Reye's syndrome is a rare and serious disease, often fatal, which causes inflammation of the brain and rapid accumulation of fat in the liver. Generally, the disease is manifested by nausea, vomiting, confusion or delirium.
The causes of Reye's syndrome are related to certain viruses, such as influenza or chicken pox viruses, and the use of aspirin or salicylate-derived drugs to treat fever in children with these infections. Excessive use of paracetamol can also trigger the onset of Reye's syndrome.
Reye's syndrome mainly affects children aged between 4 and 12 years and is more common in winter, when the number of viral diseases increases. Adults can also have Reye's Syndrome and the risk increases if there are cases of Reye in the family.
Reye's syndrome is curable if diagnosed early and its treatment consists of reducing the symptoms of the disease and controlling inflammation of the brain and liver.
Symptoms of Reye's Syndrome
Symptoms of Reye's syndrome can be:
- Headache; Vomiting; Drowsiness; Irritability; Personality change; Disorientation; Delirium; Double vision; Seizures; Liver failure.
The diagnosis of Reyes Syndrome is made by analyzing the symptoms presented by the child, liver biopsy or lumbar puncture. Reyes' syndrome can be confused with encephalitis, meningitis, poisoning or liver failure.
Treatment of Reyes Syndrome
The treatment of Reyes Syndrome consists of controlling the functions of the heart, lungs, liver and brain of children, as well as immediate suspension of the consumption of aspirin or drugs related to acetylsalicylic acid.
Fluids with electrolytes and glucose should be administered intravenously to maintain the balance in the functioning of the organism and vitamin K to prevent bleeding. Some drugs, such as mannitol, corticosteroids or glycerol are also indicated to reduce the pressure inside the brain.
Recovery from Reye's syndrome depends on inflammation of the brain, but when diagnosed early, patients are able to fully recover from the disease. In the most severe cases, individuals can be injured for the rest of their lives or even die.
