Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurring in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report

Mohamad Irani1, Rodney McLaren2, Richard H Savel3

  • 1The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.

Group A streptococcal (GAS) toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare life-threatening illness. Most reported cases have occurred in the post-partum period. Here, we report a rare case of a primigravid who developed GAS TSS in the third trimester. We also review the potential preventive measures and treatment modalities for this syndrome. A 29-year-old primigravid presented at 36 weeks' gestation with diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and fetal bradycardia. She underwent an emergency cesarean section and was subsequently diagnosed with GAS TSS. She had a complicated post-partum course marked by a 3-month hospital stay and major sequelae. Her infant died on post-partum day 4. GAS TSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pregnant patients presenting with fever and rapid onset of septic shock. A consideration to treat GAS that is detected incidentally during routine screening for group B streptococcus is suggested.

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