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Medical Author:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Reye's syndrome facts
• What is Reye's syndrome?
• What causes Reye's syndrome?
• What are risk factors for Reye's syndrome?
• What are Reye's syndrome symptoms and signs?
• How is Reye's syndrome diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for Reye's syndrome?
• What is the prognosis for Reye's syndrome?
• Can Reye's syndrome be prevented?
• What research is being done on Reye's syndrome?
• Where can I find more information about Reye's syndrome?
• Reye Syndrome Index

Although we do not know how to completely prevent Reye's syndrome, we do know that reducing aspirin use in children has resulted in a decrease in the incidence of the illness. In 1980, there were over 500 cases of Reye's syndrome in the United States, and now there are only one to two cases per year. Similar statistics have been seen in the United Kingdom as well.

Most research that is being done focuses on understanding what the triggers are for Reye's syndrome and how aspirin is involved in the disease. In addition, some are trying to determine why some patients progress rapidly and some cases simply resolve.

National Reye Syndrome Foundation
http://www.reyessyndrome.org

REFERENCES:

Glasgow, J.F. and B. Middleton. "Reye's Syndrome -- Insights on Causation and Prognosis." Arch Dis Child 85.5 (2001): 351-353.

Pugliese, A., T. Beltramo, and D. Torre. "Reye's and Reye's-like Syndromes." Cell Biochem Function 26 (2008): 741-746.