[Reye syndrome]

Clinical course, laboratory findings and histopathological features of Reye's syndrome as described. Etiological and pathogenetic aspects are still under discussion although a viral infection preceding Reye's syndrome is a very common finding. Preceding Influenza B, Influenza A and varicella infections were most often seen in the United States. A genetic disposition seems to exists in some cases. Exogenic factors of pathogenetic relevances are aflatoxin, emulging agents, insecticides, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid and valproate. In the United States and Great Britain the incidence of Reye's syndrome is about ten times higher than in other European countries, as demonstrated by reports from Spain, Denmark and France. Results of an inquiry in Western Germany on Reye's syndrome between 1983 and 1985 are presented. 99 major pediatric hospitals were included into the study. Clinical data were obtained from 85 hospitals. The incidence of Reye's syndrome in Western Germany during 1983-1985 was 0.04-0.05 cases per 100,000 children under 18 years. 15 cases of Reye's syndrome were reported, i.e. an average of 5 cases per year. 8 children died. 3 patients had been treated with acetylsalicylic acid and 2 patients with paracetamol shortly before the onset of the disease.