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Reye's Syndrome
Reye's syndrome, first described in 1963, refers to a disease process which is thought to be a neurologic complication associated with a viral illness in children (e.g. influenza and chicken pox). The use of aspirin, in children with a viral illness (influenza A), has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of Reye's syndrome. The exact mechanism by which aspirin plays a role in this disease is unclear. The classic age group for this disease is between 6 and 11 years. In Reye's syndrome there is destruction of the cells in the brain and liver and its cause remains unknown.
FINDINGS CONSISTENT WITH REYE'S SYNDROME
1. CHANGE IN MENTAL STATUS (combativeness, lethargy, irritability)
2. RIGHT UPPER QUADRANT ABDOMINAL PAIN
3. PRODROMAL VIRAL ILLNESS (FLU ILLNESS OR CHICKEN POX)
4. OCCASIONAL SEIZURES
Evaluation will include; blood tests (i.e. liver profile, blood counts, blood chemistry, kidney profile) and urinalysis. A CT-scan of the head may be necessary to rule out mental status changes secondary to head injury. Treatment requires the patient to be hospitalized under the expert care of a Pediatrician and a Neurologist. Treatment will include IV fluids, supportive care, and, in some cases, assisted mechanical ventilation (coma patient). The overall mortality rate is approximately 25%.
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