Reye syndrome: MedlinePlus Mobile Medical Encyclopedia

Reye syndrome is sudden (acute) brain damage and liver function problems of unknown cause.

The syndrome has occurred in children who have been given aspirin when they have chicken pox or the flu. Reye syndrome has become very uncommon since aspirin is no longer recommended for routine use in children.

Causes
Reye syndrome is most often seen in children ages 4 - 12. Most cases that occur with chickenpox are in children ages 5 - 9. Cases that occur with the flu are usually in children ages 10 - 14.

Symptoms
Children with Reye syndrome get sick very suddenly. The syndrome often begins with vomiting, which lasts for many hours. The vomiting is quickly followed by irritable and aggressive behavior. As the condition gets worse, the child may be unable to stay awake and alert.

Other symptoms of Reye syndrome:

Confusion
Lethargy
Loss of consciousness or coma
Mental changes
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Unusual placement of arms and legs (decerebrate posture) -- the arms are extended straight and turned toward the body, the legs are held straight, and the toes are pointed downward

Other symptoms that can occur with this disorder include:

Double vision
Hearing loss
Muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs
Speech difficulties
Weakness in the arms or legs

Exams and Tests
The following tests may be used to diagnose Reye syndrome:

Treatment
There is no specific treatment for this condition. The health care provider will monitor the pressure in the brain, blood gases, and blood acid-base balance (pH).

Treatments may include:

Breathing support (a breathing machine may be needed during a deep coma)
Fluids by IV to provide electrolytes and glucose
Steroids to reduce swelling in the brain

Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on the severity of any coma, as well as other factors.

The outcome for those who survive an acute episode may be good.

Possible Complications

Coma
Permanent brain damage
Seizures

Untreated, seizures and coma may be life-threatening.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) immediately if your child has confusion, lethargy, or other mental changes.

Prevention
Never give a child aspirin unless told to do so by your doctor.

When a child must take aspirin, take care to reduce the child's risk of catching a viral illness such as the flu and chickenpox. Avoid aspirin for several weeks after the child has received a varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

Note: Other over-the-counter medications, such as Pepto-Bismol and substances with oil of wintergreen also contain aspirin compounds called salicylates. Do not give these to a child who has a cold or fever.

References
Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases . 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004:310-311.

Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003:656-657.

Ferri FF. Reye’s syndrome. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2011. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:section 1.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:46-47.

Michaels MG. Reye syndrome. In: Long SS, Pickering LK, Prober CG, eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2003:chap 50.

Johnston MV. Encephalopathies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE,Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 19th ed. Philadelphia ,Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 591.

Update Date: 8/1/2012
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.