Toxic shock syndrome - the seven Rs of management and treatment

Abstract

Staphylococcal and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There has been considerable progress in understanding the pathophysiology and delineating optimal management and treatment. This article reviews the management of TSS, outlining the 'Seven Rs of Managing and Treating TSS': Recognition, Resuscitation, Removal of source of infection, Rational choice of antibiotics, Role of adjunctive treatment (clindamycin and intravenous immunoglobulin), Review of progress and Reduce risk of secondary cases in close contacts.

Keywords: Clindamycin; Contact prophylaxis; Intravenous immunoglobulin; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus pyogenes; Superantigen.