Toxic Shock Syndrome: A Family Physician's Perspective.

Although similar cases have been reported as far back as 1927, the term toxic shock syndrome was coined in 1978 to describe an acute fever involving Staph. aureus. The reported mortality rate in Canada is 3.8%, but may be much higher. Association with tampon use was made in 1980, but is still unclear. Treatment remains supportive and is aimed at reducing risk of recurrence, until the role of the exotoxin can be explained. This article reviews reported cases to date, listing diagnostic criteria, signs and symptoms. A high index of suspicion for this new syndrome is recommended.