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Reye's syndrome in nonpediatric age groups.
JAMA
|September 28, 1979
Summary
Reye's syndrome, typically a childhood illness, can affect adults. This study highlights four adult cases, emphasizing its potential misdiagnosis in adult encephalopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition primarily affecting children, characterized by encephalopathy and fatty liver.
- It is often preceded by a viral illness and is associated with specific biochemical abnormalities.
Observation:
- This study presents four cases of Reye's syndrome in young adults (aged 16-23) initially managed by internists.
- Clinical presentation included viral prodrome, vomiting, and encephalopathy without focal neurological signs or jaundice.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination showed normal findings except for increased opening pressure, alongside abnormal liver function tests and elevated blood ammonia.
Findings:
- Reye's syndrome was linked to influenza B virus in three patients and Varicella in one.
- All patients presented with encephalopathy and fatty liver, with elevated ammonia levels and abnormal liver function tests.
- Three out of the four adult patients survived the illness.
Implications:
- Reye's syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained encephalopathy in adults.
- Early recognition by internists, emergency physicians, and psychiatrists is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- This study expands the known age spectrum for Reye's syndrome, underscoring the need for broader clinical awareness.
