Toxic shock following staphylococcal peritonitis.

A case of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in a male continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patient is described. The prodromal phase started with staphylococcal peritonitis and deteriorated to the malignant phase of TSS approximately 48 hours from the time he presented to the local emergency room. Desquamation first affected the extremities and likely involved his gastrointestinal tract. His course of peritonitis involved unusual pain, with progression into toxic shock in spite of appropriate antibiotic coverage.