An acute and potentially fatal metabolic disorder characterized by cerebral edema, fatty liver and hypoglycemia. It occurs primarily in children and has been associated with the use of aspirin for the treatment of viral infections. However, it can also occur in the absence of aspirin use.

Symptoms of Reye's Syndrome

The following features are indicative of Reye's Syndrome:
  • diarrhea
  • rapid breathing
  • continuous vomiting
  • unusual sleepiness
  • irritable, aggressive behavior
  • seizures
  • excessive lethargy
  • decreased level of consciousness

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Common Causes of Reye's Syndrome

The following are the most common causes of Reye's Syndrome:
  • use of aspirin to treat viral illness
  • exposure to certain toxins such as insecticides, herbicides, paint thinner

Risk Factors for Reye's Syndrome

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Reye's Syndrome:
  • have fatty acid oxidation disorder
  • use of aspirin to treat viral infection

Prevention of Reye's Syndrome

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Reye's Syndrome. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • use caution when giving aspirin to a child to reduce the child's risk of catching a viral illness
  • do not take aspirin for several weeks after the child has received a varicella vaccine
  • caution should be exercised while giving aspirin to children or teenagers

Occurrence of Reye's Syndrome

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Reye's Syndrome cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Reye's Syndrome can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Reye's Syndrome can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Reye's Syndrome

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Reye's Syndrome:
  • Spinal tap: To diagnose the disease
  • Liver biopsy: To diagnose the functioning of liver
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) scan: To get the images of brain
  • Skin biopsy: To examine the fatty acid oxidation disorders

Complications of Reye's Syndrome if untreated

Yes, Reye's Syndrome causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Reye's Syndrome is left untreated:
  • can be fatal

Patient Support for Treatment of Reye's Syndrome

The following actions may help Reye's Syndrome patients:
  • Join supporting organizations: Provides information about disease, helps in coping with the disease

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Reye's Syndrome.

Related Topics

Reye Syndrome

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