Reye’s syndrome

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system organs

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Reye’s syndrome

Treatment:

Intensive, supportive care is needed, although specific treatment measures have not been determined.

Intravenous fluids to provide electrolytes and glucose are given. Steroids are given to reduce swelling in the brain. Intensive monitoring of the pressure within the brain, blood gases, and blood pH is required. Support for breathing using a mechanical ventilator may be needed during a deep coma.

When this illness was more common, high-technology treatments such as charcoal hemoperfusion (to filter out blood toxins) were used with some success.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is related to the severity of the coma as well as other factors. The average death rate is about 40%. The outcome for those who survive the acute episode is good. The incidence of permanent brain damage is not known, but it is thought to be related to the severity of the coma.

Complications:

Permanent brain damage
Coma

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) immediately if your child has confusion, lethargy, or other mental changes, particularly if you suspect this illness.

Review Date: 7/17/2004
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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