Reye Syndrome: Dangers of Aspirin Use in Children

Abstract

Reye syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal illness that affects the pediatric age group between 6 months – 18 years of age. It is characterized by encephalopathy and fatty degeneration of the liver. The cause is unknown but the disease is usually preceded by a viral illness or aspirin use.Aspirin use historically appears to be an important etiology in the development of Reye syndrome. We found and reviewed 7 published case reports of Reye syndrome after the use of Aspirin, of which six patients were male while one was female and the mean age of patients was 5.5 years(SD=4.25). Reye syndrome has different manifestations ranging from lethargy, irritability, confusion, seizures and death. Diagnosis of this syndrome can be made based on clinical signs and laboratory testing. There’s no test specifically for Reye syndrome, however, liver function test shows elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) with increased levels of ammonia. Liver biopsy is also useful in making a diagnosis, showing microvesicular fatty changes. The outcome of Reye Syndrome depends on the level of cerebral dysfunction, with about a third of patients suffering long term neurological deficits.However,when diagnosed and treated early,prognosis for survivors is good and recurrence is rare.