Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening diseases with a rare incidence. The incidence of SJS and TEN were assessed using a nationwide administrative database in Korea. In McKinney, we feel that this research is relevant because this is a global problem physicians, pharmacists, and lawyers are fighting to prevent. Epidemiologic data provides important information to physicians and public health professionals to understand and establish an appropriate health care plan. Nevertheless, precise epidemiologic studies are costly as well as difficult to carry out, especially for extremely rare diseases; hence, any kind of data can help.

The study which we are referring to was conducted to assess the nationwide incidence of SJS and TEN using the National Health Insurance database in Korea.  Between the years 2010 and 2013, a total of 1,167 (938 SJS and 229 TEN) cases were newly diagnosed in Korea. The data suggest that SJS and TEN are infrequent but constantly risen throughout the years, whereas the mortality of TEN seems to have decreased. As established, medications are the most important risk factors for the development of SJS and TEN. Aside from medications, changes in prescription patterns and insurance policies have influenced the incidence of serious adverse drug reactions. According to the 2011 cohort analysis, the in-hospital mortality was 5.7% and 15.1% for SJS and TEN, respectively. The mortality increased with age, predominantly, after 40 years of age.

The correlation with age on the mortality of SJS and TEN is an established risk factor. The most common complication was ocular sequelae, 43.1% SJS and 43.4% TEN. The second most common complication was urethral sequelae, 5.7% SJS and 9.4% TEN. Very few patients sought medical care for complications such as discoloration of the skin and nail problems. The total medical costs spent in 2011 on each episode were $2,915±4,843 USD for SJS and $9,726±16,873 USD for TEN. This is reportedly much more than the average medical expenditure of $1,700 USD per capita in Korea.

Mortality rates of SJS have been reported as 1%±13 and 30%±50% for TEN, and the fatalities have been reported to occur in considerable numbers even after discharge from hospitals. The best prognostic factor has been found to be an earlier diagnosis. Because the more information, as well as supportive care, contributes to this reduction in mortality. In this study, it was reported that the frequency of urethral sequelae was higher in the TEN patients, which correlates with earlier reports. Therefore, special attention should be given to urethral sequelae while managing patients with TEN.

Both SJS and TEN are a medical, healthcare, burden that can be detrimental to all those involved. Understanding that Korea, a country on the opposite side of the world also feels that these are rare conditions that must be further understood, gives our team of lawyers the background we need to continue fighting for all clients. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with SJS and have any concerns or would like to file a suit for medical negligence, contact us today at McKinney.