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Toxic shock syndrome after burn injuries in children
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Stockholm Söder Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Toxic shock syndrome, a severe Staphylococcus aureus infection, can occur after burns. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe, exotoxin-mediated illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
- Historically associated with menstruating women, TSS now also occurs post-surgery and following burns.
- High mortality rates underscore the need for prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- Presents two pediatric cases of toxic shock syndrome following minor burns.
- Highlights the prodromal symptoms: fever, myalgia, headache, and vomiting.
- Details the progression to hypotension and multiorgan failure.
Findings:
- Demonstrates TSS occurrence in children with seemingly minor burn injuries.
- Reviews current treatment strategies for staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic challenges and critical nature of early recognition.
Implications:
- Informs clinicians about the risk of TSS in pediatric burn patients.
- Stresses the importance of considering TSS in febrile children with burns.
- Contributes to the understanding of staphylococcal exotoxin-mediated diseases.
Abstract:
Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening exotoxin mediated disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which was originally described as affecting menstruating women, but has lately been reported after surgical procedures and burns. The high mortality emphasises the importance of early diagnosis. In most cases there is a prodromal period with fever (> 38.9 degrees C), myalgia, headache, and vomiting before the onset of hypotension and multiorgan failure. We present two cases in children with minor burns, and review current recommendations for treatment.