Understanding toxic shock syndrome

A randomized, double-blind study on the safety and immunogenicity of rTSST-1 variant vaccine: phase 2 results

Background

Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) is a superantigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus that causes the life-threatening toxic shock syndrome. The development of a safe and immunogenic vaccine against TSST-1 remains an unmet medical need. We investigated the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a recombinant TSST-1 variant vaccine (rTSST-1v) after 1-3 injections in healthy volunteers.

Methods

In this randomised, double-blind, adjuvant-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial, healthy adults aged 18-64 were randomly allocated to undergo 1-3 injections of either 10 or 100 μg rTSST-1v or Al(OH)3. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability of rTSST-1v in the intention-to-treat population. The per-protocol population was used for the immunogenicity analysis. The trial is registered with EudraCT#: 2015-003714-24; ClinicalTrials.gov#: NCT02814708.

Findings

Between April and November 2017,140 subjects were enrolled and 126 completed the trial. rTSST-1v showed a good safety and tolerability profile. A total of 855 systemic adverse events occurred, 280 of which were suspected related adverse events, without dose dependency. Two participants were discontinued early because of allergic reactions. Seroconversion occurred in >81% of subjects within 3 months of the first immunisation which was sustained until 18 months after the third immunisation in over 70% of subjects in the pooled low-dose group and in over 85% in the pooled high-dose group.

Interpretation

rTSST-1v in cumulative doses of up to 300 μg was safe, well-tolerated and highly immunogenic. Two immunisations with 100 μg rTSST-1v provided the most persistent immune response and may be evaluated in future trials.

Funding

Biomedizinische Forschung & Bio-Produkte AG funded this study.

Toxic shock like syndrome caused by Streptococcus agalactiae bacteremia during treatment for multiple myeloma

Toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory complication caused by Streptococcus species infections. We reported the first case of TSLS caused by primary bacteremia of Streptococcus agalactiae during chemotherapy for multiple myeloma. A 74-year-old woman, who received combination chemotherapy of elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone for treatment-refractory multiple myeloma, was transported to our hospital under comatose and septic shock. Her blood culture detected Streptococcus agalactiae, and considering the progressive multiorgan failure, she was diagnosed with TSLS. Empiric antibiotic treatment with meropenem and respiratory and circulatory support were quickly initiated, resulting in an almost complete recovery of organ functions. It should be noted that with the advances of chemotherapy, the risk of infection is becoming more diverse.

TEN mimics: Classification and practical approach to toxic epidermal necrolysis-like dermatoses

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an acute life-threatening dermatologic emergency. However, many dermatoses can present with a TEN-like eruption. Those "TEN-mimics" are a true diagnostic challenge and an alarming differential diagnosis to such a serious condition. Herein, we will expose and classify the landscape of TEN-mimics. Also, the key differentiating clinical and/or laboratory points will be highlighted to help an accurate diagnosis of either a TEN or a TEN-like presentation.

Fluids or vasopressors for the initial resuscitation of septic shock

Intravenous fluid resuscitation is recommended first-line treatment for sepsis-associated hypotension and/or hypoperfusion. The rationale is to restore circulating volume and optimize cardiac output in the setting of shock. Nonetheless, there is limited high-level evidence to support this practice. Over the past decade emerging evidence of harm associated with large volume fluid resuscitation among patients with septic shock has led to calls for a more conservative approach. Specifically, clinical trials undertaken in Africa have found harm associated with initial fluid resuscitation in the setting of infection and hypoperfusion. While translating these findings to practice in other settings is problematic, there has been a re-appraisal of current practice with some recommending earlier use of vasopressors rather than repeated fluid boluses as an alternative to restore perfusion in septic shock. There is consequently uncertainty and variation in practice. The question of fluids or vasopressors for initial resuscitation in septic shock is the subject of international multicentre clinical trials.

