Reye's Syndrome

Reye's syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder that most often affects children, although it can occur at any age. It usually follows a viral infection such as the flu or chicken pox, and causes brain swelling and extensive fatty deposits in the liver and other organs.

Reye's syndrome is extremely rare in the United States , however, because parents have been warned not to give their children aspirin. The incidence ranges between 0.2 and 1.1 cases per million people under age 18.   Although experts do not know exactly what causes Reye's syndrome, research has found that using aspirin and other salicylate-containing medication during a viral infection may increases the risk of developing this serious condition. Do not give your child or teen aspirin or medicine to counteract vomiting without consulting your child's doctor.

Symptoms of Reye's syndrome usually develop while recovering from a viral illness, though they can occur three to five days after a viral infection begins. Persistent, profuse vomiting is one of the first symptoms. In infants, however, vomiting may not occur. Because symptoms of Reye's syndrome are similar to other medical problems, it is often misdiagnosed. Some medical problems it resembles include encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes and poisoning.

Treatment for Reye's syndrome must be prompt to avoid brain damage. If treatment is delayed, the chance for recovery and survival is greatly reduced and death can occur within a few days. Fewer than 10 percent of those who develop Reye's syndrome recover completely. Most have some degree of brain injury and lung and heart problems.

What to Do

To prevent Reye's syndrome, do not give your child or teen aspirin or medicine to counteract vomiting (anti-nausea) without consulting your child's doctor. Seek immediate medical care if your child has any of the signs or symptoms of Reye's syndrome.