Medical Description

First described in 1922, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity disorder that may be caused by many drugs, viral infections, and malignancies. It is now also known as erythema multiforme major.

Source: Steven J. Parillo and Catherine Parillo, “Stevens-Johnson Syndrome,” eMedicine, May 16, 2006, accessed January 8, 2007.

Symptoms

• symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
• vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration
• fever
• Mucocutaneous lesions (blisters and rashes) especially around the lips, throat and face or on the trunk, which may become bulbous and later rupture
• Patients may not be able to eat or drink due to the severe blistering of the lips and other mucous membranes
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Hypotension (extremely low blood pressure)
• Epistaxis (bleeding from the nose)
• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the white part of the eye)
• Seizures, coma

General Information

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is an allergic syndrome most often caused by viral infection or by certain drugs that causes one’s immune system to turn on itself, in effect burning the patient from the inside out. Sufferers of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome develop severe blisters on their skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms usually begin as a blistering of the lips and mouth that spreads to the throat, tongue, and other parts of the body. The blisters sometimes become so extensive that they destroy internal organs, leading to death. Up to 15 percent of patients affected with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome will die.

Severe cases require the intervention of a burn specialist and plastic surgery. Lesions can become bulbous, rupture and permanently scar victims of SJS.

Deborah Kaplan case illustrates how SJS can strike

Deborah Kaplan, of Germantown, Maryland, was diagnosed with bronchitis in 1994 and prescribed Bactrim, a widely-used sulfa antibiotic, at a walk-in clinic. Kaplan took the medication for ten days, and said it worked perfectly. However, a day after her last dose, she began to notice itchy bumps on her legs. The bumps spread quickly, and soon her skin was covered with painful, oozing sores.

Ms. Kaplan was taken to an emergency room, where she was diagnosed with chickenpox. Unsatisfied with the diagnosis, Kaplan visited internist Wayne Meyer, who was convinced Kaplan was suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, an allergic skin reaction so rare that most doctors may never see a single case of SJS over the course of their entire career.

Kaplan was lucky enough to survive her bout with SJS, but her problems continued after she got over the disease. She began to suffer from severe panics attacks, which Meyer believes are related to a post-traumatic stress reaction.

Source: Sandra G. Boodman, “Chickenpox? No, Worse,” Washington Post, September 4, 2007.

Hire a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyer Today – Free Call, No Obligation

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome after being given a sulfa antibiotic, antidepressant, or pain reliever, it may be in your best interest to contact a product liability lawyer.

Contact our personal injury law firm today. If you are suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you may have suffered as a result. Our legal team is investigating the circumstances of this case. Your information will be reviewed by a lawyer who may be able to help you gain compensation from a SJS lawsuit.

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