Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are both manifestations of a severe adverse reaction; typically from prescription medication or over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen.
As soon as either is diagnosed, the physician will tell the patient to immediately stop taking the medication causing the reaction. If the cause is not known, it will be recommended that all non-essential medications be immediately stopped.
Unfortunately, once a SJS or TEN reaction starts, doctors and medical staff can’t stop it. They can only take steps to shorten the reaction and provide SJS and TENS treatment to reduce the risk of further complications and to make the patient more comfortable:
Reducing the Reaction
A number of treatments have been used to reduce the severity or length of the reaction including:
- Corticosteroids (these are controversial because they can suppress the immune system and make the patient more susceptible to infection)
- Intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIg). This can prevent further blistering and damage to the skin
- Cyclophosphamide and Cyclosporine, although neither have shown much success
TENS Skin Care
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can involve 30% or more of the body. Blisters and lesions break open and skin sloughs off in sheets. Diagnosed patients are typically hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) or burn unit. There, hospital staff will gently remove dead skin, apply topical antibiotics and analgesics (pain relievers), and keep fresh bandages over the wounds.
In addition to the external skin, some or all of the mucous membranes and some organs may be involved, including:
- Eyes, nose and throat
- Mouth, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract
- The lining of the lungs
- Urinary tract
- Vagina and penis
SJS Treatment and Support
The large wounds of denuded skin typical of SJS and TEN create a risk of bacterial infection and can cause the patient to rapidly lose fluids and salts from the body. Medical personnel often provide antibiotics and replacement fluids through an IV.
Lesions in the mouth and esophagus of some victims can prevent eating or drinking. The hospital may provide the patient with food through a gastric feeding tube or “G-Tube.”
Eye Care
Because SJS and TEN often affects a victim’s eyes, it is important for the patient to be seen by an ophthalmologist to prevent or reduce scar tissue that can cause blindness. Because damage to the eyes can be severe, even with proper medical treatment, blindness can occur in many cases.
Avoiding the Trigger Medication
Patients that have developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis from a particular medication, and know what that medication is, should never take it again. Doing so will cause another, usually more severe reaction, with a high risk of death.
If you have legal questions about SJS or TEN Syndrome, SEGLaw’s trained and experienced SJS lawyers are here to help. Read our SJS Legal Consultation page or contact us today.