Treatment Overview
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) treatment is focused on the management of SJS symptoms as opposed to providing a cure. Currently, there is no effective treatment to stop the spread of Stevens Johnson Syndrome throughout the body. If SJS has been caused by an underlying factor (like an allergic reaction to a drug or an infection) then stopping usage of the drug or treating the infection can have a positive impact on the progress of SJS.
SJS Background
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a life-threatening disorder that affects skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. It is identified medically as an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity (allergic reaction), that is a severe form of a lesser type of hypersensitivity called erythema multiforme. The disorder is typically caused by an allergic reaction to a drug. The drugs that can typically cause this problem include antibiotics, anticonvulsants, Bextra (valdecoxib), a prescription pain reliever of the COX-2 inhibitor family, and other over-the-counter pain relievers such as Motrin and Children's Motrin. Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms include fever, respiratory infection, rash and lesions throughout the body and mucous membranes.
SJS Treatment
The key to preliminary Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment is the recognition and proper diagnosis of the disorder. Since SJS is often caused by a severe allergic reaction to a drug, it is important to identify drug treatments that have been initiated in the previous several weeks before initial symptoms. Drugs that are commonly associated with SJS, such as Bextra (valdecoxib) and antibiotics should be discontinued immediately. Stevens Johnson Syndrome can also be caused by an underlying infection or malignancy, and identification of these other conditions for SJS patients is beneficial.
During SJS, the patient normally suffers severe fluid loss, similar to patients that have significant burn injuries. SJS patients should therefore be treated in a similar manner as burn victims. Immediate treatment includes fluid replacement and electrolyte correction. As the cases become more advanced, compromise of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems can occur. These patients need to be treated to ensure hemodynamic (blood flow and blood pressure) and airway stability. SJS is a very painful disorder, similar to burn injuries, making pain management an important part of the treatment process.
There is no cure or treatment to stop the progression of SJS. Some studies have suggested that cyclophosphamide, plasmapheresis, hemodialysis and immunoglobin are effective treatments, but none of these are currently considered standard methods of care. As such, the primary treatment is supportive and symptomatic. For SJS lesions in specific parts of the body, some specific treatment options can be applied to reduce the symptoms. These include mouthwash treatment for lesions in the mouth, compresses of saline solution applied to areas of open skin and topical anesthesia to reduce pain and allow the patient to take in fluid. As stated earlier, any offending drugs should be stopped immediately. Underlying diseases or infections that may be causing the Stevens Johnson Syndrome must be identified and treated. Some suggestions have been made that steroid treatment is beneficial, while others suggest it is contraindicated. Prophylaxis treatment to reduce the risk of infection and tetanus should be considered.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Legal Remedies
If you or a loved one has been afflicted with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, then it is possible that the condition was caused by an allergic reaction to a drug. Drug manufacturers have a responsibility to notify physicians and patients of any potential harmful side effects of drugs.
Last Revision: April 25, 2008
MediaFact is a noteworthy Internet resource about drug side effects related to Stevens Johnson Syndromeand Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.
