Acute Medicine | Infectious diseases | TSS Usual organisms and antibiotic therapy

TSS-Usual Organisms and Antibiotic Therapy
Session Overview
Description
This session discusses toxic shock syndrome its diagnosis and treatment.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recognise and treat patients suffering from toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is the most extreme form of illness caused by toxin-forming organisms.

Gram-positive organisms are increasingly implicated in TSS. This is often a severe illness mediated by the production of super-antigens (bacterial toxins). These stimulate the uncontrolled release of cytokines. This uncontrolled inflammation leads to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. It is often associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

We maximize the chance of the patient surviving this illness through identifying the problem and its severity early. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial and one should consider antibiotics that help turn off toxin production e.g. clindamycin/linezolid.

Early involvement of intensive care is recommended as the patient may well need inotropic support or go on to develop multi-organ failure. Immunoglobulin use can alleviate the effect of super-antigens.