Reye syndrome is a buildup of fat and swelling in most organs. It's most harmful to the liver and brain. It is a serious but rare condition.
This problem is more common in children 2 to 16 years of age. Other things that may raise the risk are:
Symptoms often appear after a viral infection passes. They worsen with time.
Common problems are:
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked if you had a recent viral illness. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to suspect the diagnosis.
Other tests may be:
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There is no cure. Emergency care will be needed, such as monitoring vital signs and giving IV fluids.
The goal of treatment is to protect the brain and other organs from damage. Choices are:
These are used to:
Some people may need more advanced care. Choices are:
Do not give aspirin or aspirin products to a child or teen with a current or recent viral infection.
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org
National Reye's Syndrome Foundation
http://www.reyessyndrome.org
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Gallucci M, Smith JD, et al. Pediatric Inflammatory Diseases. Part IV: Miscellaneous, Reye, PRES, Sarcoidosis. Neuroradiol J. 2012 Dec 20;25(6):725-738.
Reye syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/reye-syndrome. Accessed November 30, 2020.
Reye syndrome. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/miscellaneous-disorders-in-infants-and-children/reye-syndrome. Accessed November 30, 2020.
Reye's syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Reyes-Syndrome-Information-Page. Accessed November 30, 2020.
What is Reye's syndrome? American Liver Foundation website. Available at: https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/reye-syndrome. Accessed November 30, 2020.
What is Reye's syndrome? National Reyes Syndrome website. Available at:
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Accessed November 30, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD