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Reye's Syndrome - Reye's Syndrome symptom, treatment, causes

Reye's Syndrome is a rare disorder characterised by brain damage and fatty infiltration of the liver and sometimes other organs (such as pancreas, heart, kidneys, spleen and lymph glands). The syndrome tends to develop about a week after some viral illnesses (including the common cold, influenza and chickenpox) and seldom occurs over the age of 18, though occasional cases have been reported in elderly people. The cause is uncertain, but use of aspirin for the viral illness may increase the risk, which is why paracetamol is now recommended for children with fever.

Reye's syndrome is a potentially fatal disease that causes numerous detrimental effects to many organs, especially the brain and liver. Reye's Syndrome usually occurs during recovery from a viral infection. The condition can raise the level of ammonia and acidity in the blood, and make the sugar level drop. It can make the brain swell, so that it stops working properly. Fat can build up in the liver and other organs and the liver can become inflamed. This can lead to liver failure, internal bleeding and poor blood clotting. If it is not diagnosed and treated quickly, Reye's syndrome can lead to severe disability or death. The cause of Reye's syndrome is not fully understood, but it usually only affects children who have recently had a viral infection such as chickenpox, German measles (rubella), herpes or influenza. Children under 16 should not take aspirin. Reye's syndrome occurs most often in children between the age of 5 and 15. The condition affects less than 1 in 100,000 children in the UK each year. The use of aspirin being restricted to young people over 16 has reduced the rate of Reye's syndrome.

Reye's syndrome almost always affects children and teenagers. The cause of Reye's syndrome is not fully understood. In almost all cases, it follows a viral illness, such as a cold (see common cold entry), the flu (see influenza entry), or chickenpox (see chickenpox entry). It was first discovered in the early 1970s. The number of cases of Reye's syndrome rose slowly until 1980. In that year, 555 cases of the disorder were diagnosed. Researchers had learned at that point that children who are given aspirin are at risk for Reye's syndrome. Doctors began to warn parents against the use of aspirin with sick children. As a result of those warnings, the number of cases of Reye's syndrome began to fall. By the late 1990s the condition was very rare in the United States. Reye's syndrome is sometimes confused with other nervous-system disorders. The reason for this confusion is that many doctors have never seen a case of Reye's syndrome. They may diagnose a patient with encephalitis, diabetes, poisoning, or some other condition by mistake. The actual number of cases of Reye's syndrome may therefore be somewhat higher than the official total.

Causes of Reye's Syndrome

The common Causes of Reye's Syndrome :

• The cause of Reye's syndrome is unknown.
• Chickenpox.
• Herpes.
• Mumps.
• Flu.
• Colds.

Symptoms of Reye's Syndrome

These begin with uncontrollable vomiting and changes in mental state that may start with lethargy and memory loss and progress to confusion, disorientation, delirium, seizures and coma. Other symptoms that may develop include HEART FAILURE, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, abnormal bleeding, and abdominal pain from inflammation of the pancreas. Some common Symptoms of Reye's Syndrome :

• Seizures.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• irritability or combativeness.
• loss of consciousness.
• Confusion.
• Combative behavior.
• Lethargy.
• Mental status changes.

Treatment of Reye's Syndrome

There is no specific treatment, but early diagnosis and admission to hospital improve the outlook. Thirty years ago more than 60 per cent of patients died. Today, with improved diagnosis, intensive care and life support, go per cent survive. The outlook is worse if seizures, progressively deep coma or breathing problems develop.

• Insulin .
• Corticosteroids.
• Fluids by IV to provide electrolytes and glucose.
• Breathing support (a breathing machine may be needed during a deep coma)
• Diuretics .
• Steroids to reduce swelling in the brain .