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Reye syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

Specific treatment measures have not been determined. Intensive monitoring of the pressure within the brain, blood gases, and blood pH is required. Treatments may include:

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

When this illness was more common, charcoal hemoperfusion was used to filter out blood toxins. This treatment was done with some success.

Expectations (prognosis):

How well a person does depends on the severity of any coma, as well as other factors. The average death rate for patients with Reye syndrome is about 40%.

However, the outcome for those who survive an acute episode is good.

Complications:

• Permanent brain damage
• Coma

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) immediately if your child has confusion, lethargy, or other mental changes.

References:

Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases . 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004:310-311.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 656-657.

Ferri FF. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 2005 ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005:738.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:46-47.

• Review Date: 8/18/2006
• Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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