Five cases of acute kidney injury caused by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

Abstract

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a critical disease with a high mortality rate in which multiple organ dysfunction, including acute kidney injury (AKI), progresses rapidly. The incidence of STSS in Japan has been increasing in recent years. We encountered five cases of STSS complicated with AKI at the Saitama Medical University International Medical Center. All cases involved septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Blood purification therapy was administered to four patients. These patients recovered from AKI and survived to discharge. However, one patient developed cardiopulmonary arrest and was transported; the patient died before the initiation of blood purification therapy. The progression of STSS is extremely rapid; thus, positive patient prognosis relies heavily on prompt and appropriate treatment.