Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Overview

SJS is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically include excruciating burns, severe blistering, and sloughing and scarring of the skin.

The condition is most often caused by a reaction to common medications, including pain killers, antibiotics, seizure medications, and antidepressants. But it can also be preceded by a viral or bacterial infection, such as herpes or mycoplasma.

Treatment

Patients with SJS require hospitalization, often in an intensive care unit or a burn unit. The most important step in treatment is discontinuing the medication that may be causing symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking all non-essential medications.

Patients typically receive supportive care, such as fluid and nutrition replacement, wound care, and pain management. Specialists in our Cornea Service have unique expertise in treating eye-related complications of SJS.

Research Aims to Advance Patient Care

Currently, there is much we do not know about SJS. We don’t know why some people are more susceptible to developing the condition or what causes the autoimmune reaction that leads to SJS. Because the condition is so rare, symptoms often go unrecognized. This delays diagnosis and treatment, which increases the chance of long-term complications and decreases rates of survival. Through targeted research and multi-institutional collaboration, researchers at Mass. Eye and Ear, aim to change that

Our clinician scientists, including James Chodosh, MD, MPH, and Hajirah N. Saeed, MD, have launched one of the most robust SJS research initiatives worldwide. Their goal is to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition so patients will receive better care and live an improved quality of life.

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