Researchers admit difficulties determining the frequency of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). The disease is rare, so missing just a few cases can throw off the measurement.
More importantly, most cases are induced by a drug reaction. Thus, the rate will change from year to year based on the drugs on the market and whether they have been properly tested and marked. SJS could spike in one year simply because a manufacturer changes a drug’s label or releases a new drug that causes a reaction.
Nevertheless, several research studies have attempted to quantify how common SJS can be.
Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a severe reaction to an antigen. It starts with flu-like symptoms followed by skin pain and a rash. The rash is a notable characteristic of SJS because, unlike other rashes, it does not occur where the patient touches an antigen. Instead, it can develop anywhere.
The rash is rapidly followed by blisters. The blisters form on the skin and mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes. The blisters signify the final stage of the reaction in which the patient’s outer layer of skin dies and sloughs off in large patches.
What Causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Who Is at Risk?
Medications cause over 80% of SJS cases, while the rest are triggered by an infection. Thus, the most significant risk factor is taking certain types of medications known to trigger SJS in some users.
Other risk factors include specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allotypes. East and South Asians who carry the HLA B 1502 allotype and Europeans who carry the HLA B 5701 or HLA A 3101 allotypes have an increased risk.
The reaction happens when a trigger causes the immune system’s cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells to release an antimicrobial protein called granulysin. However, instead of attacking pathogens, it kills skin and mucous membrane cells.
The Link Between Medications and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Certain drugs are known to trigger SJS in sensitive people. These drugs include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Anti-seizure medications, such as carbamazepine
- Kidney stone and gout medication allopurinol
- Antibiotic drugs called sulfonamides
- The HIV medication called nevirapine
Importantly, certain HLA allotypes are more likely to react with specific medications. For example, the HLA B 1502 allotype causes a sensitivity to carbamazepine.
How Rare is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome? Key Statistics
Between one and two million people develop SJS annually. The mortality rate of SJS is about 10%. Thus, between 100,000 and 200,000 people die each year from this severe drug reaction.
Incidence Rates of SJS in Different Populations
The distribution of cases is not uniform. Since genetics plays such a large role, the rate in the U.S. and Europe may be as low as one case per million residents. The incidence rate in South Korea, by contrast, is four to five cases per million residents.
Other population differences that produce different incident rates include the following:
- Adults are more likely to develop SJS than children
- Adults over 60 are more likely to develop the condition than younger adults
- Females are more likely to be affected than males
- People with HIV have a higher incidence rate than those without HIV
The factor that has the greatest effect is the use of certain medications since people who fall into these categories will rarely develop SJS without a trigger.
FAQ
Is a Drug Company Responsible for My SJS Outbreak?
A drug company may be liable for your SJS. Drug companies are strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products. A medication might contain unlisted ingredients that trigger SJS. Drug companies might also fail to include warning labels of known or suspected SJS risks.
How Can a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorney Help After an Outbreak?
An attorney can gather scientific evidence to support a claim against a drug manufacturer. This evidence can include an analysis by an expert witness who can testify that your medication likely triggered your SJS outbreak. The lawyer can then pursue pharmaceutical litigation to pursue compensation for you.
What Compensation Can a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyer Recover For Me?
If your lawyer proves the drug company’s liability for your SJS, you can pursue compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include the costs of treating SJS and the income you lost when you missed work. Non-economic losses include your pain and suffering.
Don’t Wait if You’ve Been Diagnosed With SJS
Although SJS is rare, it still happens and has life-threatening consequences. Contact us for a consultation with our SJS attorneys to discuss your outbreak and how we can help you pursue compensation for its effects.