Reye's syndrome
| Reye syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Reye's syndrome |
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| Appearance of a liver from a child who died of Reye syndrome as seen with a microscope. are pale-staining due to intracellular fat droplets. | |
| Pronunciation | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | pediatrics |
| ICD-10 | G93.7 |
| ICD-9-CM | 331.81 |
| DiseasesDB | 11463 |
| MedlinePlus | 001565 |
| eMedicine | emerg/399 |
| Patient UK | Reye syndrome |
| MeSH | D012202 |
| Orphanet | 3096 |
Reye syndrome is a rapidly progressive encephalopathy. Symptoms may include vomiting, personality changes, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Even though liver toxicity typically occurs, yellowish skin usually does not. Death occurs in 20-40% of those affected and about a third of those who survive are left with a significant degree of brain damage.
The cause of Reye syndrome is unknown. It usually begins shortly after recovery from a viral infection, such as influenza or chickenpox. About 90% of cases are associated with aspirin (salicylate) use in children.Inborn errors of metabolism are also a risk factor. Changes on blood tests may include a high blood ammonia level, low blood sugar level, and prolonged prothrombin time. Often the liver is enlarged.
Prevention is typically by avoiding the use of aspirin in children. When aspirin was withdrawn for use in children a decrease of more than 90% in rates of Reye syndrome was seen. Early diagnosis improves outcomes. Treatment is supportive.Mannitol may be used to help with the brain swelling.
The first detailed description of Reye syndrome was in 1963 by Douglas Reye. Children are most commonly affected. It affects less than one in a million children a year. The general recommendation to use aspirin in children was withdrawn because of Reye syndrome, with use of aspirin only recommended in Kawasaki disease.
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