Search
Reye's syndrome
Reye's syndrome is an acquired encephalopathy of young children that follows an acute febrile illness, usually influenza or varicella infection.
Etiology:
1) idiopathic
2) aspirin or salicylates during a viral infection increase risk of Rye syndrome
Epidemiology:
-> occus primarily in children, although may occur at any age
Pathology:
1) increased intracranial pressure
2) fat accumulation in liver & other organs
3) affects all organs of the body
Clinical manifestations:
1) occurs during recovery phase of viral infection
-> may occur 3-5 days after onset of viral infection
2) recurrent vomiting
3) agitation
4) lethargy
5) convulsions
6) coma with increased intracranial pressure may ensue
Laboratory:
1) serum ammonia is increased
2) serum transaminases are elevated.
Differential diagnosis:
1) encephalitis
2) meningitis
3) diabetes
4) drug overdose
5) poisoning
6) sudden infant death syndrome
7) psychiatric illness
8) inborn error of metabolism
Complications:
1) death may result from edema of the brain & resulting cerebral herniation
2) cardiopulmonary arrest
Management:
1) avoid aspirin; may mask symptoms of Rye syndrome
2) hypertonic IV glucose may prevent progression of late-stage Rye syndrome
General
syndrome
encephalopathy
liver disease
References
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995
- NINDS Reye's Syndrome Information Page
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Reyes-Syndrome-Information-Page