Risk factors for development of toxic shock syndrome. Association with a tampon brand
W. F. Schlech 3rd, K. N. Shands, A. L. Reingold, B. B. Dan, G. P. Schmid, N. T. Hargrett, A. Hightower, L. A. Herwaldt, M. A. Neill, J. D. Band and J. V. Bennett
In September 1980, we interviewed by telephone 50 patients with menstrually
associated toxic shock syndrome (TSS) who had onset of illness in July or
August 1980. These women were asked to provide information about the type
of menstrual sanitary products used during the menstrual period associated
with their illness. We also interviewed 150 age-matched control subjects,
who were asked the same questions for the menstrual period that occurred in
the same month as the illness of the matched case. All 50 cases, but only
125 of 150 controls, used tampons. Among women using tampons, cases were
more likely to have used Rely brand tampons when compared with controls. No
differences were found between cases and controls in the absorbency of
tampon products used. No other factors studied through analysis of a
follow-up questionnaire mailed five months after the first study were found
to be significantly associated with the development of menstrually
associated TSS.
