Reye’s Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Named after its discoverer, RDK Reye, Reye’s syndrome is an extremely rare disease. This syndrome can also cause death.
Reye’s syndrome generally occurs as an advanced disease after a child recovers from a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox. Although no studies have been able to prove the exact cause, Reye’s syndrome occurs in many children who receive aspirin during their illness.
Early symptoms of this disease include vomiting and weakness which is slowly followed by a loss of consciousness. If not treated immediately, Reye’s syndrome can be life-threatening to the sufferer. But with proper and fast treatment, a child suffering from this syndrome can recover completely in a matter of weeks.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Reye’s syndrome appear 3–7 days after infection with the virus. The initial symptoms experienced are generally not typical so they are often overlooked, such as:
- Throws up
- Weak and lethargic
- Fussy
- Tends to sleep
If not treated immediately, these symptoms will continue and cause liver and brain damage. In this stage, the complaints experienced will get worse, such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Speech is slurred and does not recognize the people around him
- Breathe quickly
- Seizures and coma
Liver and brain damage that is not immediately resolved can result in death.
Reason
The exact cause of Reye’s syndrome is uncertain. However, consumption of aspirin when infected with a virus is known to be one of the triggers.
Based on research, as many as 80 percent of children who suffer from Reye’s syndrome have a history of taking aspirin in the last three weeks. Aspirin that is consumed causes damage to the cell structure and causes a decrease in cell function.
All body cells can be attacked, but the liver cells are the most numerous and the worst. Damage to cells in the liver causes a condition known as hyperammonemia and results in swelling of the brain and increased pressure within the cranial cavity.
The most common viral infection that precedes Reye’s syndrome is the influenza virus. Apart from influenza, other viral infections may also be associated with Reye’s syndrome, including parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, coxsackievirus, measles, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, retrovirus, hepatitis viruses types A and B, mycoplasma, chlamydia, pertussis, shigella, and salmonella.
Less than 0.1 percent of children who take aspirin have Reye’s syndrome. However, more than 80 percent of patients diagnosed with Reye’s syndrome have a history of aspirin consumption. So, not always taking aspirin when a child is sick will definitely result in Reye’s syndrome.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Reye’s syndrome is determined based on the presence of clinical symptoms in the form of vomiting and decreased consciousness. This occurs due to decreased liver and brain function. In an in-depth medical interview conducted by the doctor, a history of previous viral infections and the consumption of aspirin in one of the treatments will be found.
A series of investigations is needed to rule out other possible diseases. This examination includes routine blood checks, lumbar puncture to see other infections such as meningitis, and imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI.
Treatment
Patients with Reye’s syndrome generally require intensive care in the ICU. The main goal of treatment is to save liver and brain function. In addition, it is also used to reduce pressure in the cranial cavity and restore consciousness to the sufferer.
Prevention
The most important preventive measure for Reye’s syndrome is to avoid taking aspirin in children under the age of 20. If the doctor instructs giving aspirin, make sure the child is well supervised. Check with your doctor immediately if you find symptoms resembling Reye’s syndrome in children.