Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyer in New York City

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What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a grievous condition that affects the cutis (outer two layers of skin) of its victims, which was first identified in 1922, through the work of pediatricians Albert Stevens, M.D. and Frank Johnson, M.D. It is often considered in the medical community to be a less severe form of toxic epidermal necrolysis, which manifests as a detachment of the two components of the cutis from each other, with the epidermis (the outer layer) detaching from the dermis (lower layers of the skin). The scope of the effect of Stevens-Johnson syndrome may be localized to certain areas; or, it may be encountered as affecting the entirety of the patient’s skin. In all instances, however, victims suffer from Stevens-Johnson syndrome in connection to a disorder of their immune system. These immune system responses are usually adverse reactions to medication, and less frequently, reacting to an infection.

What must be kept in mind when considering Stevens-Johnson syndrome, however, is the expedience with which the disorder must be addressed, because, due to its life-threatening nature, the majority of deaths associated with those who are befallen by Stevens-Johnson syndrome come from complications associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and the delay experienced in treating it properly.

If you or a loved one believes that you or they suffer harm from the way Stevens-Johnson syndrome was treated as a result of negligence, contact a Stevens-Johnson syndrome Attorney at Finz & Finz, P.C., now at (855) TOP-FIRM or complete the Free Stevens-Johnson syndrome Case Evaluation form to find out how Finz & Finz, P.C., can help!

How does Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Occur?

The possible causes of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are many; but, in all cases, the disorder manifests because of a toxic response from the immune system of the victims. Its causes can essentially be broken into two component classes: Infections; and, Medications.

Infection

Infections causing Stevens-Johnson syndrome can include:

Medication

Medications causing Stevens-Johnson syndrome can include:

• allopurinol (a drug for the treatment of hyperuricemia, or excess uric acid in blood plasma);
• diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or “NSAID”);
• etravirine (a drug for the treatment of HIV);
• isotretinoin (a drug for the treatment of carcinomas and dermatological conditions);
• accutane (a drug for the treatment of severe acne);
• fluconazole (antifungal drug);
• valdecoxib (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or “NSAID,” for treatment of arthritis);
• sitagliptin (antihyperglycemic [anti-diabetic] drug);
• oseltamivir (antiviral drug, which slows the spread of influenza);
• penicillins (antibiotic drug);
• barbiturates (sedative drug);
• sulfonamides (sometimes antibiotic, or anti-convulsing drug);
• phenytoin (anti-seizure drug);
• azithromycin (antibiotic drug);
• oxcarbazepine (anti-convulsing, and mood-stabilizing drug);
• zonisamide (anti-convulsing drug);
• modafinil (stimulant drug, usually for treatment of narcolepsy);
• lamotrigine (anti-convulsing drug, for treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder);
• nevirapine (a drug for the treatment of HIV, and AIDS);
  pyrimethamine (a drug used to treat protozoal infections, such as malaria);
• ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or “NSAID”);
• ethosuximide (anti-convulsing drug);
• carbamazepine (anti-convulsing drug, for treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder);
• nystatin (antifungal drug); and,
• gout medications (used to treat hyperuricemia, or excess uric acid in blood plasma).

What are the Symptoms/Signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Even though Stevens-Johnson syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed (usually as erythema multiforme), the presentment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, in most cases, commences with a general febrile-response (a/k/a ever, or a temperature elevation over 100 °F [37.8 °C]); pharyngitis (a/k/a inflammation of the pharynx, or sore throat); lethargy (a/k/a fatigue). And, it is usually, due to its misdiagnosis, incorrectly treated solely with antibiotics. In addition to the above-mentioned signs/symptoms, Stevens-Johnson syndrome also presents with the formation of lesions on mucos membranes, such as the lips, mouth, genital and anal regions.

Notably, the ulcerations which form in the mouth of Stevens-Johnson syndrome victims are so severe, and so incredibly painful that, the lesions thereby extremely reduce Stevens-Johnson syndrome victims’ ability to eat and drink. Finally, epidermal rashes begin to appear, with lesions in approximately one (1) inch diameter, appearing on the face, arms, legs, and soles of the feet of Stevens-Johnson syndrome victims

Again, what is of critical importance is how Stevens-Johnson syndrome victims are treated for the disorder, because, although treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome victims is similar to that administered to thermal burn victims, the immediate suspension of administering of any of the medications known or suspected to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome victims, is of utmost importance, and failure to do so can only perpetuate the manifestation of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Legal Help for Cerebral Palsy Victims

If you or a loved one believes that you or they suffer harm from the way Stevens-Johnson syndrome was treated as a result of negligence, contact a Stevens-Johnson syndrome Attorney at Finz & Finz, P.C., now at (855) TOP-FIRM or complete the Free Stevens-Johnson syndrome Case Evaluation form to find out how Finz & Finz, P.C., can help you.

If you or a loved one suffers from this condition due to another’s negligence don’t hesitate, to contact a New York City defective drug lawyer now at (855) TOP-FIRM.