Bacterial croup and toxic shock syndrome

• DOI: 10.1007/bf00439406
• Publication Date: 2004-11-13T01:35:47Z
• Authors: M. Chenaud; F. Leclerc; A. Martinot
• Keywords: Croup; Toxic shock syndrome

An 8-year-old boy with bacterial tracheitis, treated by endotracheal intubation, humidification, airway toilet and antibiotics, experienced a toxic shock syndrome on the day after his admission. The course was favourable. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from tracheal secretions. Bacterial tracheitis is an infrequent cause of non-menstrual toxic shock syndrome. The diagnosis of bacterial tracheitis should be suspected in a child with toxicity and croup who is not responding to the usual therapy. Endoscopy should be performed allowing for removal of the secretions. The maintenance of a clear airway is the main purpose of the treatment.