Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Síndrome de Reyes
Reye syndrome (RAY SIN-drome)
A rare disease that damages the brain and liver and causes death if not treated. It occurs most often in children younger than 15 years who have had a fever-causing virus, such as chickenpox or flu. Taking aspirin during a viral illness may increase the risk of Reye syndrome.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.