Stevens Johnson Syndrome | Toxic Epidermal Necrolyosis

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious medical condition commonly caused by an allergic reaction to drugs. The drugs associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) are antibiotics (penicillin and sulfa's), anti-convulsants, and pain relievers. Prescription pain relievers, such as Bextra (valdecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib) and Daypro, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Motrin, Ibuprofin, Children's Motrin and Advil, have reportedly been associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Cocaine has also recently been added to the list of drugs capable of eliciting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. SJS can also occur in response to infections or illnesses. Twenty-five to 50% of all cases derive from unknown origin.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome patients suffer from inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. Since mucous membranes are present in many organs throughout the body, such as the eyes, digestive system, lungs and respiratory system, many organs can become significantly affected during the disease process. SJS technically is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity (allergic) condition. It is a severe expression of the condition known as erythema multiforme and is a lesser form of the condition known as toxic epidermal necrolysis. SJS is a serious disorder with potential for severe morbidity and in some cases, it can be fatal.

Erythema multiforme can be present and become noticeable in the form of a classic skin lesion, without displaying whole-body symptoms. This condition is normally associated with herpes simplex or mycoplasma infections. It occurs most often in children and young adults.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a much more severe condition than erythema multiforme. SJS typically involves multiple areas of the body and extensive lesion formation. The lesions can extend to the mucous membranes, thus affecting the lungs, eyes, mouth, stomach, intestines and virtually every major organ.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is the most severe condition associated with immune complex hypersensitivity. This condition involves multiple large blisters that coalesce, followed by a sloughing of most of the skin and mucous membranes.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Clinical Course

The disease process for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome typically begins with a nonspecific upper respiratory tract infection. Early Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms occur in the first 1- to 14-day period during which fever, sore throat, chills, headaches and malaise may be present. Vomiting and diarrhea are sometimes noted in the early symptoms. Skin and mucous membrane lesions can develop abruptly with clusters of outbreaks lasting from 2- to 4-weeks. Continued fever or localized worsening of the lesions suggests a superimposed infection; however, continued fever has been shown to occur in up to 85% of the cases. In some cases, the lesions of the mouth and mucous membranes are so severe, patients may not be able to eat or drink.

In up to 15% of the cases, patients with severe SJS die. In the severe cases, the lesions lead to significant scarring of the involved organs and loss of function of the organ systems. Restriction of the esophagus and of the respiratory tract can occur due to lesions and scaring. Ocular effects can include corneal ulcers and uveitis. Blindness can occur secondary to eye conditions caused by SJS. Scarring of the genital areas can occur, but renal complications are rare. SJS treatment is focused on the management of disease symptoms because there is no treatment (as of yet) able to stop the spread of the disease.

Bextra Lawyer :: Bextra Attorney

Bextra is a COX 2 drug manufactured by Pfizer. When Bextra was first released in 2001, Bextra packages included a warning about side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, back pain, headache, nausea, and upper respiratory infection. In November 2002, Pfizer, upon the FDA’s orders, strengthened the Contraindications, Warnings, and Adverse Reactions sections Bextra’s prescribing information.

On April 7, 2005, Pfizer withdrew Bextra from the market at the FDA’s request. The FDA requested the withdrawal because of the incidence among Bextra users of heart attacks, strokes, and a potentially fatal skin condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

On November 9, 2004, a study presented to the American Heart Association indicated that Bextra might carry a higher risk of fatal heart attacks, as much as two times, and cardiac problems than other COX 2 inhibitors. Bextra also appears to increase a patient’s risk of stroke. In light of this evidence, the FDA has strongly urged physicians to limit the number of prescriptions for Bextra and to consider Bextra alternatives when administering care.

Bextra has also been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and exfoliative dermatitis, as well as assorted allergic reactions. Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are two forms of the skin disease that can cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes. Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can be life threatening.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an immune-complex–mediated hypersensitivity disorder. Sufferers of Stevens Johnson Syndrome demonstrate a blistering of mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and vagina, and patchy areas of rash. Sufferers of toxic epidermal necrolysis also experience a blistering of mucous membranes. In addition, the entire epidermis peels off in sheets from large areas of the body. Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can be life threatening.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyer :: SJS Attorney

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a potentially deadly skin disease that usually results from a drug reaction. Another form of the disease is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and again this usually results from a drug-related reaction. Drugs that have been linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. 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.

These skin diseases can cause massive pain, suffering and anxiety. People that have taken or are taking medications such as the ones mentioned above are urged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of SJS (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). This will enable you to seek immediate medical attention should the need arise, and early initiation of treatment can make a big difference to the seriousness of the disease as this can stop any secondary infections.