Reye’s syndrome is a rare as well as potentially fatal pediatric illness, mostly observed in children and teenagers recovering from a virus such as the flu or chickenpox. It is characterized by acute noninflammatory encephalopathy along with fatty liver failure, which left untreated can lead to permanent brain injury, coma, or even death.
Evidence suggests that the main risk factor for this syndrome is taking aspirin or other salicylate groups of drugs for recovering from viral infections. Epidemiology Etiology Although the exact cause is unknown, the factors that play a role in the development of the disease are: Predisposition to viral infections such as a cold, flu, or chickenpox Use of aspirin to treat a viral infection Underlying fatty acid oxidation disorder Exposure to certain toxins, like paint thinners, insecticides, and weedicides Pathophysiology Cells throughout the body…
