Question

Reye syndrome is a condition that can occur when children take aspirin. Describe the pathophysiology of the condition and who may be affected. What may be the way to properly diagnose and treat the condition? What is the best means of prevention? How would you teach this to someone who has young children in their home? What may be safe alternatives to recommend for those who need to treat a fever in children?

Answer 1

The childrens are very prone for infections due to their tender immune system.Certqin viral infections like chickenpox, flu jf treated with aspirin can be a causative factor of this rare disease. This affects mainly the liver and brain.

Pathogenesis:

The organism or the virus infects the hosts mitochondria. This leads to impaired fatty acid beta oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation. When it reaches the liver it affects the cytoplasmic content of the cells leading to astrocytes edema ,disturbing gastric system resulting in nausea,vomiting, diarrhea,alters the brain function by damage to the neurons resulting in confusion ,increased ICP, seizures, loss of consciousness. Also affects the kidney leading to infection, decreased urine output, generalized edema.

It can affect children between 5 to 17 years.Whites are at greater risk of infection nearly 93%.

It can diagnosed by history collection patient had a recent viral infection or has taken aspirin ,any metabolic disease ,fatty acid disorder.

The treatment is symptomatic which has no cure

Administer antibiotics to treat infections

Diuretics to reduce cerebral edema

Antipyretics to reduce fever

Analgesics to manage pain

Acid base balance with electrolyte balance

Support airway by oxygen supply

Monitor the patient's vitals,spo2,blood glucose and treat accordingly

The best means of prevention are

• Do not use OTC medication containing aspirin for children
• Avoid salicylate until necessarily prescribed by the provider

Ths diseases signs and symptoms, cause has to be explained to parents who have young children and follow the above simple preventive measures to prevent this disease.

The safe alternative to treat a child with fever are

• Increase fluid intake
• Provide sponging if very high temperatures
• Administer acetaminophen as per order
• Monitor the child after infectious disease like chickenpox or flu