Reye's syndrome (RS)

Reye's syndrome (RS), first described in 1963 by the Australian pathologist R. Douglas Reye, seems to occur following a viral infection, particularly chickenpox or influenza. Aspirin at normal doses is believed to be a risk factor in the development of Reye's syndrome (RS).

The majority of persons affected are children or teenagers. The disease is characterized by vomiting and brain dysfunction (disorientation, lethargy and personality changes) and may progress to coma.

Also, the liver becomes in filtered with small lipid droplets and loses some of its ability to detoxify ammonia.

Brain dysfunction and death are typically caused by swelling of brain cells. The pressure not only kills the cells directly but also results in hypoxia that kills them indirectly. The survival rate is about 70%. Swelling may result in irreversible brain damage, including mental retardation, in children who survive. Therapy is directed at controlling the swelling.