What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a potentially deadly skin disease that
usually results from a drug reaction. Another form of the disease
is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and again this usually
results from a drug-related reaction. Both forms of the disease
can be deadly as well as very painful and distressing. In most
cases, these disorders are caused by a reaction to a drug, and one
drug that has come under fire lately is the cox-2 inhibitor Bextra,
which is already linked to these disorders.
There are other drugs that have been linked to Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome, and these include some other NSAIDS (non-steroid
anti-inflammatory drugs), Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine,
barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. The
condition can sometimes – although not very often – be attributed
to a bacterial infection, and in some cases there is no known
cause for the onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal
Necrolysis. However, the most common cause is through drug related
reaction.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can affect any age group. However, it
occurs most commonly in older people, and this could be because
older people tend to use more of the drugs associated with the
disease and are therefore collectively more at risk from the
disease. People that have AIDS are also at an increased risk of
contracting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
Those in the higher risk groups are urged to remain vigilant for
any signs of these skin diseases, and are also advised to remain
well informed about the symptoms that could indicate the presence
or onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
The symptoms :
Both Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can
start with non-specific symptoms such as cough, aching, headaches,
and feverishness. This may be followed by a red rash across the
face and the trunk of the body, which can continue to spread to
other parts of the body. The rash can form into blisters, and
these blisters can form in areas such as the eyes, mouth and
vaginal area. The mucous membranes can become inflamed, and with
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis layers of the skin can also come away
with ease and often the skin peels away in sheets. The hair and
nails can also come away in some cases, and sufferers can become
cold and feverish.
With Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis the most common cause of death is
infection, which can enter through the exposed areas. This disease
can leave the skin looking as though it has been burned, and areas
where skin has flayed away can seep copiously and quickly become
infected.
Treating these diseases:
Those suffering from SJS or TEN are treated in hospital, and if
the cause of the problem is drug related then the drugs are
stopped with immediate effect. Surviving patients are treated
intravenously to replace any lost fluids, and the skin is left to
re-grow on its own. However, the chances of survival can be hit
and miss depending on the level of damage and the degree of
infection incurred by the patient.
It is vital that those taking drugs that could result in these
skin diseases are vigilant and can identify the danger signs
associated with these problems. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic
Epidermal Necrolysis can be deadly, and the earlier the symptoms
are recognised the faster treatment can be initiated.
Of course, those affected by drugs in this way – or the families
of those that have passed away from these skin problems – have
every right to file for compensation against the manufacturer of
the drug in question. Lawyers now specialize in this type of
litigation, and those that feel as though they have grounds for
compensation are advised to go through an experienced drugs
litigation lawyer.
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