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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffReye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain. Reye's syndrome most often affects children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection and who may also have a metabolic disorder. Signs and symptoms such as confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness require emergency treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of Reye's syndrome can save a child's life.
Aspirin has been linked with Reye's syndrome, so use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
- Gascon GG, et al. Aminoacidopathies and organic acidopathies, mitochondrial enzyme defects, and other metabolic errors. In: Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142707459-3/0/1488/274.html?tocnode=53802221&fromURL=274.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10031-1_1989. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Asturias EJ, et al. Postinfectious and vaccine-related encephalitis. In: Cohen J, et al. Infectious diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142707459-4/0/1209/82.html?tocnode=49352112&fromURL=82.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02407-6..50029-5--cesec15_917. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- NINDS Reye's syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reyes_syndrome/reyes_syndrome.htm. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Carey RG, et al. Mitochondrial hepatopathies. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142707459-4/0/1608/857.html?tocnode=54481831&fromURL=857.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50360-1_7094. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Internal analgesic, antipyretic and antirheumatic drug products for over-the-counter human use: Tentative final monograph. Federal Register.1998;53:46204.
- Mahoney KR (expert opinion). U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Md. Feb. 4, 2009.
- Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0-18 years - United States, 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5751a5.htm?s_cid=mm5751a5_e. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Reye's syndrome. National Reye's Syndrome Foundation. http://www.reyessyndrome.org/pdfs/Awareness_Lists_English_full.pdf. Accessed June 16, 2009.
- Kawasaki disease. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4634. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Gosalakkal JA, et al. Reye syndrome and Reye-like syndrome. Pediatric Neurology, 2008;39:198.
- Renaud DL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 6, 2009.
- Kamboj M. Clinical approach to the diagnoses of inborn errors of metabolism. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2008;55:1113.
