Reye's Syndrome

Reye's syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs after a viral infection. It results in sudden and severe decline in brain and liver function.

What is going on in the body?

Reye's syndrome can occur in individuals of any age following a viral illness. However, it is most common in children between the ages of 4 and 12. Studies have linked the syndrome to the use of aspirin by children who had chickenpox or other viral illnesses. Now children under the age of 19 are rarely given aspirin, and there are few cases reported each year.

It is not known how aspirin and certain viral infections change the way the body functions. It is known that damage occurs to the mitochondria, the tiny organs in each cell that control cell energy and breathing. Autopsies of people with Reye's syndrome have shown significant fatty buildup in liver and brain cells.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Reye's syndrome can develop in a person who hasn't taken aspirin. However, most individuals with the disease have recently used medicines containing aspirin or other salicylates. Viral infections associated with Reye's syndrome include the following:

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Reye's syndrome can be broken down into two phases. First, a person has a viral infection, such as a cold, chickenpox, or flu. The second phase starts when symptoms of Reye's syndrome occur during recovery from the viral illness. Symptoms can also start 3 to 5 days after the viral illness begins.

A staging system for this disorder has been developed. Stages 1 to 3 represent mild to moderate illness. There is swelling in the brain and involvement of other body systems. Stages 4 and 5 represent severe illness, with increased intracranial pressure.

An individual can progress from stages 1 to 5 quickly, sometimes in less than 24 hours. Stage 1 has the best outcome; stage 5 has the worst. Most people with Reye's syndrome will have a mild illness without serious brain problems.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Reye's syndrome begins with a medical history and physical exam. Blood tests and a liver biopsy can confirm Reye's syndrome.

Some children with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis must be treated long term with medicines that contain aspirin. These children should receive the chickenpox and flu vaccines to reduce their risk of developing Reye's syndrome.

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Children under the age of 19 should not be given medicines containing aspirin or other salicylates, unless prescribed by the healthcare provider. Parents should read medicine labels carefully and avoid those that list salicylates or salicylic acid. Adolescents should also be taught to read labels. Salicylates are commonly found in the following types of medicines:

Acetaminophen is a safe alternative for relief of fever or pain.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Children who do not progress beyond stage 1 disease generally have a complete, rapid recovery. Those who progress to stages 4 and 5 may die or develop permanent, severe disabilities including communication\ \education, including reading, writing, and basic math\ \motor function\ \personal care, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting\ \social skills\ \thinking skills, such as decision making, problem solving, and self-direction\ \working\ ',CAPTION,'Mental Retardation');" onmouseout="return nd();">mental retardation. Individuals diagnosed and treated early have a 90% survival rate. Late diagnosis lowers the survival rate to only 10%. Overall, 52% of the people diagnosed with Reye's syndrome die. As a rule, infants have a poorer outcome than older children with Reye's syndrome.

What are the risks to others?

Reye's syndrome is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the disease?

There is no specific cure for Reye's syndrome. The goal of all treatment is to build up the strength of the child. Treatments include the following:

How is the disease monitored?

Survivors of Reye's syndrome should be followed closely for evidence of communication\ \education, including reading, writing, and basic math\ \motor function\ \personal care, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting\ \social skills\ \thinking skills, such as decision making, problem solving, and self-direction\ \working\ ',CAPTION,'Mental Retardation');" onmouseout="return nd();">mental retardation. Learning disabilities may not become apparent until the child is in school. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:John Wegmann, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:04/30/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:08/20/01

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