Differential diagnoses for AUB

 


Cases O.R. is a 42-year-old female patient that was evaluated by you at the office today. After your evaluation you concluded that she has Toxic Shock Syndrome. 
Questions for the case • Discuss and described the pathophysiology and symptomology/clinical manifestations of TSS.
• Discuss three differential diagnoses for AUB with ICD 10 numbers for each.
• Discuss patient education.
• Develop the management plan (pharmacological and nonpharmacological). 
 

Discuss the 3 topics listed below for your case:
1. An effective health assessment incorporates not only physiological parameters; please suggest other parameters that should be considered and included on health assessments to reach maximal health potential on individuals.
2. Name the different family developmental stages and give examples of each one.
3. Describe family structure and function and the relationship with health care.

 

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pathophysiology and Symptomology of TSS

 

Pathophysiology: TSS is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins, most commonly the Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1) produced by Staphylococcus aureus, or pyrogenic exotoxins produced by Streptococcus pyogenes (Streptococcal TSS).1 The key mechanism is the toxins acting as superantigens.

 

Superantigen Action: Superantigens bypass normal immune surveillance and directly cross-link T-cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs).2 This triggers a massive, non-specific activation of T-cells, leading to an explosive release of inflammatory cytokines (like IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-3$\alpha$).4

 

Systemic Damage: This "cytokine storm" causes widespread endothelial damage, increased capillary permeability, profound peripheral vasodilation, and widespread tissue injury, culminating in hypotension and multi-organ failure (Mandell et al., 2020).5

Symptomology/Clinical Manifestations:

SystemClinical Manifestation
Fever/ConstitutionalSudden onset of high fever ($>102.0^\circ\text{F}$ or $38.9^\circ\text{C}$). Myalgia, vomiting, diarrhea.
DermatologicalDiffuse, macular erythroderma (sunburn-like rash) that blanches with pressure. Later, non-purulent conjunctival hyperemia and eventual desquamation (peeling) 1-2 weeks after onset.
CardiovascularHypotension (systolic BP $<90\text{ mmHg}$) refractory to fluid resuscitation, indicating shock.
Multi-Organ InvolvementSevere involvement of three or more organ systems (e.g., renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, severe myalgia, central nervous system involvement like disorientation).

 

Differential Diagnoses for AUB with ICD-10 Codes

 

While TSS is the primary diagnosis in the scenario, AUB (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding) is a common symptom in TSS (due to mucosal irritation from tampon use, if menstrual-related) and requires differentials, especially for post-TSS management.

Differential DiagnosisDescriptionICD-10 Code
Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyoma)Benign tumors of the uterine muscle wall, a common cause of heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (AUB-L).D25.9 (Leiomyoma of uterus, unspecified)
Endometrial PolypBenign overgrowth of the uterine lining, often causing intermenstrual or prolonged bleeding (AUB-P).N84.0 (Polyp of corpus uteri)
Anovulatory Bleeding (PCOS)Dysfunctional bleeding due to hormonal imbalance (often progesterone deficiency), resulting in irregular, heavy, or prolonged flow (AUB-O).N93.9 (Abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding, unspecified)

 

Management Plan (Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological)

 

The management of TSS is a critical emergency requiring immediate, aggressive supportive care and source control.6

 

 

1. Pharmacological Management

 

Antibiotics (Source Control): Start immediately. Must cover the toxin producer (S. aureus or S. pyogenes). Clindamycin (inhibits protein synthesis, thereby suppressing toxin production) plus an anti-staphylococcal agent like Vancomycin (for broad coverage against MRSA, common in TSS) (Mandell et al., 2020).

Fluid Resuscitation: Aggressive intravenous crystalloid administration to combat hypovolemia and hypotension caused by capillary leak.7

 

Vasopressors: Used if hypotension persists despite fluid resuscitation (e.g., Norepinephrine) to maintain Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and ensure adequate organ perfusion.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): Considered in severe cases (especially Streptococcal TSS) to neutralize circulating superantigens and modulate the immune response.8