The Resources You Need to Deal with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

By Sara Canning

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe, though rare, skin and mucous membrane condition, often triggered by medication. The painful conditions associated with the disorder necessitate immediate medical attention. Finding out what is available to victims is crucial so that treatment can be provided and any legal recourse for negligence can be pursued.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawyers at Greg Jones Law know how challenging medication reaction cases are and are dedicated to fighting for victims of SJS throughout the US.

Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

SJS is a skin inflammatory condition characterized by a painful blistering rash that spreads, kills, and peels the outer skin. It is generally caused by a reaction to drugs, especially some antibiotics, anti-seizure medication, and painkillers. Medical research on SJS indicates it has a 5-15% mortality rate, and therefore, early treatment diagnosis is essential.

It involves the skin, but other body parts can also be affected. Severe cases can also be complicated by permanent skin damage, eye damage that can lead to loss of eyesight, lung infection, and chronic fatigue. Some effects are permanent; patients typically take weeks or months to recover.

Obtaining Specialized Treatment Facilities

Victims confronted with SJS should access critical medical care. Several centers in California have enough expertise to treat this condition:

1. UC Davis Burn Center (Sacramento): (916-734-2011)

2. USC Burn Center (Los Angeles): (323-226-5581)

3. UCSF Burn Center (San Francisco): (415-353-3000)

4. Shriners Hospitals for Children (Sacramento): (916-453-2191)

5. UC Irvine Medical Center Burn Center (Orange County): (714-456-7135)

These units have multidisciplinary care teams with experience managing severe skin reactions and dealing with possible complications. This may include wound care, fluid resuscitation, pain management, and specialized eye care to avoid long-term damage.

Legal Considerations for SJS Patients

There is a potential for legal action on the grounds of SJS caused by medication if proper warnings of potential harm are not provided. According to the National Institutes of Health, drugs account for more than 80% of all SJS cases, and some drugs — such as some for epilepsy, for fighting infection, and for treating cancer — pose a higher risk of SJS.

Both treatment and any possible legal action depend on medical records. All medications taken before symptoms began, all therapy received, and any remaining symptoms or complications should be documented. Mayo Clinic suggests that all healthcare providers be notified of prior history with SJS and the avoidance of medications that are known precipitators of the reaction.

The Road to Recovery

Recovery from SJS may be protracted and may involve continued medical care. A complete recovery plan may include physical therapy, ophthalmic management, and psychological counseling. Most patients benefit from being able to make contact with support groups of people who have endured similar illnesses.

Recovery from SJS is a challenging physical and emotional experience. With access to legal and medical services, significant differences in outcomes and quality of life following the fatal condition can be made.