Reye's Syndrome

What is Reye's syndrome?

• Reye's syndrome (RS) is a problem with body cells. A part of the cell called mitochondria make energy, and must work well for a cell to live and function. Reye's syndrome is a condition where this part of the cells in your child's body do not work well. Reye's syndrome damages the cells in your child's organs, especially his liver and brain. The liver is an organ found in the upper part of your child's abdomen (belly), under his lungs. The liver makes chemicals which are needed for different body functions, such as breaking down food. The liver also removes harmful wastes, medicines, and other unwanted things from your child's blood. Your child's brain controls his body functions, such as thinking and learning.
  
  
• Reye's syndrome can lead to liver failure, brain swelling and other medical problems. If RS is found and treated quickly, your child may recover and have no long-lasting medical problems. In some cases, RS can result in lasting problems with how your child's liver works, behavior problems and learning delays.

What causes Reye's syndrome?

Caregivers are not sure what causes RS. RS can happen as a child is getting better after having a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox. Giving your child aspirin when he is sick increases his risk for getting RS. RS does not occur as often as it has in the past because fewer children are being given aspirin. Aspirin is medicine used to decrease pain and a fever. Even without a recent viral infection, your child can get RS after taking some other medicines.

What are the signs and symptoms of Reye's syndrome?

Signs and symptoms usually appear when your child begins to get better after having the flu or chickenpox. Your child may have any of the following:

• Convulsions (seizures).
  
  
• Being confused, irritable, or fussy.
  
  
• Breathing that is not regular and even.
  
  
• Feeling very sleepy most of the time, and being hard to wake up.
  
  
• Loss of consciousness (fainting).
  
  
• Seeing things that are not there.
  
  
• Vomiting (throwing up).

How is Reye's syndrome diagnosed?

Your child's caregiver may ask about your child and your family's past health conditions. He will ask what symptoms your child has and how bad they get. Tell your child's caregiver about all of the medicines that your child has taken in the past or is taking now. This includes over-the-counter, herbal, folk, or other medicines, or vitamins. There is no single test that will tell caregivers that your child has RS. Many tests many need to be done before caregivers know that your child has it. Your child may need one or more of the following tests:

• Blood tests: Your child may need blood tests to give caregivers information about how his body is working. The blood may be taken from your child's arm, hand, finger, foot, heel, or IV.
  
  
• Computed tomography scan: This is also called a CT scan. A special x-ray machine with a computer takes pictures of your child's brain and head. Your child may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye may help your child's caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish, or has any other allergies.
  
  
• Liver biopsy: This is a procedure where a small piece of your child's liver is removed. This piece is then sent to a lab for tests. Caregivers will clean an area of skin above your child's liver. Caregivers will put numbing medicine into your child's skin to decrease pain. A long thin needle will be pushed through his skin and into his liver. A small piece of his liver will be collected.
  
  
• Lumbar puncture: This procedure may also be called a spinal tap. A small needle is placed into your child's lower back. Fluid will be removed from around your child's spinal cord and sent to the lab for tests. The test is done to check for bleeding around your child's brain and spinal cord, and for infection. This procedure may also be done to take pressure off your child's brain and spinal cord, or to give medicine. Your child may need to be held in place so that he does not move during the procedure.

How is Reye's syndrome treated?

The goal of treatment is to decrease swelling in your child's body, and prevent damage to his brain, liver, and other organs. Treatment may also be given to remove harmful chemicals in your child's body. Your child may need fluids and medicine through an IV tube placed in his vein. He may need an endotracheal tube put in his airway to help him breathe. He may need a nasogastric tube put in to feed him. He may need a monitor placed to watch for brain swelling. Your child may also need any of the following:

• Dialysis: This procedure removes extra water, chemicals, and waste products from your child's blood. A dialyzer or dialysis machine is used for the procedure. The dialysis machine removes wastes by passing your child's blood through a special filter. It then returns the blood back to your child. Your child may also be given medicines or have blood taken for tests during dialysis.
  
  
• Medicines:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight an infection caused by germs.
    
    
  • Diuretics: This medicine is given to help your child's body get rid of extra fluid. This can help decrease swelling in his brain and prevent damage. This medicine makes your child urinate more often.
    
    
  • Stool softeners: Stool softeners make your child have bowel movements more often. This will help to remove harmful chemicals out of his body.

How can Reye's syndrome be prevented?

• Ask your child's caregiver about vaccinations: Infections such as the flu and chickenpox may be prevented by vaccines. Vaccines are shots given by a caregiver to help prevent certain illnesses. Preventing infections can decrease the risk that your child will get Reye's syndrome.
  
  
• Do not give your child aspirin, or medicines that contain aspirin: Always read the label on medicine before giving it to your child. Call your child's caregiver if you do not know if a medicine is safe. Tell other people about the danger of giving aspirin to children.
  
  
• Do not give your child herbal, folk, or over the counter medicine: Do not give your child any medicine unless caregivers tell you to. Medicine that is not ordered or suggested by your child's caregiver may contain the same medicine as aspirin. These products can cause Reye's syndrome.

When should I call my child's caregiver?

Call your child's caregiver if:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child does not want to eat.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition, medicines, or care.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your child becomes very hard to wake up.
  
  
• Your child has a convulsion (seizure).
  
  
• Your child is confused and becomes very irritable.
  
  
• Your child is throwing up often.
  
  
• Your child's tummy is painful and swollen.

Where can I find support and more information?

• National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, Inc
  Phone: 1- 800 - 233-7393
  Web Address: http://www.reyessyndrome.org
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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