Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a very serious medical condition that can be caused by an allergic reaction to prescription or over the counter drugs. The drugs associated with SJS are antibiotics, anti-convulsants and pain relievers. Some prescription pain relievers with known ties to Stevens Johnson Syndrome are Bextra (valdecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib) and Daypro. Over the counter drugs Motrin, Ibuprofin, Children's Motrin and Advil have also been blamed for causing SJS. Cocaine use can also lead to a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome diagnosis. SJS can show itself as a patient fights infection or illness, but up to 50% of all SJS sufferers are diagnosed without a known cause.

What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes are the trademark symptoms of a Stevens Johnson Syndrome patient. Mucous membranes are found throughout many parts of the body (i.e. eyes, digestive system, lungs and respiratory system), so SJS has the ability to spread and infect. Technically, SJS is referred to as an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity (allergic) condition that can be extremely disabling or fatal.

Erythema multiforme (EM) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) share similar characteristics and symptoms with SJS.

Erythema multiforme can be seen through the formation of a skin lesion and may not show any other symptoms on the body. Herpes simplex or mycoplasma infections are usually associated with erythema multiforme. It is most commonly seen in children and young adults.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is more serious than erythema multiforme. Many areas of the body are usually affected and more lesions are found. Because SJS attacks mucous membranes, almost every major organ is in danger.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is the most dangerous illness related to immune complex hypersensitivity. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis produces large blisters that lead to the sloughing of skin and mucous membranes.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Clinical Course

Stevens Johnson Syndrome usually develops after a patient battles an upper respiratory tract infection. In the first 14 days, SJS symptoms can include fever, sore throat, chills, headaches, malaise, vomiting and diarrhea. Clusters of skin and mucous membrane lesions can last from two to four weeks, and some people are unable to eat or drink because of lesions of the mouth.

Up to 15% of SJS patients with a severe case will die. In such cases, lesions scar organs and shut them down. Lesions and scarring can block the esophagus or respiratory tract. Blindness can occur and corneal ulcers and uvetitis can develop in the eyes. Genital scarring is possible, but renal problems are uncommon. The treatment of SJS focuses on managing disease symptoms because, so far, doctors have not found a way to cure or stop how it spreads.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Occurence

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome patients are usually over the age of 40; however, cases of SJS in very young children have also been recorded. Men are diagnosed with SJS twice as often as women. Interestingly, SJS cases reveal themselves most in early spring and winter-affecting approximately two or three people out of one million.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Legal Remedies

If you or someone you know has Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, it may have been caused by an allergic reaction to one of the aforementioned drug types. Drug makers are responsible for informing patients about every possible side effect before a given medicine can be used. To determine whether the drug companies are liable for your development of SJS or TEN and to find out if you are eligible for compensation, contact the offices of Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Echsner and Proctor at 888 437 7001.