Final answer:
Reye syndrome causes significant swelling in the liver and brain, leading to the accumulation of fats within liver cells and decreased liver function, which can result in neurological damage and potentially hepatic encephalopathy, coma, or death.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Reye syndrome, the liver experiences severe swelling, leading to potential liver failure and various complications such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Reye syndrome is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects children and teenagers following a viral illness, such as influenza or chickenpox. The syndrome causes significant swelling in the liver and brain. This swelling can result in neurological damage, as the liver's ability to detoxify the blood is compromised. When affected by Reye syndrome, the liver function is impaired, leading to the accumulation of fats within the liver and hepatocytes (liver cells), which can hinder normal liver operation. This liver dysfunction allows toxic substances to accumulate in the bloodstream, potentially causing damage to brain cells and leading to hepatic encephalopathy—a severe complication involving brain dysfunction. Effective treatment of Reye syndrome is crucial, as it can progress to coma or death. It is essential to avoid aspirin or aspirin-containing products in children with viral infections to prevent Reye syndrome.