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Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare inflammatory skin disorder
that can be life-threatening.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can occur at any age. The majority
of cases occur between ages 20 and 40; one-fifth of all cases
occur in people under age 20. It is estimated that out of
every million Americans, three to eight people are hospitalized
each year due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and related conditions.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Causes
In up to half of all cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, doctors
cannot determine the cause. The most common causes are allergic
reactions to medications, infections and certain illnesses.
Almost any medication, including over-the-counter drugs,
may trigger Stevens-Johnson. Antibiotics, anticonvulsants,
and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) including
medications such as Arava,
Bextra, Vioxx,
and Celebrex,
are often associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome may start gradually
or suddenly and include one or more of the following:
- Skin rash (usually on the legs, arms, hands or feet)
- Fever
- Extreme fatigue and joint pains
- Vision abnormalities (bloodshot eyes, eye pain, burning
and itching)
- Respiratory infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome may become severe enough
to require hospitalization. These symptoms are often followed
by:
- Blistering lesions, usually purple or red, and "target
lesions" (a red centered blister, with a surrounding
white ring, and another surrounding red ring)
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Doctors will do a skin biopsy (testing of a small skin sample)
to diagnose Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
The treatment of severe symptoms may include the use of antibiotics
to control skin infections, treatment in a burn-care unit,
and steroids to control inflammation.
In some cases, permanent skin damage and scarring occur.
Lesions on internal organs can cause serious inflammation
of the lungs, heart and kidneys. Up to 27 percent of those
affected with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or related illnesses
incur long-term eye damage or vision loss. Sadly, up to 15
percent of patients with severe Stevens-Johnson Syndrome die
from this condition.
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