Reye’s Syndrome

The symptoms of Reye’s syndrome usually start about 3 to 5 days after a viral infection begins. The viral infection may be the flu, also known as influenza, or chickenpox. Or Reye’s syndrome may develop after an upper respiratory infection such as a cold.

In Reye’s syndrome, a child’s blood sugar usually drops while levels of ammonia and acidity in the blood rise. The liver also may swell, and fats may build up. Swelling may occur in the brain. This can cause seizures, convulsions or loss of consciousness.

Initial symptoms

For children younger than age 2, the first symptoms of Reye’s syndrome may include:

• Diarrhea.
• Rapid breathing.

For older children and teenagers, early symptoms may include:

• Vomiting that doesn’t stop.
• Being sleepy or sluggish.

Additional symptoms

As the condition gets worse, symptoms may become more serious, including:

• Irritable, aggressive or irrational behavior.
• Confusion or seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
• Weakness in the arms and legs or not being able to move them.
• Seizures.
• Excessive sluggishness.
• Decreased level of consciousness.

These symptoms need emergency treatment.

When to see a doctor

Early diagnosis and treatment of Reye’s syndrome can save a child’s life. If you suspect that your child has Reye’s syndrome, it’s important to act quickly.

Seek emergency medical help if your child:

• Has seizures.
• Loses consciousness.

Contact your child’s healthcare professional if your child experiences the following symptoms after having the flu or chickenpox:

• Vomits repeatedly.
• Becomes unusually sleepy or sluggish.
• Has sudden behavior changes.

The exact cause of Reye’s syndrome is not known. The use of aspirin during a viral illness has most commonly been linked to Reye’s syndrome. Several factors may play a role.

In some children, the symptoms of Reye’s syndrome may be caused by another health condition, such as a metabolic condition. This can occur even without the use of aspirin.

Metabolic conditions are rare. The most common condition that causes Reye’s syndrome is medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency. In MCAD deficiency, the body can’t break down certain fats to turn them into energy. This happens because an enzyme is missing or not working properly. MCAD deficiency is a fatty acid oxidation disorder.

In people with a fatty acid oxidation disorder, aspirin use during a viral illness is more likely to trigger symptoms of Reye’s syndrome. A screening test can determine if your child has a fatty acid oxidation disorder.

Reye’s syndrome may develop after influenza or chickenpox in particular.

Exposure to certain toxins — such as insecticides, herbicides and paint thinner — may produce symptoms similar to Reye’s syndrome. But these toxins don’t cause Reye’s syndrome.

An overactive muscle causes a testicle to become a retractile testicle. The cremaster muscle is a thin pouch-like muscle in which a testicle rests. When the cremaster muscle contracts, it pulls the testicle up toward the body. The cremaster reflex can be stimulated by rubbing a nerve on the inner thigh and by emotion, such as fear and laughter. The cremaster is also activated by a cold environment.

If the cremaster reflex is strong enough, it can result in a retractile testicle, pulling the testicle out of the scrotum and up into the groin.