Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in children: one case report and literature review / 中国感染与化疗杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in children. Methods One case of STSS was reported in a child who was admitted to Children's Hospital of Fudan University. Search terms such as "streptococcal toxic shock syndrome", "children" and "case report" were used to identify relevant reports from PubMed database, as well as Chinese databases including Chongqing VIP, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for further review. Results The patient in this report was a 11-year-old female. The main clinical manifestations were fever, red, swelling, and pain in the right lower extremity, associated with impaired walking and hypotension. Imaging examination suggested diffuse abnormal signals in the soft tissue of right thigh. Group A Streptococcus (namely Streptococcus pyogenes) was isolated from the puncture fluid. The patient was improved after active shock-correcting and anti-infective treatment. A total of 6 STSS cases were identified from Chinese databases between January 1, 1996 and May 1, 2017. All the 7 cases (including this one, 4 males and 3 females, 15 months to 13 years of age) reported fever and skin rashes, and rapidly progressed to shock. Respiratory failure was reported in 4 cases and supported with a ventilator. Three patients died, including 2 within 24 hours after hospitaladmission. A total of 38 STSS cases (40 days to 18 years of age) were identified from PubMed database. The main clinical manifestations of these cases were respiratory tract or digestive tract symptoms, and skin and soft tissue infection. In addition, chickenpox was found in 3 cases, Kawasaki disease in 2 cases, neonatal bullous impetigo, pancreatitis, infectious mononucleosis, and lymphohistiocytosis in one case each. Of the 38 patients, 22 survived and 16 died. Conclusions STSS is a rare and severe form of invasive streptococcal infection in children. The early manifestations are not specific, which may be mistaken for upper respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal dysfunction symptoms, skin and soft tissue infection, or muscle and joint disorder, or even similar to or associated with Kawasaki disease. But rapid progression to shock and multiple organ failure of STSS pose a serious threat to children. Pediatricians should keep alert on STSS. Early identification, timely diagnosis, and adequate treatment are key to improving patient outcome.