Pseudo-toxic-shock syndrome due to a drug reaction

A case is reported of a 13-year-old girl who had an illness initially thought to be toxic shock syndrome but subsequently noted to be a toxic reaction to the anticonvulsant, carbamazepine. The patient was never hypotensive but she was febrile and had a desquamative rash and involvement of three organ systems. Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from the patient's blood and vagina.