Steven Johnson Syndrome and the Value of Pharmacogenomics Testing
Steven Johnson Syndrome and the Value of Pharmacogenomics Testing
Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening skin condition that often occurs as a reaction to certain medications. It causes the skin and mucous membranes to blister and peel, resembling severe burns. In some cases, SJS can lead to blindness, lung damage, and even death.
What Causes SJS?
While the exact cause of SJS is not fully understood, it‘s believed to be an immune system reaction to certain medications. Some of the medications that have been linked to SJS include:
- Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Antibiotics: Sulfonamides
- Allopurinol (Zyloprim): A medication used to treat gout and kidney stones
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen and naproxen
The Role of Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how genes affect a person‘s response to medications. Genetic variations can influence how the body processes and eliminates drugs, making some individuals more susceptible to adverse reactions like SJS.
PGx testing can identify individuals with these genetic variations, allowing doctors to:
- Choose alternative medications: If a PGx test reveals that a patient has a genetic variation that increases their risk of SJS with a particular medication, the doctor can choose a different medication that is less likely to cause a reaction.
- Monitor patients more closely: If there is no alternative medication available, the doctor can monitor the patient more closely for signs of SJS and stop the medication immediately if any signs develop.
Benefits of PGx Testing
PGx testing can help to:
- Reduce the risk of SJS: By identifying individuals at risk, PGx testing can help to prevent this potentially life-threatening condition.
- Improve medication safety: PGx testing can help to ensure that patients are taking medications that are safe and effective for them.
- Reduce healthcare costs: By preventing adverse drug reactions, PGx testing can help to reduce healthcare costs associated with treating these reactions.
Medicamap: A PGx Solution
Medicamap is a pharmacogenomics solution that helps healthcare providers order and interpret PGx tests. Medicamap also provides clinical decision support tools that help providers use PGx information to make informed medication decisions.
Conclusion
SJS is a rare but serious condition that can be caused by certain medications. PGx testing can help to identify individuals at risk of SJS, allowing doctors to choose alternative medications or monitor patients more closely. Medicamap is a PGx solution that can help healthcare providers use PGx information to make informed medication decisions and improve patient safety.
Additional Resources
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Call to Action:
Learn more about Medicamap and how it can help improve medication safety.
