A recent study published in Pediatric Dermatology revealed an increased likelihood of SJS diagnosis in young children, particularly boys, as well as in children and adolescents who are of African American descent.

The study analyzed 1,571 pediatric discharge patient records from 2009 to 2012, from over 4,100 hospitals from a national database.

According to the study, SJS diagnosis had the highest discovery rate in adolescent patients at 1.36 and 1.09 per 100,000 children in 2009 and 2012 respectively.

Harvard researchers identified these cases using the Kids Inpatient Database, from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Research found patients with the SJS diagnosis rates were aged between 15 years and 19 years old, with the overall risk of death from SJS at 1.5 percent and 0.3 percent in 2009 and 2012 respectively.

Researchers noted that while the number African American children received an SJS diagnosis was not significant compared to other ethnic or racial groups, they were still the group with the highest rate in 2009 at 1.03 hospitalizations per 100,000 hospitalizations and again in 2012 at 0.86 per 100,000.

The second highest group to receive SJS diagnosis was Caucasian children at 0.82 hospitalizations per 100,000 in 2009 and 0.95 hospitalizations per 100,000 in 2012.

Lead author Dr. Yusuke Okubo and his colleagues noted the demographic differences, stating that their study was the first “to reveal these disparities.”

In addition, Dr. Okubo noted that mortality rates in pediatric SJS was considerably lower compared to adults who receive a SJS diagnosis.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extreme allergic skin reaction specifically caused by an adverse drug reaction. This condition is typically characterized by the red or purple skin lesions appearing across the body, which later detach and expose inner muscle and tissue to potential infection.

This is a potentially fatal condition that progresses rapidly, and should be treated as soon as SJS diagnosis is determined. Along with skin practically melting off the body, patients often experience throat swelling and mucus membrane damage that often results in some form of blindness.

There are 100 different medications linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, with scientists unsure why this condition only occurs in certain patients.

However if patients were to get an SJS reaction, it would usually occur within the first few weeks of starting the medication and would begin with flu like symptoms.

Even patients who survive their SJS diagnosis often have to contend with permanent effects, with some form of blindness or skin damage. Patients should report any abnormal medication side effects to their physician as soon as possible, so early intervention treatment can be implemented.