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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIn Reye's syndrome, a child's blood sugar level typically drops while the levels of ammonia and acidity in his or her blood rise. At the same time, the liver may swell and develop fatty deposits. Swelling may also occur in the brain, which can cause seizures, convulsions or loss of consciousness.
The signs and symptoms of Reye's syndrome typically appear about three to five days after a viral infection, such as the flu (influenza) or chickenpox, or an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. For children younger than age 2, the first signs of Reye's syndrome may be diarrhea and rapid breathing. For older children and teenagers, early signs and symptoms of Reye's syndrome may include:
- Persistent or continuous vomiting
- Unusual sleepiness or lethargy
As the condition progresses, signs and symptoms may become more serious:
- Irritable, aggressive or irrational behavior
- Confusion
- Weakness or paralysis in the arms and legs
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
These signs and symptoms require emergency treatment.
When to see a doctor
Early diagnosis and treatment of Reye's syndrome can save a child's life. If you suspect that your child has Reye's syndrome, it's important to act quickly.
Contact your child's doctor if your child becomes unusually sleepy or lethargic or has sudden behavior changes following a common cold or a bout with the flu or chickenpox.
Seek emergency medical help if your child has seizures or convulsions or loses consciousness.
- Gascon GG, et al. Aminoacidopathies and organic acidopathies, mitochondrial enzyme defects, and other metabolic errors. In: Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142707459-3/0/1488/274.html?tocnode=53802221&fromURL=274.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10031-1_1989. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Asturias EJ, et al. Postinfectious and vaccine-related encephalitis. In: Cohen J, et al. Infectious diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142707459-4/0/1209/82.html?tocnode=49352112&fromURL=82.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02407-6..50029-5--cesec15_917. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- NINDS Reye's syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reyes_syndrome/reyes_syndrome.htm. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Carey RG, et al. Mitochondrial hepatopathies. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142707459-4/0/1608/857.html?tocnode=54481831&fromURL=857.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50360-1_7094. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Internal analgesic, antipyretic and antirheumatic drug products for over-the-counter human use: Tentative final monograph. Federal Register.1998;53:46204.
- Mahoney KR (expert opinion). U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Md. Feb. 4, 2009.
- Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0-18 years - United States, 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5751a5.htm?s_cid=mm5751a5_e. Accessed June 10, 2009.
- Reye's syndrome. National Reye's Syndrome Foundation. http://www.reyessyndrome.org/pdfs/Awareness_Lists_English_full.pdf. Accessed June 16, 2009.
- Kawasaki disease. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4634. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Gosalakkal JA, et al. Reye syndrome and Reye-like syndrome. Pediatric Neurology, 2008;39:198.
- Renaud DL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 6, 2009.
- Kamboj M. Clinical approach to the diagnoses of inborn errors of metabolism. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2008;55:1113.
