Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Complications
Early diagnosis and treatment are especially important to patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Just as in patients with severe burns, fatal complications can result from the disorder if treatment is delayed for too long.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is usually caused by a sulfa drug, but can also be caused by other antibiotics and medications. In rarer instances, infection, a weakened immune system, or exposure to an external physical event such as radiation or ultraviolet light may lead to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Complications of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Even with survival, the patient may take weeks and even months to recover. Aside from death, other complications of the rare but serious disorder include:
- Cellulitis (a secondary skin infection) that can produce life-threatening complications; One of these is meningitis, an infection of the membrane and fluid around the spinal cord and brain
- Sepsis, which is a body-wide infection of the bloodstream that can quickly lead to shock and organ failure
- Dry eyes or in more severe situations severe damage of the eye tissue, scarring, and permanent blindness
- Hypersensitivity of the eyes to light
- Lung damage
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Internal organ damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver
- Asthma
- Permanent damage to the skin resulting in bumps, scars, and abnormal pigmentation
- Permanent loss or disfigurement of the finger and toe nails
- Hair loss
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Arthritis
- Scarring and damage to the esophagus which causes problems with eating and drinking
The symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are similar to those of the flu in the first stage of the illness. They usually occur within three weeks of taking an offending drug. These include fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, and cough. The Stevens-Johnson Syndrome patient feels terrible.
Skin Complications
A red to purple rash, sometimes in the shape of a target, develops on the skin and the mucous membranes (mouth, ears, eyes, genital area and other mucous membranes internally). The blotches of the rash merge and blister, and the skin sloughs off. In a more serious version of the disorder, called toxic epidermal necrolysis, the skin sheds or can be pulled off in sheets.
Patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome need to see a doctor and be diagnosed as soon as possible, so they can begin treatment. Just like patients who are burned, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome patients will be treated with intravenous fluids, sometimes certain medications, and scrupulous treatment of the affected areas of the skin to prevent infection.
If a drug reaction is the cause, the patient must stop taking the medication at once.
Compensation for Complications May be Available
If you've suffered severe complications as a result of a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome diagnosis, you may be eligible to seek compensation from the responsible parties. In cases involving a reaction to a certain medication, for instance, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer. If you would like to find out more information about the process of pursuing a legal claim, contact our experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorneys for a free consultation.
We have a special interest in cases involving Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and serve as tireless advocates for patients who suffer from its severe complications. We will investigate your case free of charge to determine if you have a claim. For more information, contact our Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers today.