Reye's Syndrome, a deadly disease, strikes swiftly and can attack any child, teen, or adult without warning. All body organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most seriously. While the cause and cure remain unknown, research has established a link between Reye's Syndrome and the use of aspirin and other salicylate containing medications, over the counter products, and topical use products. In 1974, the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, a health advocacy organization, was incorporated as a 501(c)3 charity, whose mission is to eradicate the incidence of Reye's Syndrome.

The treatment of Reye's syndrome varies. Reye's Syndrome is an acute, rapidly progressive disease. It should be treated as a medical emergency, and time is of the utmost importance. The chance of recovery is greatly increased when it is treated in its earliest stages. To date there is no cure for the disease. Successful management of the disease depends on early diagnosis. Therapy is primarily directed to protect the brain against irreversible damage by reducing the brain swelling.

People with Reye's Syndrome require the services of an intensive care unit and physicians and nurses experienced in the treatment of the disease. A person with Reye's Syndrome should be transferred to a teaching hospital or a children's hospital. If this is not possible, immediate phone consultation with a teaching hospital or children's hospital. The majority of individuals with Reye's Syndrome are children; however, cases have been reported in adults.

If Reye's Syndrome is suspected (ER Info), two liver function tests should be done immediately:

SGOT (SAT) & SGPT (ACT)

In 1963 when Reye's Syndrome was discovered, the death rate was at 80%. In 1973, the mortality rate was estimated around 40%, and in 1983 it was lowered to 31%. In 1996, the mortality rate increased to 50%. It is believed that this increase occurred due to misdiagnosis of Reye's Syndrome.

Recovery is related to the severity of the brain swelling. Some people recover completely. Others may sustain brain damage, extending from slight to severe brain dysfunction. Those who progress rapidly through the stages and lapse into a coma have a poorer prognosis than those with a less severe disease.

All people surviving Reye's Syndrome should be evaluated using quantitative psychological and neuropsychological tests.
For those survivors with disabilities, please refer to resources including Crippled Children's Services, State Developmental Disabilities Agencies, child development clinics, local school systems, and health departments.

Parents also should familiarize themselves with Equal Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Act, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title 42, Chapter 126, Sec. 12101-12213 available through public libraries.

Differential Diagnosis:

• 10% Glucose in maintenance salt solution
• Maintain airway and brain oxygen
• Consult a teaching hospital or children's hospital

Facts You Need to Know About Reye's Syndrome:

Reye's Syndrome is a very serious disease. Children and adults develop Reye's Syndrome as they are getting over a viral illness, such as the flu or chicken pox. Reye's Syndrome usually affects people from infancy through young adulthood; however, no age group is immune. Although Reye's generally occurs when someone is recovering from a viral illness, it can develop three to five days after the onset of the illness. The disease's main targets are the liver and brain. Reye's Syndrome is non-contagious, and too often is misdiagnosed as encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, poisoning, drug overdose, or sudden infant death.

Early diagnosis is crucial. Following a viral illness, individuals should be watched during the next two to three weeks for symptoms.

Fact: No one is immune. Reye's affects all ages, both genders, and every race. Fact: Reye's will generally follow a viral illness or upper respiratory infection, i.e., cold, flu, chicken pox, ear infection, etc. Fact: Research figures show that 90 to 95 percent of Reye's Syndrome patients in the United States have taken aspirin during a preceding viral illness.

Fact: A fever need not be present.

Fact: Reye's Syndrome occurs year-round, not just during the winter months.

Fact: Reye's Syndrome runs its course within a matter of hours to just a few days.

Fact: Aspirin and salicylate containing medications do not have to be ingested to bring on Reye's. These medications only increase a person's chance of developing the disease. (Medication List)

Fact: A person diagnosed with Reye's Syndrome must be hospitalized and treatment begun immediately. (Treatment)

© 1974 - 2011 National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, Inc. A 501(c)3 - All Rights Reserved