Reye's syndrome: assessment of intracranial monitoring

Direct measurements of arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure were recorded in 39 patients aged 3.6 months to 5 years 11 months with Reye's syndrome judged to be stage 2 or beyond. Of 33 patients who survived, 27 made a full recovery and six were severely handicapped. Measurement of cerebral perfusion pressure, which is greatly reduced in the more severe forms of Reye's syndrome, was a better guide to prognosis and management than intracranial pressure alone. The findings emphasise that maintenance of cerebral perfusion pressure is essential if mortality and morbidity are to be reduced. Intracranial monitoring is mandatory in all but the mildest cases of Reye's syndrome.