MIS-C related to SARS-CoV-2 infection: a narrative review of presentation, differential diagnosis, and management

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare condition, has been reported approximately 2-4 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 in children and adolescents, causing inflammation in multiple systems, including cardiovascular and respiratory, digestive, and central nervous systems. This condition is also known as hyperinflammatory shock, Kawasaki-like disease, and Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS). The signs and symptoms include but are not limited to fever, rash, peripheral edema, gastrointestinal symptoms, conjunctivitis, and shock. Thirty-eight studies met our criteria, with a total of 5822 patients. The most affected population was between 5-18 years of age. We noted that MIS-C presented with a wide range of signs and symptoms that overlap with Kawasaki Disease, including high fever, sore throat, malaise, tachypnea, tachycardia, conjunctival injection, mucosal edema, cardiac involvement, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It causes an increase in IL-17A, IL-6, and arterial damage, a distinct difference from Kawasaki disease. The laboratory findings in MIS-C showed an increase in inflammatory markers like CRP, ESR, ferritin, leukocytes, and TNF-α. WHO stated that 23% of affected children with MIS-C had underlying conditions like chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppression. In most affected children, aspirin and IVIG were successful, which resulted in a decrease in the inflammatory markers. We find that MIS-C is a rare, but potentially fatal pediatric complication, after COVID-19 infection. The aim of this article is to study the emerging relationship between COVID-19 and MIS-C in children and adolescents affected by this condition, to discuss the immunological mechanisms, and explore potential therapies.

Severe Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections

Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are a common reason for hospital admission. Severe SSTIs, particularly necrotizing infections, often require intensive care. Source control (often with surgical debridement) and broad-spectrum antimicrobials are paramount for minimizing significant morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnostic tests may help in selection and de-escalation of antimicrobials for SSTIs. Besides early source control and early effective antimicrobial therapy, other patient-level factors such as comorbidities and immune status play a role in clinical outcomes. Intravenous immunoglobulin continues to be studied for severe SSTI, though recruitment in trials continues to be an issue. Severe SSTIs are complex to manage, due in part to regional variation in predominant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns, as well as variations in host immune responses. This review includes descriptions of source control, antimicrobial therapies, intravenous immunoglobulin, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as well as host factors in severe SSTIs.

Challenges in Evaluating Pediatric Fever and Rash in the Era of COVID-19 and (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children) MIS-C

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged the medical community to characterize and treat a new illness. Now almost two years after the initial confirmed cases of COVID-19, medical teams are faced with another unique disease process temporally related to the pandemic-multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The comparison of these patients’ presentations illustrates the new challenges of evaluating a pediatric rash and fever in the era of MIS-C.

Case Reports: This report presents three cases with features of MIS-C, positivity for SARS-CoV-2, rashes, fevers, gastrointestinal involvement, and elevated inflammatory markers. The first case poses a diagnostic dilemma. While the case 1 patient has many features of MIS-C, his nasal swab was positive for Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA). While the second case falls into the case definition of MIS-C, the case 2 patient also met the criteria for atypical Kawasaki disease. Although the third case was positive for SARS-CoV-2, the patient comparatively had a mild elevation of inflammatory markers and a stable clinical course led the treatment team to be more suspicious of immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis versus hand, foot, and mouth disease. The variability in skin rash in patients with MIS-C contributes to the challenge of correctly diagnosing and managing pediatric patients with fever and rash in the emergency department (ED).

Conclusion: Although most children infected with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or present with mild respiratory illness, it is critical to recognize children at-risk for fluid-refractory shock in MIS-C. With the continuing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, emergency department (ED) providers will have to be alert and have high suspicion when evaluating a child with a fever and a rash to properly identify children presenting with this serious illness.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome and Bullous Impetigo

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) and bullous impetigo are infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The pathogenesis of both conditions centers around exotoxin mediated cleavage of desmoglein-1, which results in intraepidermal desquamation. Bullous impetigo is due to the local release of these toxins and thus, often presents with localized skin findings, whereas SSSS is from the systemic spread of these toxins, resulting in a more generalized rash and severe presentation. Both conditions are treated with antibiotics that target S. aureus. These conditions can sometimes be confused with other conditions that result in superficial blistering; the distinguishing features are outlined below.

