Most people think of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) as medical emergencies, and they are. These conditions can destroy skin, threaten vision, and become life-threatening in a matter of hours. But a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals something far less understood: many survivors continue to suffer long-term mental and physical health effects of SJS/ TEN after the visible wounds heal, and the support they receive after leaving the hospital is often dangerously inadequate.
SJS is a severe and painful condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes. It can progress to TEN when 30 percent of the skin is involved. SJS often begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a rash and skin pain. It quickly worsens if untreated or diagnosis is delayed and can even become life-threatening. Sepsis, meningitis, eye problems, including vision impairment, permanent skin damage, organ failure, and acute respiratory failure are possible complications of SJS/TEN. In some cases, it’s fatal.
It’s long been known that early intervention is crucial to reduce the risk of fatality or life-long health issues. But the study highlights that life after SJS/TEN treatment is filled with uncertainty, mental health issues, and long-term complications that aren’t being addressed.
About the New SJS Recovery Study
Researchers found that while patients received proper care during hospitalization, many “felt isolated and without support” once discharged. The study highlights the long-term physical, emotional, and social struggles that follow SJS/TEN. For many patients and their families, returning home does not mean returning to normal. It marks the beginning of a new and uncertain phase of recovery that the healthcare system is not prepared to guide them through.
This study was unique in two ways. First, it focused on the perspective of patients; getting firsthand accounts from patients provided valuable insight into the specifics of their struggles. Secondly, researchers noted that while there have been numerous medical studies that examined care and treatment of SJS/TEN in the hospital setting, very little has focused on the long-term effects on the lives of patients once they leave the hospital. Recognizing and addressing gaps in patient support and mental health care can help ensure SJS/TEN survivors have a better quality of life – instead of feeling abandoned after discharge, like some of the participants reported.
Some of the biological symptoms study participants experienced included skin issues, visual impairment, and blindness, but the struggles extended far beyond the physical; serious psychological health impacts of SJS/TEN, such as depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and obsessive thinking, were reported. For some of the participants, the post-discharge experience also included negative impacts on their careers, feelings of mistrust in medical professionals, and anxiety about medications were common.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Medical Malpractice and Dangerous Drug Cases
Unfortunately, many people who developed SJS/TEN or had a family member die from complications have suffered due to the negligence of a medical professional or pharmaceutical company. Given the serious health effects and risks of SJS/TEN, and the psychological trauma and long-term issues identified in the recent study, patients should speak with a medical malpractice or dangerous drug attorney who specializes in these cases.
There are a few ways a doctor, hospital, and/or pharmaceutical company could be held liable in a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit. However, it’s necessary to know what causes SJS/TEN and what impacts the severity and risks of complications, to understand how someone could be liable. The most common cause of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is medication. In fact, there are over 200 medications that have been linked to the condition.
When it comes to risks and serious complications, a patient’s outcome is directly connected to how quickly a diagnosis is made and treatment begins. But a delayed diagnosis, especially if the patient continues taking the medication that’s causing SJS, leads to greater risks of life-threatening complications. It’s these factors that drive SJS medical malpractice and dangerous drug cases.
Knowing how quickly the skin condition worsens, if a doctor fails to diagnose SJS, patients are likely to continue taking the medication that’s causing it. The delayed diagnosis also means treatment is delayed, and since it progresses rapidly, it puts the patient at greater risk of severe health effects. The same applies if they prescribe a medication that has a significant connection to SJS but don’t communicate the dangers or what reactions to be aware of. Doctors who fail to diagnose or don’t explain the risk may then be held liable.
Pharmaceutical companies that manufacture medications known to cause SJS can also be held liable through a dangerous drug lawsuit if they didn’t adequately warn consumers of the risks on drug labels. Another way they may be liable is if they didn’t include warnings in prescribing information for medical providers.
Seeking legal advice if you’ve survived SJS/TEN or a loved one dies from the condition can help hold drug manufacturers and doctors accountable and lead to changes to prescribing practices and medication labels. It also ensures victims receive proper financial compensation.
Medical bills from treating SJS/TEN are expensive, but it’s not just the hospital stay and care that adds up; ongoing and long-term health issues, including those that affect mental health, are costly, and may be needed for years or the rest of a survivor’s life. There’s also the pain and suffering that patients endure, and numerous complications and increased risks for other health conditions that must be considered when pursuing a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit. It’s critical to consult with a medical malpractice and dangerous drug attorney to get the compensation SJS survivors need and deserve. If you or someone you know is suffering from SJS/TEN and needs legal guidance, our firm can help you through the complex process of determining who is responsible for injuries. Call us at 1-800-641-0098, use our Live Chat now, or contact us online for more information on how we can help.
