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[S1000]Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment

by Alan Haburchak, Ala

Adverse drug reactions are all too common. Most are unreported; however, they contribute to over 150,000 deaths per year, making them a leading cause of death in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner has estimated that anywhere between 3-11% of hospitalizations every year are due to adverse drug reactions. People taking various prescriptions and over the counter medications are often unknowingly making themselves susceptible to serious adverse side effects that can lead to death.

Stevens - Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and Toxic Epidural Necrolysis Syndrome (TEN) another form of SJS, are severe, adverse skin reactions to both prescription and over the counter medications.

Many different drugs can trigger SJS, but anti-convulsants, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are most consistently responsible for causing SJS. While anyone can develop SJS, a Caucasian predominance has been reported. It is most commonly seen in children and in women (a 2:1 ratio compared to men), and can lead to death if left untreated. According to some reliable sources and reports from 3% to 15% of patients who contract severe SJS die from the syndrome. Additionally, over half the people who develop SJS experience serious upper respiratory tract infections.

First discovered in 1922, Stevens - Johnson Syndrome is a serious inflammatory skin disease and is characterized by painful, ulcerated lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. According to the Stevens - Johnson Syndrome Foundation, the symptoms of SJS include:

* Rash, blisters or red splotches on the skin.

* Persistent fever.

* Blisters in mouth, eyes, ears, nose and/or genital area.

* Swelling of eyelids and/or red eyes.

* Conjunctivitis.

* Flu-like symptoms.

Patients with these symptoms have a recent history of having taken a prescription or over the counter medication.

Various prescription drugs have been found to be strongly associated with SJS, and some have even been recalled by the FDA. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have recently come under a great deal of scrutiny relative to causing SJS. One such drug is Bextra, an anti-inflammatory drug prescribed to treat the pain associated with osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

All of these drugs now have recently strengthened the warning and precautions sections of their packaging. Most are now required to have a "black box" warning, the highest warning level the FDA issues on approved drugs. Some NSAIDs have even been recalled by the FDA and/or taken off the market voluntarily by the manufacturer.

While it is impossible to prevent the development of SJS, short of never taking any needed prescription or over the counter medication, there are ways to treat the disease if one does develop symptoms.

It is of the utmost necessity to stop taking the drug associated with the negative side effects/reactions. After that, hospitalization is usually necessary, combined with a variety of treatment options including care from burn units, the ICU and dermatological teams. If identified and treated properly in a timely manner, most patients who come down with SJS can recover successfully.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin condition that arises as a reaction to a medication or an infection. Drugs that have been linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include NSAIDS , Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a disorder that causes painful blisters and lesions on the skin and mucous membranes and can cause severe eye problems. The most common cause of SJS is an adverse allergic drug reaction. SJS may also be caused by cocaine usage. In some cases, the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, and in many cases there is no known cause for the onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Almost any drug can result in SJS.

It is more common in children and younger adults. The male-to-female ratio is 2:1. These skin diseases can cause massive pain, suffering and anxiety. Other sign and symptoms of stevens-johnson syndrome include facial swelling ,tongue swelling , hives , skin pain , a red or purple skin rash that spreads, blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes and shedding (sloughing) of your skin. Some factors, however, may increase your risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome such as, existing medical conditions, chronic inflammatory disease increase your risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Coxsackievirus, echovirus, and most commonly, herpes simplex viruses as well as mycoplasma have precipitated the syndrome.

Vaccines, such as those for tuberculosis and polio, have also been implicated. Treatment of Stevens-johnson Syndrome may include pain medication to reduce discomfort , immunoglobulin intravenous (IGIV) to halt the process of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Antibiotics to control infection, when needed. Systemic corticosteroids may aggravate these condition. Fluid replacement is often required, and meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to prevent superinfection. Oral and topical corticosteroids are often used. Many drug, such as sulfa drugs, penicillin, or an anticonvulsants, especially phenytoin, should be discontinued. Antihistamines are drugs used against the immune system, usually to treat a case where the immune system is over-reacting.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment and Prevntion Tips

1. Fluid replacement is often required.

2. Meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to prevent superinfection.

3. Oral and topical corticosteroids are often used.

4. Skilled nursing care, pain killers, physiotherapy and wound dressings.

5. Antihistamines are drugs used against the immune system.

6. Supportive measures include the use of topical pain anesthetics and antiseptics.

7. Use of other agents includes Ciclosporin and Intravenous immunoglobulin.

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Both Alan Haburchak & Juliet Cohen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Alan Haburchak has sinced written about articles on various topics from Brain Injury, Business Tax and Brain Injury. To learn more about SJS, use . Users can find information on medical iss. Alan Haburchak's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Juliet Cohen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Cream, Alternative Medicine and Abdominal. Juliet Cohen writes articles for . She also writes articles for. Juliet Cohen's top article generates over 3350000 views. to your Favourites.