MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY ON-LINE |
From NIH
What is Reye's Syndrome?
Reye's syndrome (RS) is primarily a children's disease, although it can occur at
any age. It affects all organs of the body but is most harmful to the brain and
the liver--causing an acute increase of pressure within the brain and, often,
massive accumulations of fat in the liver and other organs. RS is defined as a
two-phase illness because it generally occurs in conjunction with a previous
viral infection, such as the flu or chicken pox. The disorder commonly occurs
during recovery from a viral infection, although it can also develop 3 to 5 days
after the onset of the viral illness. RS is often misdiagnosed as encephalitis,
meningitis, diabetes, drug overdose, poisoning, sudden infant death syndrome, or
psychiatric illness. Symptoms of RS include persistent or recurrent vomiting,
listlessness, personality changes such as irritability or combativeness,
disorientation or confusion, delirium, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.
If these symptoms are present during or soon after a viral illness, medical
attention should be sought immediately. The symptoms of RS in infants do not
follow a typical pattern; for example, vomiting does not always occur. The cause
of RS remains a mystery. However studies have shown that using aspirin or
salicylate-containing medications to treat viral illnesses increases the risk of
developing RS. A physician should be consulted before giving a child any aspirin
or anti-nausea medicines during a viral illness, which can mask the symptoms of
RS.
Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for RS. Successful management, which depends on early
diagnosis, is primarily aimed at protecting the brain against irreversible
damage by reducing brain swelling, reversing the metabolic injury, preventing
complications in the lungs, and anticipating cardiac arrest. It has been learned
that several inborn errors of metabolism mimic RS in that the first
manifestation of these errors may be an encephalopathy with liver dysfunction.
These disorders must be considered in all suspected cases of RS. Some evidence
suggests that treatment in the end stages of RS with hypertonic IV glucose
solutions may prevent progression of the syndrome.
What is the prognosis?
Recovery from RS is directly related to the severity of the swelling of the
brain. Some people recover completely, while others may sustain varying degrees
of brain damage. Those cases in which the disorder progresses rapidly and the
patient lapses into a coma have a poorer prognosis than those with a less severe
course. Statistics indicate that when RS is diagnosed and treated in its early
stages, chances of recovery are excellent. When diagnosis and treatment are
delayed, the chances for successful recovery and survival are severely reduced.
Unless RS is diagnosed and treated successfully, death is common, often within a
few days.
Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892