A Clinical Analysis of Ninety-Four Cases of Reye's Syndrome

Abstract

Ninety-four cases of Reye's syndrome, diagnosed clinically, were evaluated retrospectively, with special reference to epidemiology, clinical features and factors affecting the prognosis. Eighty per cent of cases were under two years of age. A preceding illness was identified in ninety cases, eighty-five of which had URI-like symptoms. Antecedent varicella had been present ir three cases. Overall mortality was significantly higher in those with serum aspartate aminotransferase levels greater than 300 lUll, lactic dehydrogenase greather than 750 lUll, blood ammonia above 300 ,u g/dl, white blood cell count over 20,OOO/mm3 , and in those over 4 years of age. Mortality was also proportional to the stage of the disease on presentation; stage 1-0%, stage II-29%, stage III-51% and stage IV-69%.