Toxic Shock Syndrome in Menstruating Women

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Abstract
Eight adult women became severely ill with an acute, toxic erythroderma during menses. The syndrome was characterized by fever, generalized erythema, profound shock, multiple organ dysfunction, and desquamation occurring several days after the rash had faded. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular abnormalities were present in all patients; 3 patients required ventilatory support; dialysis was performed on 2; and 1 patient died. Mild relapse occurred in 2 patients during subsequent menses; the other patients have recovered without sequelae during follow-up of 6-42 mo. Cervical colonization or local infection with Staphylococcus aureus is associated with this syndrome.