Description
Reye's syndrome is a sudden illness in which there is brain swelling and poor liver function. It occurs most commonly in children and teenagers after a viral infection, particularly when the child has been treated with aspirin. Children and teenagers recovering from a flu-like illness or chicken pox should never use aspirin. The disease is now rare but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent death.
Symptoms
Persistent vomiting, irritable and aggressive behavior, weakness, double vision, lethargy, confusion, headache, seizure, coma, death.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Multiple tests and imaging studies will be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms. There is no specific test to diagnose Reyes syndrome.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Clotting studies, CT Scan, Lipase, Lumbar puncture (LP), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Liver biopsy, ammonia level
Specialists:
Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Multiple tests and imaging studies will be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms. There is no specific test to diagnose Reyes syndrome.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Clotting studies, CT Scan, Lipase, Lumbar puncture (LP), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Liver biopsy, ammonia level
Specialists:
Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for this condition. The pressure in the brain will be monitored as well as the body chemistry. Many patients will need a machine to support their breathing. Medications to prevent seizures and blood products to reduce bleeding may be needed. Medicines that increase urination called diuretics to reduce the brain swelling may be administered as well.