Two attacks of toxic shock

Press, 2 March 1981, Page 2

Two attacks of toxic shock

PA Auckland A young Auckland woman diagnosed as having the only confirmed case of toxic shock- syndrome in New Zealand suffered the jllness twice in two months, according to an article in the “New Zealand Medical Journal.” ~ Both times the woman was using tampons. The article was written by Dr Susan Lea and Dr W. H. Mercer, of Middlemore Hospital, where the woman was twice admitted, and Dr R. B. Ellis-Pegler, of Auckland Hospital. The womap, aged 21, was admitted to hospital on July 22 last year with a four-day historv of diarrhoea. She had also had vomiting and rigors for two days, and sore throat and muscle.pain for a day. She was just finishing a period.

The article said that the woman was extremely unwell, dehydrated, and had a high temperature. She had facial swelling, conjunctivitis, and a rash. The bacteria staphylococcus aureus was cultured from her vagina, but this cleared up after treatment with antibiotics. She was discharged after 18 days. The woman was well during August, but on September 23’ she was readmitted with similar symptoms. The bacteria was again isolated. The diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome was made only on the second admission. The doctors said that they reported the case to draw medical attention to it, and to emphasise that although cases in the United States were associated with one particular brand of tampon, none were absolutely riskfree.