What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Adult Reye's Syndrome
• Fatty Liver with Encephalopathy
• Reye Syndrome

What is Reye's Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

• Reye's Syndrome is a rare, but potentially deadly disorder, mostly affecting children and teens
• The syndrome can seriously damage vital organs of the body, such as the liver and brain. Almost all organs are at risk for damage, during the course of illness
• The exact cause of Reye's Syndrome is currently unknown. However, there seems to be an association with the use of aspirin and other salicylate-containing medications

Reye's Syndrome has two components (two-phase illness):

• First phase generally consists of a viral infection, such as flu virus infection, common cold, or chicken pox
• In the next phase, the syndrome typically develops after 5-7 days; when it appears that the individual is starting to recover from the above-mentioned viral illnesses

Who gets Reye's Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Reye's Syndrome generally affects children and teens (mostly between 4-14 years), but even adults may be affected
• Both male and females sexes are equally predisposed to the condition
• The syndrome occurs worldwide; no specific racial or ethnic background preference, is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Reye's Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

• Reye's Syndrome follows a viral infection; therefore, there could be a higher incidence of the syndrome, during the flu season (January, February, and March). However, the disorder may occur during other times of the year too

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Reye's Syndrome? (Etiology)

• The exact cause for Reye's Syndrome is currently unknown
• However, researchers have found a link between development of the syndrome and the use of aspirin and other salicylate containing medications. Both, oral and topical salicylate-containing products have been linked to its development
• Reye's Syndrome is not contagious, which means that it cannot be transmitted from one person to another

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Reye's Syndrome?

The signs and symptoms of Reye’s syndrome can be classified into 4-stages and they include the following. Not all individuals may have the complete list of symptoms described below:

Stage I –

• Persistent or continuous vomiting
• Listlessness
• Loss of energy and peppiness
• Drowsiness

Stage II –

• Irritability, aggressive behavior
• Lethargy, mental numbness
• Blank/vacant staring

Stage III –

• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Irrational/combative behavior
• Screaming

Stage IV –

• Agitated delirium
• Decerebrate rigidity (rigid extension of arms and legs due to the brain being affected)
• Convulsions
• Coma

It is important to note that the pattern of signs and symptoms in infants may be different, than those seen in teens and adults. In infants, diarrhea (with or without vomiting), irregular breathing, enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and seizures, may be prominent symptoms; these may, or may not accompanied by fever.

How is Reye's Syndrome Diagnosed?

Reye's Syndrome is a rare disorder. Many a times, it is confused with other illnesses, such as infection of brain (encephalitis, meningitis), complication of diabetes, drug overdose due to salicylates, food poisoning, and sudden infant death syndrome. In some cases, the brain symptoms may resemble other psychiatric illnesses too. Hence, the healthcare provider should have a high index of suspicion in order to promptly diagnose the condition.

A diagnosis of Reye’s Syndrome is made as follows:

• Complete medical history and a thorough physical examination
• Blood glucose test may reveal a low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)
• Liver function blood test may show increased liver enzymes indicating live damage; although, the infant may not have yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Reye's Syndrome?

Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, Reye’s Syndrome can be deadly. The long-term complications include organ damage, such as liver and brain damage.

How is Reye's Syndrome Treated?

Reye's Syndrome is treated as follows:

• Initially, the patient is stabilized using fluid maintenance by correcting dehydration (glucose may be administered intravenously) and providing oxygen treatment
• Once the patient is stable, he/she may be transferred to a tertiary (highly-specialized) medical center, such as a teaching hospital

How can Reye's Syndrome be Prevented?

• Prevention of Reye’s Syndrome may be achieved through early diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment
• Avoid aspirin during viral infections

What is the Prognosis of Reye's Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• With prompt diagnosis and treatment the prognoses in a majority of the cases are excellent, with complete recovery
• However, if the syndrome is diagnosed during its later stages, then the prognosis is guarded, even with treatment
• Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, Reye’s Syndrome may result in death

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Reye's Syndrome:

The following information on Myths & Reality was generated from http://www.reyessyndrome.org/aspirinlists.html

Myth: Aspirin Masks are good for the face!

Reality: Not if you are under the age of 19! Salicylates are in so many products; many people are getting overdosed on salicylate, just by using everyday products in their homes. And if you have acne, or a cut in the skin, now you are exposing that aspirin to the blood stream.

Myth: Aspirin is good for a hangover!

Reality: It is has been proven that aspirin actually increases the alcohol reaction in the blood stream - not good! Especially if you are under the age of 19! You risk triggering a case of Reye's Syndrome!

Myth: If it is organic, and natural, like Willow Bark, it has to be good for you!

Reality: In 2009, China finally mandated the Reye's Syndrome Warning on all salicylate containing products after losing seven children to Reye's Syndrome in the space of several weeks. The children had been given willow bark tea for fever. Willow is pure salicylate, and aspirin was first derived from this plant until it was synthesized and produced chemically. Salicylate is just as deadly whether it is organic, herbal, or chemical!