Reye Syndrome
Definition
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.
Risk Factors TOP
This problem is more common in children 2 to 16 years of age. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Using aspirin or aspirin-based products, mainly in children who have a viral infection
- Having a recent viral illness such as:
- Exposure to certain toxins
Symptoms TOP
Symptoms often appear after a viral infection passes. They worsen with time.
Common problems are:
- Repeated vomiting
- Feeling tired and sleepy
- Personality changes
- Confusion
- Speaking problems
- Sensing something that is not real, such as seeing things that are not there
- Rapid or deep breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Problems breathing
Diagnosis TOP
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:
- Blood tests
- Lumbar puncture—to test the fluid around the brain and spinal cord
- CT scan of the brain
- MRI scan of the brain
- Liver biopsy—samples are taken and looked at in a lab
Lumbar PunctureCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Treatment TOP
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:
Medicine
These are used to:
- Ease inflammation
- Lower pressure of fluid in the brain
- Prevent seizures
- Lower blood ammonia levels
Advanced Care
Some people may need more advanced care. Choices are:
- Mechanical ventilation to help with breathing
- Surgery to lower pressure in the brain
Prevention TOP
Do not give aspirin or aspirin products to a child or teen with a current or recent viral infection.
RESOURCES:
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org
National Reye's Syndrome Foundation
http://www.reyessyndrome.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
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:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 30, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 4/23/2021