A fatal toxic shock-like syndrome post COVID-19 infection in a child

Background

Children affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed various manifestations. Some of them were severe cases presenting with multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) causing multiple organ dysfunction.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with recent COVID-19 infection who presented with persistent fever, abdominal pain and other symptoms that meet the definition of MIS-C. She had lymphopenia and a high level of inflammatory markers. She was admitted to pediatric intensive care unit since she rapidly developed refractory catecholamine-resistant shock with multiple organ failure. Echocardiography showed a small pericardial effusion with a normal ejection fraction (Ejection Fraction = 60%) and no valvular or coronary lesions. The child showed no signs of improvement even after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, fresh frozen plasma, high doses of Vasopressors and corticosteroid. His outcome was fatal.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients affected by the new COVID-19 related syndrome may show severe life-threatening conditions similar to Kawasaki disease shock syndrome. Hypotension in these patients results from heart failure and the decreased cardiac output. We report a new severe clinical feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children in whom hypotension was the result of refractory vasoplegia.

Persistent Streptococcus pyogenes infection of the forearm following blunt trauma

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are aggressive manifestations of Streptococcus pyogenes, often described after minor skin trauma. However, a subset of infections may present without cutaneous findings. We report a case of toxic shock syndrome and recalcitrant streptococcal infection of the forearm in a healthy teenager following blunt trauma.

Oral Dysbiosis and Autoimmunity: From Local Periodontal Responses to an Imbalanced Systemic Immunity. A Review

The current paradigm of onset and progression of periodontitis includes oral dysbiosis directed by inflammophilic bacteria, leading to altered resolution of inflammation and lack of regulation of the inflammatory responses. In the construction of explanatory models of the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease, autoimmune mechanisms were among the first to be explored and historically, for more than five decades, they have been described in an isolated manner as part of the tissue damage process observed in periodontitis, however direct participation of these mechanisms in the tissue damage is still controversial. Autoimmunity is affected by genetic and environmental factors, leading to an imbalance between the effector and regulatory responses, mostly associated with failed resolution mechanisms. However, dysbiosis/infection and chronic inflammation could trigger autoimmunity by several mechanisms including bystander activation, dysregulation of toll-like receptors, amplification of autoimmunity by cytokines, epitope spreading, autoantigens complementarity, autoantigens overproduction, microbial translocation, molecular mimicry, superantigens, and activation or inhibition of receptors related to autoimmunity by microorganisms. Even though autoreactivity in periodontitis is biologically plausible, the associated mechanisms could be related to non-pathologic responses which could even explain non-recognized physiological functions. In this review we shall discuss from a descriptive point of view, the autoimmune mechanisms related to periodontitis physio-pathogenesis and the participation of oral dysbiosis on local periodontal autoimmune responses as well as on different systemic inflammatory diseases.

High Titer Persistent Neutralizing Antibodies Induced by TSST-1 Variant Vaccine Against Toxic Shock Cytokine Storm

Staphylococcal superantigen toxins lead to a devastating cytokine storm resulting in shock and multi-organ failure. We have previously assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 variant vaccine (rTSST-1v) in clinical trials (NCT02971670 and NCT02340338). The current study assessed neutralizing antibody titers after repeated vaccination with escalating doses of rTSST-1v. At study entry, 23 out of 34 subjects (67.6%) had neutralizing antibody titers inhibiting T cell activation as determined by ³H-thymidine incorporation at a serum dilution of ≤1:100 with similar figures for inhibition of IL-2 activation (19 of 34 subjects, 55.9%) as assessed by quantitative PCR. After the first vaccination, numbers of subjects with neutralization titers inhibiting T cell activation (61.7% ≥ 1:1000) and inhibiting IL-2 gene induction (88.2% ≥ 1:1000) increased. The immune response was augmented after the second vaccination (inhibiting T cell activation: 78.8% ≥ 1:1000; inhibiting IL-2 induction: 93.9% ≥ 1:1000) corroborated with a third immunization months later in a small subgroup of subjects. Assessment of IFNγ, TNFα and IL-6 inhibition revealed similar results, whereas neutralization titers did not change in placebo participants. Antibody titer studies show that vaccination with rTSST-1v in subjects with no/low neutralizing antibodies can rapidly induce high titer neutralizing antibodies persisting over months.

