A new study shows that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMX) may cause a seasonal variation to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) in younger patients. TMX is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

The study, which was conducted by scientists at the Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, was conducted to figure out whether a seasonal variation of SJS and TENS exists. Researchers also wanted to be able to define the characteristics that made the seasonal variation different.

The study included a review of 50 patients who had developed either SJS or TENS between 1995 and 2007. The cases were analyzed for any differences that could make each patient’s case a part of the suspected seasonal variant. However, since the study was based on data about patients and not the patients themselves, the research is not wholly conclusive. That said, the data in the charts proved that it is possible.

That conclusion was based on data that showed that TMX was the medication that caused 26 percent of the patients to develop the disease. The data also demonstrated that the cases that were linked to TMX increased steadily (by 53 percent) in the spring as opposed to the other seasons. The increases were mostly occurring in the younger patients, which led researchers to believe that it is possible that younger patients are more likely to develop SJS or TENS after taking TMX in the springtime.

If you or your child has developed SJS or TENS as a result of using TMX, contact SJS attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at helping families like yours recover money for their injuries.