Reye’s syndrome is a rare and serious, often fatal disease that causes inflammation of the brain and rapid accumulation of fat in the liver. The disease usually develops in nausea, vomiting, confusion or delirium.
The causes of Reye’s syndrome are related to certain viruses, such as influenza or chickenpox viruses, and the use of aspirin or salicylate-derived medications to treat fever in children with these infections. Excessive use of acetaminophen can also trigger the onset of Reye’s syndrome.
- Reye’s syndrome mainly affects children between the age of 4 and 12 and is most common in winter when the number of viral diseases increases.
- Adults may also have Reye’s syndrome and the risk increases if there are cases of Reye’s syndrome in the family.
Reye’s syndrome can be cured if diagnosed early and treatment involves reducing symptoms of the disease and controlling inflammation of the brain and liver.
Symptoms of Reye’s syndrome may include
Reyes syndrome is diagnosed by analyzing the child’s symptoms, liver biopsy or lumbar puncture; Reyes syndrome can be mistaken for encephalitis, meningitis, poisoning or liver failure.
Treatment of Reyes syndrome involves controlling the functions of the child’s heart, lungs, liver and brain, as well as immediate suspension of aspirin or acetylsalic acid-related medications.
Fluids containing electrolytes and glucose should be administered intravenously to maintain the balance of body function and vitamin K to prevent bleeding. Some medications, such as mannitol, corticosteroids, or glycerol, are also indicated to reduce pressure inside the brain.
The cure for Reye’s syndrome depends on inflammation of the brain, but once diagnosed early, patients can fully recover from the disease. In the most severe cases, people may suffer injuries for the rest of their lives or even die.