Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication caused by certain bacterial infections, often from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococcus bacteria. It has historically been associated with superabsorbent tampon use but can affect anyone, especially if they have wounds, surgery, or viral infections. Symptoms progress rapidly and can include shock, renal failure, and even death. Diagnosis involves testing blood and samples from swabs of bodily areas for the infections. Treatment requires hospitalization, antibiotics, fluids, and possibly surgery or dialysis. Prevention involves using the lowest absorbency tampons or pads and changing them frequently.

1. Nurse Lecture Series
Toxic Shock Syndrome
BY:
JOEL PAREDES DANTE
CODE & TRAUMA SENIOR NURSE
CCMC

2. Definition
 Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening
complication of certain types of
bacterial infections.

3. Causes
 Often toxic shock syndrome results from
toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus
(staph) bacteria, but the condition may also
be caused by toxins produced by group A
streptococcus (strep) bacteria.

4. AGENTS

5. Sources
 Toxic shock syndrome historically has been
associated primarily with the use of
superabsorbent tampons & vaginal napkins.
 Toxic shock syndrome can affect men,
children and postmenopausal women. Risk
factors for toxic shock syndrome include
skin wounds and surgery.

6. Risk Factors
 Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. About half
the cases of toxic shock syndrome occur in
menstruating women; the rest occur in older women,
men and children.
 Toxic shock syndrome has been associated with:
 Having cuts or burns on your skin
 Having had recent surgery
 Using contraceptive sponges, diaphragms or
superabsorbent tampons
 Having a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox

7. Complications
 Toxic shock syndrome can progress rapidly.
Complications may include:
 Shock
 Renal failure
 Death

8. Test & Diagnosis
 There's no one test for toxic shock syndrome. You
may need to provide blood and urine samples to test
for the presence of a staph or strep infection. Your
vagina, cervix and throat may be swabbed for samples
for laboratory analysis.
 Because toxic shock syndrome can affect multiple
organs, your doctor may order other tests, such as a
CT scan, lumbar puncture or chest X-ray, to assess the
extent of your illness.

9. Treatment & Drugs
 If you develop toxic shock syndrome, you'll likely be hospitalized. In
the hospital, you'll
 Be treated with antibiotics while doctors seek the infection source
 Receive medication to stabilize your blood pressure if it's low
(hypotension) and fluids to treat dehydration
 Receive supportive care to treat other signs and symptoms
 The toxins produced by the staph or strep bacteria and accompanying
hypotension may result in kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may
need dialysis.
 Surgery
 Surgery may be necessary to remove nonliving tissue (debridement)
from the site of infection or to drain the infection.

10. Prevention
 Manufacturers of tampons & pads no longer use the materials or
designs that were associated with toxic shock syndrome. Also,
manufacturers to use standard measurement and labeling for
absorbency and to print guidelines on the boxes.
 If you use tampons, read the labels and use the lowest
absorbency tampon you can. Change tampons & pads
frequently, at least every four. Alternate using tampons and
sanitary napkins, and use minipads when your flow is light.
 Toxic shock syndrome can recur. People who've had it once can
get it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or a prior
serious staph or strep infection, don't use tampons.

11. THANK YOU
VERY MUCH