Reye’s syndrome 

• Reye’s syndrome is a severe, non-inflammatory, progressive encephalitic illness of children that is accompanied by fatty infiltration of the liver. 
• The peak incidence is 2 years of age.
• About 30-40% of cases are fatal

aetiology

• A viral cause has been postulated and some outbreaks have appeared to follow influenza or varicella infection.
• There is a link between Reye’s syndrome and the administration of aspirin to feverish children, and it is for this albeit rare complication that aspirin should not be given to children younger than the age of 12 years.
• In familial cases there may be a link with inborn errors of fat and protein metabolism.

Symptoms

• Vomiting or symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection often precede the onset of lethargy and seizures. 
• Hypoglycaemia is common in children with Reye’s syndrome.
• Hyperventilation also often accompanies the increasing coma.
• The coma progresses from cortical dysfunction to midbrain dysfunction and ultimately foramen magnum impaction.

Treatment 

• is directed at reducing the raised intracranial pressure, correcting hypoglycaemia, and control of fevers and seizures.