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Reye's Syndrome
DefinitionThis syndrome involves brain damage (encephalopathy) and liver damage of an unknown cause. It is associated with the use of aspirin in children to treat chickenpox or influenza.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Reye's syndrome is most often seen in children from 4 to 12 years old, with a peak incidence at age 6. It is often associated with children who are given aspirin-containing medicines while they have either chickenpox (varicella) or the flu (influenza).
The illness has a rapid onset and symptoms may vary greatly. Changes in mental status occur including delirium, combative behavior, and coma.
Typically, Reye's syndrome follows an upper respiratory infection or chickenpox by about a week. It frequently begins with vomiting, which is persistent over many hours.
The vomiting is rapidly followed by irritable and combative behavior. As the condition progresses, the child may become semi-conscious or stuporous. Ultimately, seizures and coma develop, which can quickly lead to death.
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• Definition
• Reye's Syndrome Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Reye's Syndrome Symptoms & Signs
• Reye's Syndrome Prevention
• Reye's Syndrome Diagnosis & Tests
• Reye's Syndrome Treatment
• Reye's Syndrome Prognosis
• Reye's Syndrome Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Chickenpox
• Common Cold
• Hypoglycemia
Tests & Exams
• Ammonium Ion
• CHEM-20
• Cranial CT Scan
• CSF Collection
• Liver Biopsy
• Liver Function Tests
• MRI of the Head
Other Topics
• Acute
• Confusion
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Decerebrate Posture
• Electrolytes
• Fatigue
• Hearing Loss
• Incidence
• Intravenous
• Muscle Function Loss
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Respiratory
• Seizures
• Speech Impairment (Adult)
• Swelling
• Vision Problems
• Weakness
Review Date : 7/30/2002
Reviewed By : Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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