Reye Syndrome

Topic Overview

What is Reye syndrome?

Reye syndrome is a rare but serious disease that most often affects children ages 6 to 12 years old. It can cause brain swelling and liver damage. It may be related to using aspirin to treat viral infections.

Reye syndrome can lead to brain damage, liver damage, and death. But if the disease is diagnosed and treated early, most children recover from Reye syndrome in a few weeks and have no lasting problems.

What causes Reye syndrome?

Experts don't know what causes Reye syndrome. It often happens in children who have recently had chickenpox (varicella) or flu (influenza) and who took medicines that contain aspirin.

Reye syndrome cannot be spread from child to child (is not contagious).

What are the symptoms?

Reye syndrome often starts when a child is recovering from a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox, and has been treated with aspirin products. Symptoms usually develop 3 to 7 days after the viral illness starts. The symptoms develop over several hours to a day or two.

The first symptoms may include:

• Sudden retching or vomiting.
• Lack of energy and loss of interest in things.
• Strange behavior, such as staring, irritability, personality changes, and slurred speech.
• Sleepiness.

As brain damage gets worse, other symptoms may develop, including:

• Confusion. Your child may not know where he or she is, recognize family or friends, or be able to answer simple questions.
• Rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation).
• Violent behavior, such as hitting others without reason.
• Seizures and coma.

If Reye syndrome is not treated quickly, it can cause death.

If your child has symptoms of Reye syndrome, get medical care right away. Early treatment makes full recovery more likely.

How is Reye syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about any past health problems.

Your doctor might look for Reye syndrome if:

• Your child has recently had a viral illness such as the flu or chickenpox and has taken medicine that contains aspirin.
• Your doctor sees a change in your child’s mental status (such as confusion) and has found liver problems.
• The symptoms are not caused by other diseases or problems, such as kidney failure or problems with metabolism.

Your doctor may use lab tests such as blood and urine tests, a liver biopsy, a CT scan of the head, and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

How is it treated?

Reye syndrome is always treated in a hospital, often in the intensive care unit (ICU). Your child will be watched carefully by the hospital staff. The goal is to stop damage to the brain and liver and to prevent other problems.

Your child:

• Will receive medicines to reduce brain swelling.
• May receive fluids through a vein.
• May have his or her kidney function checked by having a tube (catheter) placed in the bladder to drain urine into a collection bag.

Reye syndrome can be scary for you and your child. Remember that most children recover with no problems. To help yourself and your child feel better:

• Talk with your doctor and the hospital staff about any questions or concerns you have about your child's care.
• Stay with your child or visit often if you are not allowed to stay with your child in the ICU.
• Let your child have some favorite toys or belongings while in the hospital. This will help your child feel more secure.

Can Reye syndrome be prevented?

The most important step you can take to prevent Reye syndrome is to not give aspirin or any product that contains aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless a doctor has prescribed it.

Aspirin is found in many over-the-counter medicines. Read labels carefully before giving medicine to your child. Aspirin is also called:

• Acetyl salicylate.
• Acetylsalicylic acid.
• Salicylic acid.
• Salicylate or subsalicylate.

If your child is taking aspirin and gets chickenpox or the flu, call your doctor right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about Reye syndrome:	What is Reye syndrome? What causes it? What are the symptoms?
Being diagnosed:	How is Reye syndrome diagnosed?
Getting treatment:	How is it treated? Is there home treatment for Reye syndrome?

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: September 18, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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