Reye syndrome also called Reye’s syndrome, is a rare but serious health condition that primarily affects the liver and causes swelling of the brain. The illness is seen mostly in infants and children and can happen after a chronic episode of a viral infection which in most cases is influenza or chickenpox.

This syndrome may also develop due to a chronic upper respiratory infection such as a common cold or after the onset of any viral-borne infection. Symptoms of Reye's syndrome may usually begin after about 5 to 6 days of the primary illness. While the exact cause of Reye's syndrome is unknown, there can be several factors that can cause this health disorder.
Reye syndrome

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Causes Of Reye syndrome

Besides several unknown causes or a sudden bout of chicken pox or some flu, the use of aspirin (to treat the infection) is one of the causes that can trigger Reye's syndrome. In some cases, the symptoms of Reye's syndrome are also noticed due to an underlying metabolic disorder. Such as the MCAD (medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase) deficiency.

MCAD disorders are a group of genetically inherited metabolic disorders in which the body is unable to break down fatty acids due to a missing or dysfunctional enzyme in the body. In people with a fatty acid oxidation disorder, aspirin can become a trigger point for Reye's syndrome. The problem of fatty acid oxidation disorder is usually identified through a screening test.

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Reye Syndrome Symptoms

The following symptoms are observed when a person is diagnosed with this problem:

  • Blood sugar levels drop drastically
  • The levels of ammonia and acidity in the blood tend to rise
  • There is severe inflammation in the liver with an accumulation of fats
  • Severe swelling starts to occur in the brain
  • Episodes of seizures or convulsions
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chronic diarrhea in case of infants and children
  • Breathing becomes rapid
  • Uncontrolled vomiting
  • Irritable, or aggressive behavior
  • Weakness in the arms and legs
  • Excessive sluggishness
  • A decreased level of consciousness

Diagnosing And Treatment Of Reye Syndrome

To save the life of the child diagnosed with this serious health problem, an early diagnosis, and timely treatment of Reye's syndrome are extremely important. If the infant or child displays any above-mentioned symptoms more so, after being infected with chicken pox or flu vomits repeatedly, is sluggish, or has abrupt behavior changes, the action should be prompt. The child should be immediately put on an initial treatment plan. While there is no set or specific treatment for Reye's syndrome, the doctors focus on reducing symptoms and preventing complications. Besides intravenous administration of medicines for the treatment of fever or pain, electrolytes, and fluids are given at regular intervals to balance the level of salts, minerals, and glucose in the blood. Diuretics are also given to let the body shed excess fluid and alleviate and reduce swelling of the brain.

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Complications

Lack of proper and timely diagnosis can cause serious complications arising from this disease. Generally, if the ailment is identified on time, most children and teenagers who have Reye's syndrome will survive. However, if it is not diagnosed in time, varying degrees of permanent damage to the brain is possible. In some cases, Reye's syndrome can also be fatal.

Prevention

One of the best ways to avoid Reye Syndrome is to avoid the attack of viral illnesses, which in this case is chicken pox, flu, or influenza. Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine and a yearly flu vaccine for any child are a must that can help prevent Reye's syndrome. Aspirin is one of the main causes, therefore one should be careful when giving aspirin to children or even to teenagers, specifically when they are recovering from chickenpox or flu. If the child needs to take aspirin, his or her vaccines should be current. This also includes aspirin and other medicines that contain aspirin in little amounts as well. Newborns should be screened for fatty acid oxidation disorders to determine if they are at greater risk of developing Reye's syndrome. Safe pain relievers and fever reducers should be given to control fever and prevent brain damage due to levels of fever reaching dangerously high levels.