Dermatological Manifestations in the Intensive Care Unit: A Practical Approach

Dermatological problems are not usually related to intensive medicine because they are considered to have a low impact on the evolution of critical patients. Despite this, dermatological manifestations (DMs) are relatively frequent in critically ill patients. In rare cases, DMs will be the main diagnosis and will require intensive treatment due to acute skin failure. In contrast, DMs can be a reflection of underlying systemic diseases, and their identification may be key to their diagnosis. On other occasions, DMs are lesions that appear in the evolution of critical patients and are due to factors derived from the stay or intensive treatment. Lastly, DMs can accompany patients and must be taken into account in the comprehensive pathology management. Several factors must be considered when addressing DMs: on the one hand, the moment of appearance, morphology, location, and associated treatment and, on the other hand, aetiopathogenesis and classification of the cutaneous lesion. DMs can be classified into 4 groups: life-threatening DMs (uncommon but compromise the patient's life); DMs associated with systemic diseases where skin lesions accompany the pathology that requires admission to the intensive care unit (ICU); DMs secondary to the management of the critical patient that considers the cutaneous manifestations that appear in the evolution mainly of infectious or allergic origin; and DMs previously present in the patient and unrelated to the critical process. This review provides a characterization of DMs in ICU patients to establish a better identification and classification and to understand their interrelation with critical illnesses.

Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulins in Patients with Suspected Toxin-Mediated Shock Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Toxin-producing, gram-positive bacteria can lead to severe and refractory septic shock with high attributable mortality. Adjunctive therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) have been proposed for these patients. However, at presentation the presence of a toxin-producing organism is most often unknown. As IVIG is a potentially valuable but also limited resource, we investigated the use of IVIG in our critically ill patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study (April 2016 to March 2018) of adult patients with clinically suspected toxin-mediated shock requiring ECMO and who received IVIG in our regional severe respiratory failure (SRF)/ECMO center.

RESULTS

In 44% (15/34) of the patients, group A Streptococcus or Panton-Valentine Leukocidin producing S aureus was isolated. IVIG use in these patients was safe. The mortality was 30%, lower than the predicted mortality of >90% based on the SOFA scores.

CONCLUSION

IVIG administration can be considered in a selected group of patients presenting with acute and very severe septic shock.

A prospective observational study to explore the correlation of peripheral arterial pulse/resistance index, organ function, and inflammation in patients with septic shock

INTRODUCTION

The evaluation of the functional status of blood vessels, especially the arterial system, plays a very important role in the judgment of the condition of septic shock patients and the guidance of resuscitation programs and the judgment of the therapeutic effect. We aimed to design an observational study protocol to explore the correlation of peripheral arterial pulse/resistance index, organ function and inflammation in patients with septic shock.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 60 patients with septic shock in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from June 2020 to September 2020 and 20 healthy volunteers will be enrolled. Total of 60 patients with septic shock will be randomly divided into 20 groups by lot method. Group 1: fluid resuscitation; Group 2: fluid resuscitation + norepinephrine; Group 3: fluid resuscitation + norepinephrine + ulinastatin; Group 4: healthy control group. Fluid resuscitation is an early goal-directed fluid resuscitation in which norepinephrine is adjusted by a senior intensive care unit specialist for clinical presentation and ulinastatin is pumped at 20,000 U/h. Index including vascular ultrasound, inflammatory factors, organ function will be collected and analyzed.

DISCUSSION

Existing studies on septic shock focus on hemodynamics of the heart, brain, and kidney, while the differences in blood flow between peripheral blood vessels and protective renal vessels may be consistent, and imaging analysis is still lacking. This study protocol aims to explore the correlation of peripheral arterial pulsation index/resistance index, organ function, and inflammation in patients with septic shock.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2000031565.

Treatment of severe skin and soft tissue infections: a review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the salient features of the management of severe skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), including toxic shock syndrome, myonecrosis/gas gangrene, and necrotizing fasciitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

For severe SSTIs, intensive care, source control, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials are required for the initial phase of illness. There is an increasing focus on the utility of rapid diagnostic tests to help in selection and de-escalation of antimicrobials for SSTIs. In addition, clinical prediction scores have shown promise in helping predict patients who do not require antimicrobials directed against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Immune status has been shown to be important in clinical outcomes of some, but not all types of SSTIs. The debate for benefits of intravenous immunoglobulin continues to be waged in the recent literature.

SUMMARY

Severe SSTIs are common and their management complex due to regional variation in predominant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns, as well variations in host immune responses. Unique aspects of care for severe SSTIs are discussed including the role of surgical consultation and source control. The unique features of SSTIs in immunocompromised hosts are also described.

