Toxic shock syndrome after burn injuries in children.

Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening exotoxin mediated disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which was originally described as affecting menstruating women, but has lately been reported after surgical procedures and burns. The high mortality emphasises the importance of early diagnosis. In most cases there is a prodromal period with fever (> 38.9 degrees C), myalgia, headache, and vomiting before the onset of hypotension and multiorgan failure. We present two cases in children with minor burns, and review current recommendations for treatment.