Hemoadsorption as Adjunctive Therapy in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

Gonçalo Miranda1,2,3, Vasco Neves1,2, Ricardo Tjeng1,2,3

  • 1Intensive Care Unit, Unidade Local de Saúde Cova da Beira, Covilhã, PRT.

Cureus
|August 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) caused severe illness in a patient. Hemoadsorption therapy, alongside standard treatments, helped the patient recover, suggesting it may aid in treating streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant pathogen causing severe invasive infections like necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).
  • STSS is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, often necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission for septic shock and multiorgan failure.

Observation:

  • A case report details a 70-year-old male admitted to the ICU with septic shock and multiorgan failure secondary to GAS bacteremia.
  • The patient received a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin, and comprehensive organ support.

Findings:

  • Organ support included vasopressors and renal replacement therapy.
  • Hemoadsorption therapy utilizing the Jafron HA380 cartridge was administered as part of the treatment regimen.
  • The patient demonstrated progressive clinical improvement and achieved a full recovery.

Implications:

  • Hemoadsorption may play a crucial role in managing STSS by potentially reducing circulating inflammatory mediators.
  • This case highlights the potential of hemoadsorption as an adjunctive therapeutic strategy for severe GAS infections and STSS.
  • Further research into hemoadsorption's efficacy in critical care settings for infectious diseases is warranted.

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