Reye\'s Syndrome

Reye's syndrome is acute encephalitis with accompanying fatty infiltration of the liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, and skeletal muscle.
While exact etiology is unclear, it usually develops after a mild viral illness such as chickenpox. Research has revealed an association between using aspirin products for treating viral infections and the development of Reye syndrome.



The disease is characterized by five stages

1. vomiting and lethargy
2. combativeness and confusion
3. coma, decorticate posturing
4. decerebrate posturing
5. seizures, loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory arrest