Pharmacotherapy Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 25, 06/22/2010

Question

How does the use of aspirin or salicylates increase the risk of Reye's syndrome in children with viral infections?

Answer

Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition that results in microvesicular hepatic steatosis (fatty changes of the liver) and acute encephalopathy (altered mental status) primarily in children and teenagers recovering from a viral illness (such as influenza or varicella zoster virus).1-4  While it is most common in children, it can occur at any age.1,2  Approximately 3-5 days after the onset of the viral illness, the signs and symptoms of Reye's syndrome present in the following order...

......To read the full answer please LOGIN or SUBSCRIBE NOW.