Reye's syndrome

Introduction

Reye's syndrome is an acquired encephalopathy of young children that follows an acute febrile illness, usually influenza or varicella infection.

Etiology

• idiopathic
• aspirin or salicylates during a viral infection increase risk of Rye syndrome

Epidemiology

• occus primarily in children, although may occur at any age

Pathology

• increased intracranial pressure
• fat accumulation in liver & other organs
• affects all organs of the body

Clinical manifestations

• occurs during recovery phase of viral infection
  • may occur 3-5 days after onset of viral infection
• recurrent vomiting
• agitation
• lethargy
• convulsions
• coma with increased intracranial pressure may ensue

Laboratory

• serum ammonia is increased
• serum transaminases are elevated.

Complications

• death may result from edema of the brain & resulting cerebral herniation
• cardiopulmonary arrest

Differential diagnosis

• encephalitis
• meningitis
• diabetes
• drug overdose
• poisoning
• sudden infant death syndrome
• psychiatric illness
• inborn error of metabolism

Management

• avoid aspirin; may mask symptoms of Rye syndrome
• hypertonic IV glucose may prevent progression of late-stage Rye syndrome

More general terms

• syndrome
• encephalopathy
• liver disease

Patient information

Rye syndrome patient information