As you go about your day, your body is under attack by foreign bodies, bacteria, and viruses that try to infect your body and make you sick. Fortunately, the human body has an army of antibodies that work to prevent these illnesses from inflicting real damage. While they are powerful, these antibodies cannot stop everything. Some diseases and conditions will develop. Many of these diseases are minor and go away after some time and treatment. However, there are many that can cause irreparable damage and even lead to death, such as cancer. Many of these dangerous conditions are not well-known, which increases their danger. One such condition is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

SJS is a deadly skin disorder that attacks the skin and mucous membranes. It is a rare disease, so very few people know or understand what it is, which often leads to misdiagnosis or doctor’s missing the condition entirely. If a doctor were to misdiagnose or miss Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a patient may be within their rights to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor. These cases are often complicated, so it’s crucial to have the aid of a trusted and experienced SJS attorney to help you navigate these cases.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is very rare, but many factors increase your risk of SJS. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid many of these factors, such as genetic factors. Today, we will be reviewing what SJS is and taking a closer look at the factors that increase your risk of SJS. If you were the victim of misdiagnosis or medical negligence relating to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, contact the SJS attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger and let us help.

What is SJS?

As we stated earlier, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, deadly skin disorder that attacks the skin and the mucous membranes on the eyes, mouth, and genitals. Typically, it begins with flu-like symptoms, which you can attribute to why so many healthcare professionals misdiagnose this disease. It also shares symptoms with other conditions, making it even harder to diagnose. As SJS progresses, it forms a painful rash that encompasses roughly 10% of the body. Only one or two people out of a million experience SJS every year.

If you do not seek treatment immediately, your condition can worsen and eventually turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). While many used to believe TEN and SJS were two completely different diseases, they have now discovered that they both exist on the same disease spectrum. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is far more severe and deadly than SJS, affecting over 30% of the skin.

Some common symptoms of SJS and TEN include:

• Fever
• Skin pain
• Reddish/purplish rash that spreads across the skin
• Blisters or sores on the mucous membranes
• Skin shedding
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Burning sensation
• Burning eyes
• Swelling eyes

If patients do not recognize these symptoms in time and receive the proper treatment, it can soon develop into TEN, putting your life in greater danger. Roughly 10% of those with SJS die from the disease, while nearly 50% of those with TEN lose their lives. If you were misdiagnosed by a doctor and currently suffer from SJS or TEN, contact the SJS attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Causes of SJS

Before we continue to the factors that can increase your risk of SJS, we should first discuss the most common causes of this disease. Certain medications are often the most common causes of SJS, such as:

• Penicillins and sulfonamides that treat infections
• Anti-gout medications
• Anticonvulsants
• Lamictal
• Sedatives
• Antiepileptic drugs
• Antiretroviral drugs
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Risk Factors

Often, there is a combination of factors that lead to the development of SJS and TEN. While medication is often the culprit behind these deadly skin disorders, several factors can increase your risk of SJS. Some of these factors include:

• HIV and Other Viral Infections: Among those with HIV, they have about a 100 times greater risk of developing Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome than those who do not. Other viral infections, such as herpes, hepatitis, and viral pneumonia, can also increase your risk of SJS.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can also a risk factor. HIV/AIDS, autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, and some treatments, such as chemotherapy and organ transplants, can drastically weaken your immune system. Other illnesses that weaken your immune system include:
  • Influenza
  • Typhoid
  • Diphtheria
• Cancer: Those with cancer are at a higher risk of SJS. As mentioned above, chemotherapy weakens their immune system of cancer patients.
• Family History: As with many other conditions, if you have an immediate family member who has had SJS or TEN in the past, your risk of the disease is much higher. If you had SJS or TEN in the past, you are more likely to develop the condition in the future.
• HLA-B*1502 Gene: Your genetics also play a factor in developing SJS. The HLA-B*1502 gene is part of a family of genes that helps the body distinguish between the body’s own proteins and foreign invaders. Certain variations of this gene, found more commonly in those with SJS/TEN, cause the body to react abnormally to certain medications. Your body’s adverse reaction to these drugs causes it to release a substance that destroys cells in your skin and mucous membranes.

Seeking Treatment

Unfortunately, many of these factors you cannot avoid. You cannot change your family history or genetics. Often, you don’t know how your body will react to certain medications until it is too late. That is why it is so crucial to recognize these symptoms early and to seek treatment before it is too late. As we previously mentioned, 10% of those with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome die from this disease, while over 50% die from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Seeking treatment as soon as possible is paramount.

You will be immediately transferred to a hospital and may receive treatment in an ICU or burns unit. Your doctors will have you discontinue any non-essential medication to ensure the reaction stops. Your treatment will involve strong painkillers to ease the pain felt due to skin lesions. Healthcare professionals will use cold, moist compress and apply plain moisturize to your skin. All SJS patients will receive replacement fluids, as well. The recovery time can range from weeks to months, depending on the severity of your condition.

SJS is a severe skin disorder than leads to immense pain. While medication is often behind most cases, there are many factors that put you at an increased risk of SJS. Regardless, if you or a loved one suffer from SJS due to misdiagnosis or a drug reaction, you may be due compensation. Contact the SJS attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger to learn how we can help.