Using aspirin or aspirin-based products, mainly in children who have a viral infection
Having a recent viral illness such as:
- A cold
- Flu
- Chickenpox
Exposure to certain toxins

Symptoms

Symptoms often appear after a viral infection passes. They worsen with time.

Common problems are:

Repeated vomiting
Feeling tired and sleepy
Personality changes
Confusion
Speaking problems
Sensing something that is not real, such as seeing things that are not there
Rapid or deep breathing
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Problems breathing

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked if you had a recent viral illness. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to suspect the diagnosis.

Other tests may be:

Blood tests
Lumbar puncture—to test the fluid around the brain and spinal cord
CT scan of the brain
MRI scan of the brain
Liver biopsy—samples are taken and looked at in a lab

Lumbar Puncture

Treatment

There is no cure. Emergency care will be needed, such as monitoring vital signs and giving IV fluids.

The goal of treatment is to protect the brain and other organs from damage. Choices are:

Medicine

These are used to:

Ease inflammation
Lower pressure of fluid in the brain
Prevent seizures
Lower blood ammonia levels

Advanced Care

Some people may need more advanced care. Choices are:

Mechanical ventilation to help with breathing
Surgery to lower pressure in the brain

Prevention

Do not give aspirin or aspirin products to a child or teen with a current or recent viral infection.

RESOURCES:

Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org

National Reye's Syndrome Foundation
http://www.reyessyndrome.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Gallucci M, Smith JD, et al. Pediatric Inflammatory Diseases. Part IV: Miscellaneous, Reye, PRES, Sarcoidosis. Neuroradiol J. 2012 Dec 20;25(6):725-738.

Reye syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/reye-syndrome. Accessed November 30, 2020.

Reye syndrome. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/miscellaneous-disorders-in-infants-and-children/reye-syndrome. Accessed November 30, 2020.

Reye's syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Reyes-Syndrome-Information-Page. Accessed November 30, 2020.

What is Reye's syndrome? American Liver Foundation website. Available at: https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/reye-syndrome. Accessed November 30, 2020.

What is Reye's syndrome? National Reyes Syndrome website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 30, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 4/23/2021

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