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Reye syndrome

An evidence-bounded guide to acute brain and liver dysfunction after viral illness, aspirin-associated risk, emergency evaluation, and supportive care.

Reye syndrome · Reye's syndrome

MONDO:0005942Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 045150cde970

Disease class
Reye syndrome is a rare serious illness causing acute dysfunction of the brain and liver.
Core mechanism
It occurs mainly in children and adolescents after a viral illness such as influenza or chickenpox.
Genes or cause
Aspirin use during viral illness is associated with increased risk and should not be given to children without specialist direction.
Typical features
Repeated vomiting, lethargy, behavioral change, or confusion can appear suddenly as a child seems to recover.
Variability
Progression can cause seizures, reduced consciousness, and coma, requiring emergency assessment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis integrates the clinical course, blood and liver tests, ammonia, and exclusion of other causes.
Management
Imaging, cerebrospinal-fluid testing, or liver biopsy may be used when needed to assess alternative disorders.
Treatment and research
There is no specific medicine that reverses Reye syndrome; intensive supportive care is central.
Reading evidence
Care closely manages intracranial pressure, breathing, glucose, electrolytes, and acid-base status.
Key caution
Rapid recognition and treatment are important for survival and neurologic recovery.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a glance

Reye syndrome is a rare serious illness causing acute dysfunction of the brain and liver.

Repeated vomiting, lethargy, behavioral change, or confusion can appear suddenly as a child seems to recover.

How the disease works

It occurs mainly in children and adolescents after a viral illness such as influenza or chickenpox.

Aspirin use during viral illness is associated with increased risk and should not be given to children without specialist direction.

Why experiences vary

Progression can cause seizures, reduced consciousness, and coma, requiring emergency assessment.

Diagnosis and management

Diagnosis integrates the clinical course, blood and liver tests, ammonia, and exclusion of other causes.

Treatment status

Imaging, cerebrospinal-fluid testing, or liver biopsy may be used when needed to assess alternative disorders.

There is no specific medicine that reverses Reye syndrome; intensive supportive care is central.

Reading clinical trials

Pain and fever medicines for children should be selected after checking ingredients and consulting a clinician.

Topics for a clinical visit

Clinical discussion should cover recent infection, medicines, symptom progression, metabolic and toxic differentials, and intensive-care needs.

Medical notice

This material is for disease education and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment instruction.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.