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Reye Syndrome

Marjan Jahani Kondori, MPH, MD and Keith L Stelter, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A serious, acute noninflammatory encephalopathy associated with cerebral edema and fatty infiltration of the liver classically noted in children taking aspirin during a viral infecti...

DIAGNOSIS

RS is a diagnosis of exclusion (1). 
  • CDC diagnostic criteria (4)

    • Acute noninflammatory encephalopathy with an altered level of consciousness

    • Hepatic dysfunction with liver biopsy showing fatt...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Supportive care dictated by the severity of illness (3)[A]

  • IV glucose and frequent monitoring of serum glucose to treat hypoglycemia

  • Hyperventilation, mannitol, glycerol, and ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Complete bed rest until recovery is noted and able to return to normal activity as tolerated 

Patient Monitoring

Depends on specific residual effects; may require c...

REFERENCES

1
Glasgow  JF. Reye’s syndrome: the case for a causal link with aspirin. Drug Saf.  2006;29(12):1111–1121. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
2
Sch...

SEE ALSO

Encephalitis, Viral; Hepatic Encephalopathy 

CODES

ICD10

G93.7 Reye’s syndrome 

SNOMED

74351001 Reye’s syndrome (disorder) 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • RS is a rare, acute noninflammatory encephalopathy largely affecting children and adolescents.

  • Associations include antecedent viral/bacterial infection and aspirin or salicylates use.

  • M...

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