Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses

Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.

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38. What is Reye's Syndrome? - Top

Reye syndrome is a disease in which there is injury to both the brain and the liver. The cause is not completely understood. It can follow Influenza B ( 1: 2000 cases of influenza B) or Chickenpox (l: 4000 cases of chickenpox). Children treated with aspirin with either Chickenpox or Influenza B show a higher risk of Reye syndrome. However, Reye syndrome can occur with no exposure to aspirin and/or no history of chickenpox or influenza.

The children present with vomiting and lethargy which then progresses to combativeness then to progressive coma and potentially to death. There is no specific treatment

Fortunately, most cases are mild and do not progress past the early stages and the children return to being completely normal.
- Updated: March 22, 2001

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