Abstract

DIETZ SANCHEZ, Edid  and  CABRERA DE FIANDRO, Graciela. Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2011, vol.38, n.1, pp.53-56. ISSN 1683-9803.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome, or Ritter’s disease, is a severe skin condition caused by the systemic impact of the exfoliative toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus phage-group II, which causes intradermal separation in the granular layer. The diagnosis is clinical and supported by corroborative skin biopsy that excludes the differential diagnoses of epidermolysis bullosa or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Case Presentation: Infant, 10 months old, female, from the peri-urban area of Encarnacion, was admitted with skin lesions of 7 days duration, initially of bullous type, which then broke, leaving a serous exudate and crusting, similar to the results of a burn, which quickly extended all over her body. Physical exam: Severely ill patient, underactive and irritable, with scaly lesions all over her body and a few bullous lesions, Nikolsky sign positive, areas of cracked skin, other areas bare with melicerous crusts, signs of severe dehydration, and swelling of limbs. Temp 38º C, weight 8650 grams, height: 69.5 cm, respiratory rate 40, heart rate 150. Installed central venous catheter; skin expansions done with saline, and initiated cefotaxime plus oxacillin. Ancillary studies: CBC: WBC 22400 mm3, neutrophils 59%, lymphocytes 41%, Hgb 10.7 g/dL, HCT 33%, glucose 103 mg/dL, urea 65 mg/dL, calcium 5.4 mg/dL, positive PCR, negative VDRL negative, HIV negative. Platelets 360 000 mm3, prothrombin time (PT) 35% of activity, albumin: 2.1 g/dL. Urinalysis: Electrolytes, Sodium 146, Potassium: 5.59, CXR normal. On the 3rd day of hospitalization HG 7 g/dL, HCT 22%, required transfusion of packed red blood cells PRBC, albumin, vitamin K, Calcium correction due to hypocalcemia and convulsions. Administered “Leche Kas 1000" (hydrolyzed sodium casein formula) administered by NGT and skin washed with saline. Patient was critically ill and edematous for the first 3 days then gradually improved. The patient was discharged after 14 days with serum albumin 3.6 g/dL, without edema and skin scarred with skin emollients and nutrition counseling indicated. Comments: Scalded skin syndrome is a severe condition when it occurs in the generalized form, in this case delay in seeking medical care aggravated the clinical presentation, putting the patient through severe septic complications. Management of such patients calls for a PICU, but our patient was successfully treated in an intermediate care ward with basic resources.

Keywords : Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome; sepsis; Ritter disease; Staphylococcus aureus.

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