Postpartum toxic shock syndrome associated with multiple splenic infarcts

How could we suspect life-threatening perinatal group A streptococcal infection?

AIM

Perinatal group A streptococcal infection is a rare but life-threatening condition. Few reports have focused on its clinical characteristics and how to prevent deterioration. We report our experience with two antenatal fatal cases and reviewed 96 cases in the literature to assess the clinical characteristics of group A streptococcal infection.

METHODS

English-language clinical reports of antenatal and postnatal group A streptococcal infection in 1974-2019 were retrieved and examined. Relationships between clinical characteristics and maternal outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis revealed that antenatal group A streptococcal infection was significantly associated with an age of ≤19 or ≥ 35 years, cesarean section, sore throat as an initial symptom, positive throat culture, maternal death and fetal death. Multivariate analysis revealed that antenatal onset (odds ratio = 7.922, 95% confidence interval = 1.297-48.374; P = 0.025) and a quick sepsis-related organ-failure assessment score (qSOFA; low blood pressure, high respiratory rate or altered mental status) of ≥2 (odds ratio = 6.166, 95% confidence interval = 1.066-35.670; P = 0.042) were significantly related to maternal death.

CONCLUSION

Per our findings, antenatal group A streptococcal infection was significantly associated with maternal and fetal death. Further, the antenatal infection was revealed as a more critical risk factor. We suggest that the presence of any sign related to the qSOFA is a potential clue suspecting perinatal group A streptococcal infection in primary obstetric facilities.

Invasive Group A streptococcal postpartum endometritis associated with multi-organ infarctions: an uncommon case presentation and literature review

Background: Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is a serious condition that can arise from streptococcal postpartum endometritis. It is associated with a substantial increase in mortality rate and can rarely result in multiorgan infarction. Early recognition plays a vital role in patients' outcome. Objective: To report a case of complicated STSS and review the literature for previous case reports of streptococcal postpartum endometritis to determine if STSS diagnostic criteria (published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) were fulfilled. Case presentation: This is a 41-year-old woman who presented 5 days after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery with endometritis complicated by invasive group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) infection and confirmed toxic shock syndrome. The patient was initially admitted to the critical care unit due to hemodynamic compromise requiring intravenous (IV) fluids, IV antibiotic therapy with penicillin and clindamycin, and IV immunoglobulin therapy. The patient subsequently developed multi-organ infarctions, acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring noninvasive respiratory support, and severe reactive arthritis. Literature review revealed 15 case reports of GAS postpartum endometritis, five met criteria for confirmed STSS. One patient died from severe septic shock leading to cardiopulmonary arrest. Thirteen out of 15 cases of postpartum endometritis occurred after uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Conclusion: STSS is a serious and possibly fatal medical condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent poor patient outcomes and death. Careful consideration to the patient's postpartum clinical presentation with the implementation of an intradisciplinary approach should be utilized.