Reye' Syndrome was described in 1950's and 1960's and the association with aspirin and varicella were incriminated as cause-effect. Nowadays lots of pediatricians from different schools prescribe either aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs regardless of the varicella status. To my knowledge there are no more Reye' Syndrom reports in the literature.
Was Reye' Syndrome due to another " etiology"?
Aspirin is contraindicated in children and should not be given. Of more signficance is the issue of invasive soft-tissue infection following the use of NSAIDs in children with chickenpox. There are a number of case-reports and case-series; and at least two case-control studies that have looked at this. While there is an association between NSAID use and severe infection, when you look at the data more carefully it appears that this is probably because those with more severe infections get NSAIDs rather than paracetamol. There is not enough evidence not to use them; but as with all drugs the key is parental education as to what to look out for. These are the two main studies:
Zerr et al., (1999) Pediatrics 103, 783-790
Lesko et al., (2001) Pediatrics 107, 1108-1115
The other thing to remember is the potential toxicities associated with the renal tract - make sure they remain well hydrated particularly if using NAIDs as they inhibit COX-1 which is important in maintaining renal perfusion in dehydration.
Hope this helps.
Edward
Thank you Edward, I share the "the same "school background"
But I was told of pediatricians "coming fron others schools" prescribing NSAIDs irrespective of varicella status.
Hope some of them will join the forum and share their experience!
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