Steven-Johnson Syndrome

A woman, Katie Goard (25) was found lifeless after taking the slimming drugs and caffeine.

Get to know Steven-Johnson Syndrome

Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SSJ) is characterized vesikulobulosa skin abnormalities in the Triassic, orifisium and mucosa of the eye accompanied by common symptoms are heavy. Clinical forms of heavy rare SSJ in infants, small children or the elderly. Men reported more frequently suffer SSJ than women. Data of various countries in the world shows the numbers of Genesis SSJ is around 2 to 6 cases per 1 million people per year, so it is very rare. Across the United States there are about 300 cases per year.

Causes of difficult determined with certainty because it can be caused by a variety of factors, although in General often associated with immune response against drugs. Several factors cause the onset of SSJ including infection (virus, fungus, bacteria, parasites), drugs (penicillin, sulfa, salicylic, anticonvulsants and drugs of non-steroid bitter taste, ETHAMBUTOL, tegretol, digitalis, tetracycline, etc.), food (chocolate), physical (cold air, sunshine, x-rays), etc.

The relationship of drugs as the cause ought to be suspected when symptoms arise in/until 21 days after taking the drug. When administering the drug and clinial symtoms improved forwarded then declared negative causal relationship. When the drug is given more than one then all the drugs must have suspected causal relationship. This syndrome can occur with a single episode but may occur with recurring circumstances worse after repeated exposure to medicines cause.

Treatment consists of supportive therapy, corticosteroids, Intravenous Immunoglobulin Human (IVIG), antihistamines and antibiotics if necessary.

In the case that is not heavy, the prognosis is good, and healing occurs within 2-3 weeks. Mortality ranges from 5-15% in the case of heavy with complications or treatment too late and inadequate. Prognosis is more severe in case of purpura. Death is usually caused by disturbance of electrolyte and fluid balance, bronchopneumonia, and sepsis. A. l. SSJ complications disorders, sepsis, severe skin damage organs and eye disorders that can be up to blindness.