children s health issues
Reye Syndrome
Introduction
Reye syndrome is a very rare but life-threatening disorder that causes inflammation and swelling of the brain and impairment and loss of function of the liver. The cause of Reye syndrome is unknown but it may be triggered by a viral infection and the use ofaspirin. Children typically have symptoms of a viral infection and then severe nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sluggishness, sometimes followed by coma. The diagnosis is based on sudden changes in the child's mental condition and on the results of blood tests and a liver biopsy. The prognosis depends on how long and how severely the brain is affected. Treatment involves measures to lower pressure on the brain. The cause of Reye syndrome is unknown, although it typically occurs after infection with certain viruses, such as Influenza (Flu) or Now thataspirinuse has declined and chickenpox is less common because of vaccination, only about 2 children a year in the United States develop Reye syndrome. The syndrome occurs mainly in children younger than 18. In the United States, most cases occur in late fall and winter. 