Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- severe diffuse or localised pain in an extremity
- fever
- localised swelling or erythema
- hypotension
- diffuse, scarlatina-like erythematous rash
Other diagnostic factors
- acute mental status changes
- influenza-like symptoms
- muscular tenderness and weakness
- abdominal pain and tenderness
- features of myocarditis
- endophthalmitis
- hypothermia
Risk factors
- diabetes mellitus
- alcoholism
- minor trauma and injuries with bruising, haematoma formation, or muscle strain
- surgical procedures (e.g., vaginal delivery, breast reconstruction, caesarean section, hysterectomy, liposuction, bunionectomy)
- single tampon used continuously for consecutive days during menses
- using highly absorbent tampons
- NSAID use
- using contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, and IUDs
- untreated strep throat
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- microscopy and culture (blood, wound, fluid, tissue)
- FBC
- prothrombin time
- partial thromboplastin time
- serum urea and creatinine
- urinalysis
- LFTs
- creatine kinase (CK)
- serum calcium
- serum albumin
- serum lactic acid
Investigations to consider
- Staphylococcus aureus antibody testing
- chest x-ray
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Professor of Medicine
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Infectious Disease Section Chief
Veteran Affairs Medical Center
North Chicago
IL
Disclosures
WK declares that he has no competing interests.
Dr Khayr would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Marie R. Baldisseri, a previous contributor to this topic. MRB declares that she has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Associate Professor
Department of Critical Care Medicine and Department of General Surgery
Geisinger Medical Center
Danville
PA
Disclosures
MJR declares that she has no competing interests.
Head
Critical Care Division
The Methodist Hospital
Houston
TX
Disclosures
JZ declares that she has no competing interests.
Professor in Medicine at University of Versailles SQY
Director of the General ICU at Raymond Poincaré Hospital (AP-HP)
Director of the Center for Clinical Research and Technology Innovation (INSERM)
Garches
France
Disclosures
DA is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer