Reye's syndrome developing in an infant on treatment of Kawasaki syndrome

Abstract

Aspirin is commonly used as an anti‐inflammatory therapy for Kawasaki syndrome. Early initiation with high dose aspirin (80 to >100 mg/kg per day), followed by low‐dose therapy at the afebrile stage, has been often used to reduce morbidity and mortality in coronary complications. We report a 10‐month‐old infant who was diagnosed with Kawasaki syndrome. Sudden onset of poor activity, poor appetite, lethargy, tachycardia, tachypnea, hepatomegaly, increased AST/ALT, coagulopathy and hyperammonemia developed 3 days after the high‐dose aspirin therapy. His histopathological and ultrastructural findings from the liver biopsy were compatible with Reye's syndrome. He recovered completely, and there was no recurrence.