Reye syndrome

Symptoms

Symptoms of Reye syndrome include:

• Recent upper respiratory infection or chickenpox
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mental status changes
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Combative behavior
• Loss of consciousness or coma may develop
• Seizures
• Unusual placement of arms and legs (decerebrate posture) -- the arms are extended straight and turned toward the body, the legs are held straight, and the toes are pointed downward)

• Weakness in arms or legs
• Muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs
• Double vision
• Speech difficulties
• Hearing loss

Exams and Tests

The following tests may be used to diagnose Reye syndrome:

• Blood chemistry tests show low blood sugar (glucose) levels
• Liver function tests show higher than normal levels of liver enzymes
• Serum ammonia test may be higher than normal
• Liver biopsy
• Spinal tap
• Head CT or head MRI scan help rule out other causes of mental status changes

References

Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004:310-311.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 656-657.

Ferri FF. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 2005 ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005:738.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:46-47.