The use of etanercept for treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis when toxic shock syndrome is in the differential

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can sometimes mimic Steven Johnsons syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both TSS and SJS/TEN. Etanercept, a TNF-alpha inhibitor has been recently shown to treat and decrease mortality of SJS/TEN. We report a 51-year-old female with history of SJS presenting with painful skin and bullae 2 days following cystoscopy with botulinum toxin injection into the bladder. Due to initial concern for SJS/TEN, the patient was treated with 50 mg of subcutaneous etanercept. Punch biopsies were not consistent with SJS, and the patient fulfilled five out of five criteria for a confirmed case of TSS. The patient ultimately had a favorable outcome despite etanercept treatment. Ultimately, TNF-alpha antagonists are an emerging therapy to treat SJS/TEN, and are unlikely to worsen TSS prognosis. Given that etanercept can be used to successfully treat SJS/TEN and TNF-alpha levels are elevated in TSS, if a dermatologist chooses to treat TEN with etanercept, consideration of TSS on the differential should not necessarily exclude etanercept as a reasonable treatment option.

Empiric Antibiotics for Sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Early recognition and treatment are the cornerstones of management.

METHODS

Review of the English-language literature.

RESULTS

For both sepsis and septic shock "antimicrobials [should be] be initiated as soon as possible and within one hour" (Surviving Sepsis Campaign). The risk of progression from severe sepsis to septic shock increases 8% for each hour before antibiotics are started. Selection of antimicrobial agents is based on a combination of patient factors, predicted infecting organism(s), and local microbial resistance patterns. The initial drugs should have activity against typical gram-positive and gram-negative causative micro-organisms. Anaerobic coverage should be provided for intra-abdominal infections or others where anaerobes are significant pathogens. Empiric antifungal or antiviral therapy may be warranted. For patients with healthcare-associated infections, resistant micro-organisms will further complicate the choice of empiric antimicrobials. Recommendations are given for specific infections.

CONCLUSION

Early administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs is one of the most important, if not the most important, treatment for patients with sepsis or septic shock. Drugs should be initiated as soon as possible, and the choice of should take into account patient factors, common local pathogens, hospital antibiograms and resistance patterns, and the suspected source of infection. Antimicrobial agent therapy should be de-escalated as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections in the intensive care unit: a review

PURPOSE

To review the salient features of the diagnosis and management of the most common skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). This review focuses on severe SSTIs that require care in an intensive care unit (ICU), including toxic shock syndrome, myonecrosis/gas gangrene, and necrotizing fasciitis.

METHODS

Guidelines, expert opinion, and local institutional policies were reviewed.

RESULTS

Severe SSTIs are common and their management complex due to regional variation in predominant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns, as well as variations in host immune responses. Unique aspects of care for SSTIs in the ICU are discussed, including the role of prosthetic devices, risk factors for bacteremia, and the need for surgical consultation. SSTI mimetics, the role of dermatologic consultation, and the unique features of SSTIs in immunocompromised hosts are also described.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide recommendations for clinicians regarding optimal SSTI management in the ICU setting.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for Streptococcus pyogenes toxic shock syndrome in pregnancy

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), an invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus) infection with hypotension and multiple organ failure, is quite rare in pregnancy but is characterized by rapid disease progression and high fatality rates. We present a case of STSS with infection-induced cardiac dysfunction in a pregnant woman who was treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). A 24-year-old multiparous woman in the third trimester had early symptoms of high fever and diarrhea 1 day prior to admission to the hospital emergency department. On admission, she had multiple organ failure including circulatory failure. Due to fetal distress, emergency Cesarean section was carried out and transferred to intensive care units. She had refractory circulatory failure with depressed myocardial contractility with progressive multiple organ failure, despite receiving significant hemodynamic supports including high-dose catecholamine. Thus, VA-ECMO was initiated 18 h after intensive care unit admission. Consequently, ECMO provided extra time to recover from infection and myocardial depression. She was successfully weaned from VA-ECMO on day 7 and was discharged home on day 53. VA-ECMO can be a therapeutic option for refractory circulatory failure with significant myocardial depression in STSS.