Reye's syndrome

Reye's syndrome is a severe, progressive encephalopathy affecting children that is accompanied by fatty infiltration of the liver, kidneys and pancreas. The aetiology of Reye's syndrome is not fully understood although there is a known association with aspirin use and a viral cause has been postulated

The peak incidence is 2 years of age, features include:

• may be history of preceding viral illness
• encephalopathy: confusion, seizures, cerebral oedema, coma
• fatty infiltration of the liver, kidneys and pancreas
• hypoglycaemia

Management is supportive

Although the prognosis has improved over recent years there is still a mortality rate of 15-25%.