From the Guidelines
Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) symptoms include emotional distress, such as persistent symptoms of reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal, which can have long-term effects on health, similar to those experienced by children exposed to trauma. These symptoms can be triggered by exposure to the suffering of others, particularly children, and can affect not only healthcare workers but also parents, other family members, and nonclinical staff 1. The symptoms of STS can compromise professional functioning and diminish quality of life, and can be associated with burnout, depression, anxiety, and even suicide 1. Some key symptoms of STS include:
- Emotional distress
- Reexperiencing symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Avoidance symptoms, such as feeling numb or refusing to talk about the event
- Hyperarousal symptoms, such as irritability or an exaggerated startle response
- Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment It's essential to recognize that STS can have severe consequences, including increased rates of apathy, depression, substance abuse, and suicide, and can affect personal relationships 1. Healthcare workers, in particular, are at risk of developing STS, and it's crucial to address their trauma experiences and provide support to mitigate the effects of indirect trauma exposure 1. Overall, STS is a significant concern that requires attention and support to prevent long-term effects on health and well-being.
From the Research
Symptoms of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)
The symptoms of STSS can be non-specific and may include:
- High fever 2, 3, 4
- Hypotensive shock 2, 3, 4, 5
- A "sunburn-like" rash with desquamation 2
- Flu-like symptoms 3, 4
- Hypotension 3, 4, 5
- Multiorgan system dysfunction 2, 5
- Soft tissue infection, such as necrotizing fasciitis 5
- Organ failures, including renal failure 2, 5
Presentation of STSS
STSS can present in various ways, including:
- Primary peritonitis 3
- Septic arthritis 2
- Necrotizing fasciitis 5, 6
- Primary S. pyogenes bacteremia 4
- Soft tissue infection 5
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of STSS is mainly by a combination of physical examination, laboratory/culture results, and exclusion of surgical causes by means of imaging modalities and/or surgical exploration 3. Treatment of STSS includes: