Reye's syndrome in adults. Diagnostic considerations

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Neurology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Reye's syndrome (RS) is typically considered a childhood illness.
• Adult Reye's syndrome is rare and presents diagnostic challenges.
• Differential diagnosis includes drug ingestion, alcohol abuse, and hepatitis B.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical experience with Reye's syndrome in adults.
• To highlight diagnostic criteria and challenges in adult RS cases.
• To emphasize the importance of considering RS in adults with specific symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case review of adult patients diagnosed with Reye's syndrome.
• Application of established diagnostic criteria for Reye's syndrome.
• Comparison with differential diagnoses for encephalopathy.

Main Results:

• Seven adult patients (18-46 years) were diagnosed with Reye's syndrome.
• Confirmed cases exhibited viral prodrome, vomiting, encephalopathy, elevated aminotransferases, and fatty liver.
• Drug ingestion was a significant differential diagnostic challenge.

Conclusions:

• Reye's syndrome can occur in adults and requires a high index of suspicion.
• Early diagnosis and treatment in adults, particularly in early stages, lead to recovery.
• Liver biopsy is often essential for confirming the diagnosis in adults.