Reye's Syndrome: Rare Condition Related to Aspirin Use

Don't give a child aspirin because they could get Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a rare condition that is related to the use of aspirin in treating viral illnesses. The syndrome occurs most often in children between 6 and 12 years of age.

Although an exact cause of Reye's syndrome is not known, it is linked to children who were given aspirin to treat symptoms of chickenpox or influenza. This condition is not contagious and best avoided by not giving any aspirin to anyone younger than 20, unless directed otherwise by a doctor.

Reye's syndrome is serious because it affects the brain and liver. This condition can result in brain swelling and liver damage. Other effects include confusion, drowsiness, coma and seizures. Death can occur in severe cases of Reye's syndrome.

Symptoms to watch for include vomiting that doesn't seem to be the result of stomach flu. Strange behavior like irritability, personality change, staring, or slurred speech can be an indication of Reye's syndrome as well. Hyperventilation and combativeness may show as brain damage progresses.

Reye's syndrome is considered in diagnosis if other conditions like kidney failure are ruled out, mental status changes, and liver problems have arisen. If the child recently had a virus and was given aspirin, Reye's syndrome may be considered promptly.

The necessary treatment for Reye's syndrome is quite involved - most patients need time in an intensive care unit. The death rate for this syndrome was at 80 percent in 1963, when the condition was first discovered. Although the syndrome is still quite serious, the death rate is estimated to be around 50 percent.

Treatment focuses on protecting the brain from damage. Preventing cardiac arrest, damage to the lungs, and reversing any metabolic injury that may occur are major focuses as well.

The severity of one's brain swelling determines their recovery. If the swelling was severe, one may have some level of brain dysfunction after having Reye's syndrome. If the patient lapses into a coma towards the end of the syndrome, prognosis becomes very poor.

The good news is that Reye's syndrome is very rare now that the link to aspirin has been publicized. From 1994 to 1997, only two cases each year were reported in the United States.

Research currently being done on Reye's syndrome is focused on aspirin's role, as well as how an individual's metabolism may come into play. Fundamental questions about the condition, like these, still need to be answered.

Sources:
http://children.webmd.com/tc/reyes-syndrome-topic-overview
http://www.reyessyndrome.org/treat.htm
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reyes_syndrome