FROM
LEFT: Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole; Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba and the Chief
Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja, Dr Jaf Momoh at a News
Conference on Stephen-Johnson Syndrome in Abuja
Isaac Adewole, the Federal Minister of Health, has revealed that
there is a new disease in Nigeria which has killed a Nigerian while
another is currently undergoing treatment at the National Hospital
Abuja.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, on Friday, Mr. Adewole said the
health condition known as Stephen Johnson Syndrome (SJS) was an unusual
allergic reactions in Nigeria and some parts of Europe.
He said, “We have to find a means to communicate with
Nigerians, so they should all be aware of this dangerous disease and it
is the sole business of government to enlighten the society by trying to
increase their awareness, knowledge and to improve their quality way of
life.”
Dr. Olanrewaju Falodun a Senior Consultant Physician/Dermatologist
at the National Hospital, Abuja, shed more light on the disease and the
cases being handled in his hospital.
“Stephens Johnson Syndrome, is an immune complex mediated
hypersensitivity reaction that typically involves the skin and mucous
membranes and was first described in 1922 by Albert Stevens and Frank
Johnson,” Mr. Falodun said.
SJS is a rare and unpredictable reaction, and is also a minor form
of toxic epidermal necrolysis with less than 10 percent body surface
area involvement, the consultant said.
“SJS is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening
contagious drug reaction. Incidence of SJS is estimated between 1.1 and
7.1 cases per million per year and is more prevalent in women than men.
Incidence in Europe is two per million per year” Mr. Falodun said.
He confirmed that two cases were being treated at the Abuja
National Hospital, saying one patient already passed while the other was
still undergoing treatment.
He said the incidence was higher in Africa due to extensive use of herbal preparations and the prevalence of HIV.
He listed the symptoms of the SJS disease to include fever, sore
throat, running nose, fatigue, general aches and pains, ulcers in mouth,
genitals, anal regions as well as conjunctivitis.
The health complications, Mr. Falodun said, are pigmentation
problems, skin scarring, scarred genitals, joint pains, lung diseases,
obstructive disorders and eye complications, adhesions, ulcers, and
blindness.
He however said the cause of the disease remained unknown in a
quarter to half of cases but that self-medications appeared to be one of
its causes.
He advised Nigerians to avoid misuse of drugs, while individuals
with previous drug reactions should always inform healthcare
practitioners so that in future they would be able to predict who is at
risk of the disease using genetic screening.
Here are ways Mr. Falodun said SJS could be managed by hospitals:
1. Cessation of suspected drugs
2. Hospital Admission: Preferably in burns unit/intensive care
3. Nutritional and Fluid replacement
4. Temperature maintenance
5. Pain relief
6. Mouth-care
No comments:
Post a Comment