Reyes’s syndrome in Delhi

Reye’s syndrome was diagnosed in about 15% of cases of encephalopathy syndrome admitted in hospital. Hypoglycemia, considered a hallmark of the disease, was an uncommon observation particularly in patients beyond one year of age (8.5%). Transaminases were more useful than hypoglycemia for suspecting this syndrome (raised in 80% of cases). Progression of the disease was very rapid. The existing management is very unsatisfactory. 11 out of 12 cases died. A high order of suspicion in a patient who presents with vomiting, hepatomegaly and sensorial obtundation is proposed for early diagnosis.