Health encyclopaedia

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Reye's syndrome

Reye’s syndrome is a rare disease of childhood. Swelling of the brain (see Encephalitis) and liver inflammation (see Hepatitis) follow infection with one of several viruses, including chickenpox, influenza, rubella, herpes simplex and echovirus.

The brain swelling rapidly interferes with brain function. The hepatitis is also severe, with serious liver damage.

Reye’s syndrome is also connected with aspirin use in children, so aspirin is not advised for use in children under 16 years old.

Reye’s syndrome occurs in about 6 children in every million under 16 years old per year in the UK. The average age is 14 months. Banning aspirin use in children has reduced the rate of Reye’s syndrome.

• Symptoms
• Causes
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