Related Experiment Videos
Reye's syndrome in Denmark. A retrospective study
Insights
This study investigated Reye's syndrome (RS) incidence in Denmark during a 1979 influenza B epidemic. Researchers found a very low incidence of RS in children, suggesting unique factors may be at play.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- Reye's syndrome (RS) is a rare but serious condition often linked to influenza B infections in children.
- Denmark experienced a significant influenza B epidemic in 1979, providing a relevant period for incidence study.
- Previous studies suggest varying RS incidence globally, necessitating country-specific data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Reye's syndrome (RS) in Denmark.
- To assess the potential association between the 1979 influenza B epidemic and RS cases.
- To establish a baseline incidence rate for RS in the Danish pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design analyzing mortality data in children aged 1 month to 18 years in Denmark during 1979.
- Exclusion of deaths from accidents or malignant diseases to focus on potential RS cases.
- Review of hospital records, death certificates, and autopsy reports, supplemented by inquiries to pediatric departments.
Main Results:
- One confirmed case of Reye's syndrome was identified among 242 hospital deaths.
- No cases meeting RS criteria were found among 105 deaths outside hospitals.
- Pediatric departments reported no RS diagnoses during the study period.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of Reye's syndrome in Denmark in 1979 was found to be extremely low (0.09 per 100,000 children aged 1-14).
- The low incidence suggests potential unknown factors influencing Reye's syndrome occurrence in Denmark.
- Further research is warranted to understand the reasons behind the low observed incidence.
Abstract:
We tried to determine the incidence of Reye's syndrome (RS) in Denmark in a retrospective study. As RS is often preceded by influenza B, we chose the year 1979, where an epidemic of influenza B was registered in Denmark. All children aged 1 month to 18 years, who died, were identified, excluding children who died from accidents or malignant diseases. Two hundred and forty-two children died in hospital. Review of the records revealed one case of RS. One hundred and five died outside hospital. Reviewing death certificates and autopsy reports, none of these fulfilled the criteria for RS. All paediatric departments were asked if they had made a diagnosis of RS. None had. In 1979 approximately 1.1 mill. children aged 1 month to 14 years lived in Denmark. This gives an incidence of 0.09 per 100 000 for 1979. Although this is a minimum figure, the incidence of RS in Denmark, for unknown reasons, seems very low.