Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

WHAT IS IT?

Toxic shock syndrome is a 

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Toxic shock syndrome is most often caused by the toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST): TSST is a toxin released by the microbe Staphylococcus aureus. TSST is a superangitgen that activates large numbers of T-cells. The activation of these T-cells is responsible for the release of various inflammatory mediators (IL-2, IL-1,TNF)

WHY IS IT CONCERNING MEDICALLY?

The release of these inflammatory mediators causes: capillary leakage, circulatory collapse, hypotension, fever, kind findings, and even multi-organ failure. 

WHAT IS THE INTIAL PRESENTATION?

Patient Chief Complaints:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Diffuse rash 

Detected Medical Problems:

 

WHAT ARE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY?

Risk Factors:

  • Longterm tampon use
  • Nasal packing 

Medical History:

 

WHAT ARE IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE PHYSICAL EXAM?

Vital Signs:

 

Other:

 

CLINICAL WORKUP: SERUM STUDIES

 

CLINICAL WORKUP: IMAGING

 

CLINICAL WORKUP: OTHER

 

HOW DO WE NARROW THE DIFFERENTIAL?

Conditions that present similarly and how to exclude them:

 

WHAT IS OUR THRESHOLD FOR DIAGNOSING THIS CONDITION?

 

PATIENT MANAGMENT: SYMPTOM RELEIF

 

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: DISEASE TREATMENT

 

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES

 

COULD THIS HAVE BEEN PREVENTED?

 

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 04.11.2017