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Toxic shock syndrome: otolaryngologic presentations
The Laryngoscope
|September 1, 1982
Summary
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can occur from nasal packing, not just tampons. This study presents two cases showing TSS-like symptoms after nasal packing, expanding understanding of the disease.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe, acute disease historically linked to menstruating women using vaginal tampons.
- The etiology of TSS is primarily associated with toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of patients presenting with symptoms mirroring TSS.
- Unlike typical TSS cases, these patients had undergone nasal or sinus packing procedures.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation in both cases was strikingly similar to documented TSS, including fever, rash, and hypotension.
- The absence of vaginal tampon use and the presence of nasal packing suggest an alternative route for TSS development.
Implications:
- These findings challenge the established association of TSS solely with vaginal tampon use.
- Nasal and sinus packing should be considered potential risk factors for developing toxic shock syndrome.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of TSS associated with nasal packing.