Drotrecogin alfa (activated) for nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome associated with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Author(s): Haddadin DW, Samnani IQ, Moorman JP

Affiliation(s): Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, East Tennessee State University, Box 70622, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA. alhaddad@mail.etsu.edu

Publication date & source: 2006-11, South Med J., 99(11):1295-6.

Publication type: Case Reports

Nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) due to Staphylococcus aureus can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. While drotrecogin alfa (DA) has been employed in patients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) severe sepsis and septic shock, its utility in TSS remains unclear. The authors report a case of severe sepsis in the setting of MRSA-associated TSS that responded to treatment with DA. This case illustrates a potential role for DA in the treatment of toxic shock syndromes and emphasizes the importance of aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in approaching these conditions.