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Healthy
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Reye's Syndrome
Reye's Syndrome is a disease which affects all organs of the body, but most lethally the liver and the brain. Reye's Syndrome is a two-phase illness because it is almost always associated with a previous viral infection, such as influenza, cold, or chicken pox. Reye's Syndrome is not contagious and the cause is unknown. Reye's Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, drug overdose, poisoning, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or psychiatric illness.
Reye's Syndrome tends to appear with greatest frequency during the months when influenza is most common but cases are reported in every month of the year. An epidemic of flu or chicken pox is commonly followed by an increase in the number of cases of Reye's Syndrome. Research shows a link between Reye's Syndrome and the use of aspirin (a salicylate compound) for treating the symptoms of influenza-like illnesses, chicken pox, colds, etc. The U.S. Surgeon General, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that aspirin and combination products containing aspirin not be given to children under 19 years of age during episodes of fever-causing illnesses
When Reye's Syndrome develops, it typically occurs when a person is beginning to recover from a viral illness. Abnormal accumulations of fat begin to develop in the liver and other organs of the body, along with a severe increase of pressure in the brain. Unless diagnosed and treated successfully, death is common, often within a few days. A person's life depends upon early diagnosis. Statistics indicate an excellent chance of recovery when Reye's Syndrome is diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages. The later the diagnosis and treatment, the more severely reduced are chances for successful recovery and survival.
Reye's Syndrome: A Real and Present Danger is an award-winning 26-minute color film that describes Reye's Syndrome, interviews families and physicians, looks at the link between Reye's and aspirin, and examines early recognition and treatment. The film is available for loan from the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation. The Foundation has available a variety of materials including brochures, bulletins, television and radio public service announcements, documentary and slide/tape presentations, and a speakers bureau available to groups and organizations free of charge.
RESOURCES
A variety of information is available from National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, PO Box 829, Bryan, OH 43506-0829; 800-233-7393; www.reyessyndrome.org.
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