

Stevens-Johnson syndrome, also known as SJS or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), is a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It is caused by a genetic predisposition to have an adverse reaction to certain medications.
The amount of skin involvement determines whether the disease is called SJS or TEN. If more than 30% of the total body surface area is involved, it is called toxic epidermal necrolysis or the acronym TEN.
SJS/TEN is a very serious condition that causes blistering and sloughing of the skin and mucous membranes. The effect is similar to a severe full-thickness burn. The body becomes at risk for fluid loss, infection, organ failure, blindness, and death.
Do you have a SJS case?The initial symptoms of SJS and TEN can include rash, fever, sore throat and mouth, fatigue, and burning eyes. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:
Other symptoms may include drooling, swollen eyelids, painful urination, and peeling skin. Secondary symptoms can include infection in areas where the skin has peeled away, leaving exposed flesh.
Do you have a SJS case?Most SJS cases are due to allergic reactions to medication. TEN is considered by many medical experts to be exclusively caused by pharmaceutical drugs. Changes in a gene called HLA-B seem to make the body more likely to attack the skin cells when an allergic reaction is triggered.
Genetic factors, such as alleles, may be responsible for the few cases of SJS which have no apparent cause.
The drugs most associated with SJS include:
Some of the most high-risk infectious conditions for developing SJS/TEN are:
Most treatment for SJS/TEN is supportive. The first step is to stop using whatever medication is causing the adverse reaction. Once the drug has been removed, it still must clear from the patient’s system, which may take time, depending on how much was ingested before symptoms appeared.
Supportive care can include:
In cases involving the mouth or nasal tissue, oxygen therapy may be necessary to support the patient’s breathing. Complications of SJS/TEN can include pneumonia, sepsis, and death in up to 30%-80% of TEN cases.
If you need legal advice regarding SJS, contact Dunn Sheehan LLP at 214.462.7582 or make an appointment for a consultation today.
Do you have a SJS case?Blake Brownshadel and the team at Dunn Sheehan are top-notch. As individuals, each member of the staff is friendly, passionate, and personable. I have tremendous confidence in Blake's abilities; he is truly one of the very best attorneys I know. Highly recommend.