TKCI pioneers new treatment techniques for patients suffering from Stevens-Johnson syndrome

The Tej Kohli Cornea Institute (TKCI), in partnership with the world-renowned LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad, is pioneering new treatments for sufferers of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), which takes the lives of 20%-25% of the people it affects. SJS is a disease in which the body reacts unusually to commonly prescribed medications by forming eruptions and blisters all over the body and mucous membrane of the mouth, eye and gut. 50% -88% of the survivors suffer from eye problems to the extent that they are left blind for the rest of their lives. SJS management requires complex and specialised surgeries like amniotic membrane grafting, stem cell transplant and keratoprosthesis surgery, which surgeons at TKCI are skilled at. LVP Keratoprosthesis, was developed in house at LVPEI in Hyderabad and is now being used to treat patients of SJS.

Dr. Sayan Basu, a clinician and scientist at TKCI who has treated many cases of SJS said:

These patients require, not only medical attention, but also psychological support. At TKCI, besides providing treatment, we provide hope to patients from all over the world.

The breakthrough in the use of LVP Keratoprosthesis for SJS patients has transformed the life of Mr. Tukaram, a sufferer of SJS, who now enjoys good vision following his treatment. Through both the medical treatment and psychological support Mr. Tukaram has been able to return to his job as a construction worker. SJS had left his eyes so dry that corneal and stem cell transplantation options were impossible, so a specially designed keratoprosthesis was used.

Dr. Pravin Krishna, Director of TKCI commented:

SJS requires a gamut of specialised treatment options depending on the severity of the disease. At TKCI, we have pioneered many of these treatment techniques, and we now hope to deliver our successful treatments to more patients suffering from Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Mr Tej Kohli, Chairman of Kohli Ventures and Founder of the Tej Kohli Foundation said:

We are greatly encouraged by the LVPEI’s breakthroughs in fighting the battle against blindness caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It is another great step in our aim to eradicate corneal blindness completely by 2030.