Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – Drug Replacement, Complications & Secondary Infection

Personal Injury Trial Attorney Matt Hamilton interviews Doctor Hamilton regarding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.  The following subjects are covered

Medication Replacement

1. Dr. Hamilton recommends the patient first consult their treating physician or pharmacist. It is necessary to replace the drug or other foreign body that is causing the stevens-johnson syndrome.  It is important to replace the offending with a drug that is different in molecular structure.  An example would be anti-biotics.
2. Second, Dr. Hamilton teaches that the drug that is used to replace the offending drug must remain effective to treat the illness that caused the initial drug prescription

Electrolyte Imbalance

Third, Electrolyte imbalance is emphasized. Electrolyte imbalance is important for cardiac function, maintaining blood pressure, supplying the body with oxygen and nutrients.  Electrolyte imbalance can cause multiple organ damage to the kidney function, liver function and the renal system as a whole.  Maintaining hydration is critical to electrolyte balance.

Steroid Use

Fourth, the Doctor shows steroid use in treating stevens-johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Steriods are used to treat stevens-johnson syndrome to calm the bodily reaction and its immune inflammation process.  It is used to interrupt the cascade process or inflammation, swelling, heat, and damage.

Secondary Infection

Fifth, the potential deadly effects of preventing secondary infections is taught. Infection is a primary concern because the barrier protecting the body, the skin, is weakened or gone. Infection can kill the patient as a secondary result of the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.  Infection is especially concerning because of the weakened status of the patient.  The body is weakened because of toxins within the body as a result of the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.  The body is already weakened, and busy flushing toxins, and healing from the skin loss.

A Holistic Approach

Dr. Hamilton emphasizes a holistic approach to Stevens-Johnson treatment.  Treatment is not a step by step process, like other afflictions.  The location of treatment can be expected in the hospital, burn clinic, or intensive care ward.