Reyes Syndrome

Reye first reported the occurence of a disease comprising of encephalopathy, heaptic disfunction and hyperammonemia in 21 children in Australia in 1963. Encephalopathy was characteristic accompanied by specific associated signs and symptoms. The disease progressed quickly leading to coma and mostly death. Laboratory findings in all these cases were typical. The disease disappeared globally some time in 1980 but its occurrence continued in the following years. Clinical staging dictated the prognosis. The etiology remained obscure and various postulations were forwarded indicating that it may possibly be a metabolic disorder.