[Reye's syndrome]

Abstract

Reye's syndrome is an acute disease of childhood characterized by non-inflammatory cerebral pathology associated with hepatic pathology (steatosis). When untreated, its course is very severe, with a 30 p. 100 mortality rate. The diagnosis rests on the occurrence of a suggestive clinical sequence (influenza-like syndrome followed by a latent period, then vomiting and disturbances of consciousness) and on particular laboratory findings: high serum ammonia and transaminase levels, hypoprothrombinaemia and frequent hypoglycaemia in neonates. As soon as the condition is diagnosed, massive intravenous carbohydrate therapy must be initiated. Several factors intervene in the pathogenesis of Reye's syndrome; the responsibility of treatment with salicylates and of hereditary enzymopathies is discussed.