Many people haven’t heard of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), but those who have know it’s a rare and potentially life-threatening skin condition. SJS is often brought about by medications, including common prescription drugs, like some antibiotics.
The condition affects around two to seven people per million each year. With early diagnosis, immediate treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach to care, physicians report an encouraging survival rate for Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Early Signs of SJS
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome should be considered a medical emergency. Seek immediate treatment if you notice a severe skin rash while taking medication. This relatively harmless-looking symptom can lead to the top layer of skin detaching from the lower layers, causing the skin to blister and peel off, exposing raw, painful areas.
The Survival Rate of SJS Patients
Studies have shown that the survival rates for SJS range from 71% to 80.6%, while toxic epidermal necrolysis (the less common but more severe version of the condition) has death rates of 30%-80%, which means survival rates range from 52% to 85.2%.
Both conditions are more serious than most people presume. You should contact an SJS lawyer immediately after receiving your diagnosis for help investigating the cause and understanding whether you can file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer.
Factors Affecting Survival in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
There are several ways to determine whether a patient has SJS. However, physicians typically use a scoring system called “SCORTEN” to assess the severity and predict mortality risk in patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
SCORTEN evaluates seven key clinical criteria, with each criterion adding one point to the total score. The criteria are:
- The patient is over 40 years of age
- There are malignancies present
- Epidermal detachment is greater than 10% of the body surface
- Serum urea levels are above 10 mmol/L
- Serum glucose is above 14 mmol/L
- Serum bicarbonate is below 20 mmol/L
- The patient’s heart rate exceeds 120 beats per minute
The SCORTEN value reveals the patient’s mortality risk — the higher the score, the lower the chances that the patient will survive. This scoring system helps medical teams determine the necessary level of care and identify high-risk patients requiring more intensive intervention.
Treatment and Recovery
Patients suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome require immediate medical treatment and management. This usually involves:
- Seeking immediate medical care
- Stopping the medication suspected of triggering the condition
- Providing supportive care like IV fluids and wound care
- Using medications to control pain and inflammation
- Treating any underlying infections
It’s also possible for the patient to experience lifelong complications, such as eye damage or respiratory issues.
FAQ
Are There Any Known Risk Factors That Make Someone More Susceptible to SJS?
Certain genetic factors, immune system conditions, and previous drug reactions can increase susceptibility to SJS. Additionally, specific HLA (human leukocyte antigen) types have been linked to increased risk when taking certain medications.
Can You File a Lawsuit for an SJS Diagnosis?
Yes. Contact an experienced SJS attorney for advice on your case. A qualified lawyer can guide you through the particulars, including gathering evidence, negotiating a settlement, or even taking your case against the drug manufacturer to trial.
Is Long-Term Monitoring Required After Recovering From SJS?
Post-recovery monitoring typically includes regular eye examinations, respiratory function tests, and skin assessments. Patients often need ongoing care from multiple specialists to manage potential complications and prevent recurrence.
Can SJS Recur if Someone Has Had It Before?
SJS can recur, especially if the individual is exposed to the same or similar medications that triggered the initial reaction. Patients who have experienced SJS should maintain a detailed list of trigger medications and wear a medical alert bracelet to prevent future episodes.
Is There a Difference Between SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)?
SJS and TEN are essentially part of the same spectrum. However, TEN is the more severe form of the condition. It involves the detachment of over 30% of the body's surface area, while SJS involves less than 10%. Additionally, TEN has a much higher mortality rate, reaching up to 80%.
Get Help From an Experienced SJS Attorney
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a devastating diagnosis, but it’s treatable with swift and proper care. The survival rate depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, other pre-existing conditions, and the extent of the skin involvement during diagnosis, among others.
SJS is a niche litigation practice. Our firm works on SJS cases every day. We handle these cases nationwide and work on more SJS cases than any firm in the nation. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, don't hesitate to reach out to an experienced SJS lawyer at Dunn Sheehan. We can help you understand the legal and medical complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.