including post-operative orthopedic wound infections.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of TSS are presented.
- Infections were focal cutaneous staphylococcal infections located beneath casts used for limb immobilization.
Findings:
- These cases reveal a previously unrecognized site for staphylococcal infection leading to TSS.
- Sub-cast infections represent a hidden source of staphylococcal toxins.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider TSS in children with casts presenting with systemic symptoms.
- Early recognition and management of sub-cast infections are crucial to prevent TSS development.
- This finding expands the understanding of potential TSS triggers in pediatric orthopedic patients.
Abstract:
Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome has been reported in a number of nonmenstrual settings, including orthopedic patients with postoperative staphylococcal wound infections. We describe two cases of toxic shock syndrome in children with focal cutaneous staphylococcal infections occurring beneath casts placed for limb immobilization. These cases illustrate a new and potentially hidden site of staphylococcal infection leading to toxic shock syndrome.