Invasive streptococcal group A infection and toxic shock syndrome in Songklanagarind Hospital

Background and Objectives : Streptococcal group A infection is reported as a medical problem in several parts of the world. The most serious complication of this infection is streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) which is associated with a very high mortality rate. The present study aimed to determine the clinical manifestations, including underlying conditions, mortality and prognostic factors, of invasive streptococcal group A infection and STSS from southern Thailand (Songklanagarind Hospital). Method : The medical records of infected patients from January 1, 1995 to June 30, 1999 were reviewed retrospectively. Criteria for diagnosis of STSS were as follows (JAMA 1993). Prognostic factors were analyzed by logistic regression model. Result : 176 cases of STSS and streptococcal group A infection, 89.9 per cent were community acquired infections. About 70 per cent of the infected patients had previous underlying conditions, the most common was cancer. The commonest site of infection was the skin and soft tissue (80.1%). The total mortality rate from streptococcal group A infection was 9.1 per cent. STSS was identified in 12 patients (6.8%), with a 50 per cent mortality rate. Prognostic factors for mortality in this infection were diabetic mellitus (odds ratio 9.67, p<0.025), history of steroid use (odds ratio 11.17, p<0.017), STSS (odds ratio 22.16, p<0.005) and received cancer chemotherapy (odds ratio 115.19, p<0.003). Predictive factors for STSS couldn't be identified, while age >65 years and steroid use were suggested protective factors for this condition {odds ratio 0.02, p<0.0001 and odd ratio 0.07, p<0.027 respectively}.