Toxic shock in the teenage patient.

The toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a newly described syndrome. It affects predominantly teenage girls and young women at or around the time of their menstrual period. There is fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and profound shock with mental confusion, decreased renal function, and a scarlatiniform rash that later desquamates. Rapid recognition and vigorous fluid therapy is essential. There is a relationship of menses, Staphylococcus aureus, and the use of tampons in the etiology of this new syndrome.