A: Reye's
syndrome is
a potentially
lethal disease
associated
with aspirin
use in
children.
syndrome is
a potentially
lethal disease
associated
with aspirin
use in
children.
Reye's syndrome
For more than a century, aspirin was used to help safely relieve the symptoms of
everything from headaches to stomach cramps. But in households with children,
this commonplace medication is a potentially dangerous drug. That's because the
use of aspirin has been linked with Reye's syndrome — a rare but serious illness
that can affect the blood, liver and brain of children and teenagers recovering
from a viral infection.
In Reye's syndrome, the level of ammonia and acidity in the blood typically rises
while the level of blood sugar drops. At the same time, the liver may swell and
develop fat deposits. Swelling also may occur in the brain and can cause
emergency symptoms such as seizures or convulsions. Reye's syndrome can
eventually lead to a coma and brain death.
The incidence of Reye's syndrome has declined greatly since a peak in 1980.
Many people assume the decline is due to the warnings against children taking
aspirin, but that may be only part of the reason.
Better tests can diagnose metabolic conditions formerly thought to be Reye's
syndrome. Today children who develop Reye's syndrome or conditions once
thought to be Reye's syndrome receive an earlier diagnosis and better treatment,
which help improve recovery and reduce complications.
What research is being done?
Much of the research on RS focuses on answering fundamental questions about
the disorder such as how problems in the body's metabolism may trigger the
nervous system damage characteristic of RS and what role aspirin plays in this
life-threatening disorder. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve scientific
understanding, diagnosis and medical treatment of RS.
National Reye's Syndrome Foundation
P.O. Box 829
426 North Lewis
Bryan, OH 43506-0829
nrsf@reyessyndrome.org
http://www.reyessyndrome.org
Tel: 419-636-2679
800-233-7393
Fax: 419-636-9897
For more than a century, aspirin was used to help safely relieve the symptoms of
everything from headaches to stomach cramps. But in households with children,
this commonplace medication is a potentially dangerous drug. That's because the
use of aspirin has been linked with Reye's syndrome — a rare but serious illness
that can affect the blood, liver and brain of children and teenagers recovering
from a viral infection.
In Reye's syndrome, the level of ammonia and acidity in the blood typically rises
while the level of blood sugar drops. At the same time, the liver may swell and
develop fat deposits. Swelling also may occur in the brain and can cause
emergency symptoms such as seizures or convulsions. Reye's syndrome can
eventually lead to a coma and brain death.
The incidence of Reye's syndrome has declined greatly since a peak in 1980.
Many people assume the decline is due to the warnings against children taking
aspirin, but that may be only part of the reason.
Better tests can diagnose metabolic conditions formerly thought to be Reye's
syndrome. Today children who develop Reye's syndrome or conditions once
thought to be Reye's syndrome receive an earlier diagnosis and better treatment,
which help improve recovery and reduce complications.
What research is being done?
Much of the research on RS focuses on answering fundamental questions about
the disorder such as how problems in the body's metabolism may trigger the
nervous system damage characteristic of RS and what role aspirin plays in this
life-threatening disorder. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve scientific
understanding, diagnosis and medical treatment of RS.
National Reye's Syndrome Foundation
P.O. Box 829
426 North Lewis
Bryan, OH 43506-0829
nrsf@reyessyndrome.org
http://www.reyessyndrome.org
Tel: 419-636-2679
800-233-7393
Fax: 419-636-9897
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on the subjects addressed. It is written with the understanding that the author(s) is (are) not engaged in rendering
medical, health, or any other kind of professional service(s). The reader should consult his or her medical, health or other
competent professional before adopting any of the suggestions. The author(s) specifically disclaim all responsibility for
any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and
application of any of the contents of this site.
