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Reye's syndrome 'rīz-also 'rāz- also Reye syndrome 'rī-also 'rā- n an often fatal encephalopathy esp. of childhood characterized by fever, vomiting, fatty infiltration of the liver, and swelling of the kidneys and brain

Reye 'rī Ralph Douglas Kenneth (1912-1977)

Australian pathologist. Reye held the post of director of pathology at a hospital for children in Sydney, Australia. From 1951 to 1962 he studied 21 cases of Reye's syndrome. He presented his findings in an article published in 1963.

a rare disorder occurring in childhood. It is characterized by the symptoms of encephalitis combined with evidence of liver failure. Often, the symptoms develop in the apparent recovery phase of a viral infection. Treatment is aimed at controlling cerebral oedema and correcting metabolic abnormalities in order to allow spontaneous recovery, but there is still a significant mortality and there may be residual brain damage. The cause is not known, but aspirin has been implicated and this drug should not be used in children below the age of 12 unless specifically indicated.