INFORMATION ON REYE'S SYNDROME

Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious disease that most often affects children 6 to 12 years old. The condition affects less than 1 in 100,000 children in the UK each year. The use of aspirin being restricted to young people over 16 has reduced the rate of Reye’s syndrome.
It seems to be related to the use of aspirin to treat some viral illnesses, such as chickenpox. Reye’s syndrome primarily targets the brain and liver. Brain swelling and chemical changes in the blood from liver damage affect the entire body. Drowsiness, confusion, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death may result. This can lead to liver failure, internal bleeding and poor blood clotting. If it is not diagnosed and treated quickly, Reye’s syndrome can lead to severe disability or death.

SYNONYMS OF REYE'S SYNDROME

Synonyms and other related keywords:-

Fatty Liver with Encephalopathy
Reye's syndrome
White liver disease
Upper respiratory tract infection
Acute no inflammatory encephalopathy,
Inborn error of metabolism

CAUSES OF REYE’S SYNDROME

Reye's syndrome is mostly caused by
Develops in children who have recently had chickenpox or flu and who have also taken medications that contain aspirin. Reye’s syndrome is not contagious.

The illness has a rapid onset and symptoms may vary greatly. Changes in mental status occur including delirium, combative behavior, and coma.

SYMPTOMS OF REYE’S SYNDROME

Symptoms are:

A history of preceding URI or chickenpox
Nausea and vomiting
Mental status changes
Lethargy
Confusion
Combative behavior
Loss of consciousness or coma may develop
Seizures
Unusual posturing
Weakness in arms or legs
Muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs
Double vision
Speech difficulties
Hearing loss

TREATMENT OF REYE'S SYNDROME

There is no cure for Reye's syndrome. Reye's Syndrome is an acute, rapidly progressive disease Successful management, which depends on early diagnosis, is primarily aimed at protecting the brain against irreversible damage by reducing brain swelling, reversing the metabolic injury, preventing complications in the lungs, and anticipating cardiac arrest. It has been learned that several inborn errors of metabolism mimic Reye's syndrome in that the first manifestation of these errors may be an encephalopathy with liver dysfunction. These disorders must be considered in all suspected cases of RS. Some evidence suggests that treatment in the end stages of RS with hypertonic IV glucose solutions may prevent progression of the syndrome.

Treatment in the early stages includes intravenous sugar to return levels to normal and plasma transfusion to restore normal clotting time. Intracranial pressure is monitored, and if elevated, is treated with intravenous mannitol and hyperventilation to constrict the blood vessels in the brain. If the pressure remains high, barbiturates may be used.