Clinical Review : Reye's Syndrome

Abstract

Reye's syndrome of brain swelling and fatty change of the viscera usually begins with a febrile upper respiratory tract infection, followed by the onset of coma. These patients typically assume a flexed elbows, extended legs, and clenched fists posture. Common laboratory findings include a low blood sugar, low cerebrospinal fluid sugar, metabolic acidosis, elevated blood urea nitrogen, ketonuria, aminoaciduria, and, marked elevations in SGOT and blood ammonia. Few children who develop this illness under the age of two years survive.