Metabolic function and liver histopathology in Reye-like illnesses

Forty children with Reye syndrome (RS) or Reye-like illnesses were investigated to elucidate the underlying aetiologies. Extensive biochemical studies including patterns of organic acids and amino acids, liver histopathology, and, if available, a DNA approach were performed. In addition to classical RS ( n = 10), the causes of Reye-like conditions included hereditary organic acidaemias ( n = 13), urea cycle defects ( n = 4), mitochondrial disorders ( n = 3), fulminant hepatitis ( n = 2), tyrosinaemia ( n = 1), valproate-associated hepatotoxicity ( n = 1), and other non-specific generalized organic acid disorders ( n = 6). It is important to collect specimens when encephalopathy with liver dysfunction of unknown causes is noted. When the underlying inherited metabolic disorders are confirmed, the prevention of the recurrence by adequate diet control and medications, and genetic counselling become possible.