Definition of Reye syndrome
Reye syndrome: A sudden, sometimes fatal,
disease of the brain (encephalopathy) with degeneration of the liver,
occurs in children (most cases 4-12 years of age), comes after the
chickenpox (varicella) or an influenza-type illness, is also
associated with taking medications containing aspirin.
The child with Reye (pronounced rye) syndrome first tends to be
unusually quiet,
lethargic (stuporous), sleepy, and vomiting. In the second stage, the
lethargy deepens, the child is confused, combative and delirious. And
things get worse from there with decreasing consciousness, coma,
seizures, and eventually death.
The prognosis (outlook) depends on early diagnosis and control of
the increased intracranial pressure.
Reye syndrome is a good reason to have your child immunized
against chickenpox and not give the child aspirin for fever.
Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:28:00 PMCommon Misspellings: reye syndrone
- acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others - Describes the medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Fever - Get the facts on fever treatment (in children and adults). Learn ways to bring down a high fever and know the signs of other serious types of major illness.
Latest Medical News
Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List
