Reye's syndrome is a neurological condition that occurs almost exclusively in children. Its cause is poorly understood. No cure exists and it is managed supportively.

Association with aspirin use:

• Some evidence links the development of Reye's syndrome with the use of aspirin while children have a viral infection
• As a result, aspirin is now a contraindicated antipyretic and anti-inflammatory in children given the vast majority of presentations fevers are caused by viruses and there is currently no rapid, definitive way of distinguishing between viral and non-viral causes.

Presentation

• vomiting and encephalopathy (slurred speech, lethargy, coma and potentially death).

Investigations

• Abnormal LFTs
• Diagnosis can be confirmed with hepatocyte microvesicular steatosis on liver biopsy