Reye's Syndrome

Overview

Reye's Syndrome is a life-threatening illness that causes swelling of the brain and damages the liver and other organs in the body. It peaked in 1980 with some 600 cases diagnosed in North America. The number of cases dropped by more than 90 per cent after researchers demonstrated an association between the illness and aspirin use during a preceding respiratory tract or chicken pox infection. Today Reye's Syndrome is very rare.

Cause

The exact cause of Reye's Syndrome is unknown. However it typically occurs when a person is beginning to recover from a viral illness such as the flu a cold or chicken pox. The use of aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) to treat a fever has been strongly linked with the development of the disease which is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver and other organs. There is also a severe increase in pressure in the brain. For this reason it is sometimes misdiagnosed as encephalitis or meningitis. Reye's Syndrome is fatal in 20 to 30 percent of all cases and can cause permanent brain damage in those who survive. An early diagnosis is crucial to a successful recovery.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Reye's Syndrome may include:

  • Lingering or returning symptoms of the original illness
  • Personality changes such as hyperactivity aggression confusion and anxiety
  • Unusual sleepiness or lethargy
  • Frequent vomiting and/or dry-heaving convulsions and delirium possibly leading to a coma

    If your child has any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or go to your hospital's emergency department.

    Treatment

    Sometimes when Reye's Syndrome is suspected it turns out to be nothing more than a lingering flu-like illness. But if your child does have Reye's he or she will have to receive immediate intensive medical care.

    In Reye's syndrome the level of ammonia and acidity in the blood typically rises while the level of sugar drops. At the same time the liver may swell and develop fat deposits. Swelling also may occur in the brain and can cause seizures or convulsions. Reye's syndrome can eventually lead to a coma and brain death.

    While there is no specific treatment for Reye's Syndrome drugs are usually administered to reduced swelling in the brain. Intravenous fluids such as glucose are used to increase low blood sugar and Vitamin K and electrolyte solutions containing sodium potassium and chloride are used to restore normal blood chemistry. In advanced cases the patient may have to be placed on a ventilator to help with breathing.

    Prevention

    Both government and manufacturers have taken action to educate the public about Reye's Syndrome. Regulations under the Canada's Food and Drugs Act now require manufacturers to label all over-the-counter products that have ASA with a warning about the dangers of giving ASA to a child or teenagers. ASA products are given to children only for relief of pain and not for fever. The Food and Drugs Act regulations do not allow products containing ASA to be advertised for use by children or teenagers.

    If your child has a fever you can bring down the temperature while minimizing the risk of Reye's Syndrome if you:

    • Never give aspirin or any drug containing ASA to a child particularly if he or she has the flu or chicken pox before consulting your doctor. Instead use other drugs that help relieve fever such as acetaminophen.
    • Give them plenty of liquids to drink preferably water flat ginger ale diluted apple juice or other sugared drinks. Avoid milk carbonated drinks and tart drinks such as orange cranberry and grapefruit juice. They might upset the child's stomach.
    • Remove any extra covers and clothing and keep the room temperature around 18 degrees Celsius (about 64 degrees Fahrenheit).
    • Bathe or sponge the child with lukewarm water.
    • If the fever does not come down consult your family doctor.
    • Never try to treat a feverish child under a year old without the advice of your doctor.
    • Make sure that teenagers are also aware of the dangers of Reye's Syndrome and how to prevent it.
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