reye syndrome treatment what to look for

Medication

No specific treatment exists for Reye syndrome; supportive care is based on the stage of the syndrome. Continue careful monitoring. Establish and maintain the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Check the glucose level, particularly if the patient is younger than 1 year and/or has altered mental status.

Therapy

In some individuals with Reye syndrome, analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may confirm increased pressure.

Nutrition

Signs & Symptoms. The symptoms of Reye syndrome typically begin after a viral illness, particularly an upper respiratory infection (e.g, with influenza B virus) or, in some cases, chickenpox (varicella). Less commonly, Reye syndrome may develop after infection with other viral agents, such as influenza A or rubella.

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For Reye's syndrome some basic questions to ask your doctor include: 1 What are other possible causes for my child's symptoms? 2 What tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis? 3 What are the treatment options and the pros and cons for each? 4 What results can I expect? 5 What kind of follow-up should I expect?

What are the treatment options for Reye syndrome?

Which tests are performed in the workup of Reye syndrome?

What are the signs and symptoms of Reye syndrome?

What questions should I ask my doctor about Reye's syndrome?

What laboratory results should be monitored for a patient with Reye's syndrome?

There's no specific test for Reye's syndrome. Instead, screening for Reye's syndrome usually begins with blood and urine tests as well as testing for fatty acid oxidation disorders and other metabolic disorders.

What is the standard treatment for Reye's syndrome?

Treating Reye's syndrome Medicines may be given directly into a vein (intravenously), such as: electrolytes and fluids – to correct the level of salts, minerals and nutrients, such as glucose (sugar), in the blood. diuretics – medicines to help rid the body of excess fluid and reduce swelling in the brain.

Which symptoms are early signs of Reye syndrome select all that apply?

As the condition progresses, signs and symptoms may become more serious, including:Irritable, aggressive or irrational behavior.Confusion, disorientation or hallucinations.Weakness or paralysis in the arms and legs.Seizures.Excessive lethargy.Decreased level of consciousness.

What conditions must be present for a diagnosis of Reye syndrome?

Doctors consider a diagnosis of Reye syndrome in any child who has unexplained brain dysfunction (encephalopathy), vomiting, and liver dysfunction. A history of a recent viral infection and aspirin use certainly supports the diagnosis.

What to do if a child takes aspirin?

AspirinWARNING: Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers without checking with your child's doctor first.If your child has these symptoms, get medical help immediately.Store aspirin and all medicine out of the reach of children.Do:Do not:More items...

Why is there no jaundice in Reye's syndrome?

While liver toxicity typically occurs in the syndrome, jaundice usually does not.

Which medication is considered first line of therapy for treating Reye syndrome in pediatric clients?

However, aspirin use in children with a viral illness has been associated with development of Reye's syndrome. As a result, its use in children has declined in the United States. Acetaminophen is relatively free of adverse effects and is considered first-line pharmacologic antipyresis therapy.

Why does Reye syndrome cause hypoglycemia?

Hepatic gluconeogenesis from pyruvate as evaluated in liver biopsies was markedly depressed in Reye syndrome as compared to animal controls. These results indicate that the hypoglycemia of Reye syndrome is secondary to decreased hepatic glucose production.

What is a probable etiology of Reye syndrome?

Reye syndrome typically occurs after a viral illness, particularly an upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, varicella, or gastroenteritis, and is associated with the use of aspirin during the illness.

What is responsible for the disturbed liver function in Reye syndrome?

Researchers suggest that the primary underlying defect in Reye syndrome is abnormal functioning of mitochondria with reduced activities of liver (hepatic) mitochondrial enzymes (e.g., ornithine transcarbamylase [OTC], carbamyl phosphate synthetase [CPS], pyruvate dehydrogenase [PDH]).

Why does Reye syndrome cause encephalopathy?

Reye's syndrome is an acute, noninflammatory encephalopathy associated with hepatic dysfunction due to microvesicular fatty infiltration of the liver.

What body systems does Reye's syndrome affect?

Reye's syndrome (RS) is primarily a children's disease, although it can occur at any age. It affects all organs of the body but is most harmful to the brain and the liver--causing an acute increase of pressure within the brain and, often, massive accumulations of fat in the liver and other organs.

Can Reyes syndrome be treated?

There is no cure for Reye's syndrome. However, symptoms can sometimes be managed. For example, steroids help reduce swelling in the brain.

Can you recover from Reye's syndrome?

Survival rate for Reye's syndrome has improved in recent years and is now at about 80 percent. Early detection and treatment is key to a full recovery, with later diagnosis sometimes leading to permanent brain damage and disability. Those who have lapsed into a coma also have a poorer outlook .

Is the best prevention for Reye's syndrome?

Reye's syndrome is a dangerous condition, and children and teenagers are at risk. Parents can reduce the risk by avoiding aspirin and making sure they vaccinate their children against chickenpox and flu.

How much aspirin causes Reye's syndrome?

A total dose of less than 45 mg/kg of aspirin was found to increase the risk of Reye's syndrome 20-fold, and the authors concluded that any amount of aspirin is unsafe in a child with a viral infection, regardless of the dose.