ASPIRIN AND REYE SYNDROME - with MUDr. Martin Záhorec, PhD.
Many kids (and adults) with a congenital heart defect take Aspirin for years. If there are no bleeding contraindications, many take it as a lifelong therapy. It is a very important drug as it prevents thromboembolic* complications.
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MUDr. Martin Záhorec, PhD. is a paediatric cardiologist, specialized in paediatric intensive care. He is a Head of Paediatric Cardiology Department at the Paediatric Cardiac Center in Bratislava, Slovakia.
We have good evidence with single ventricle patients after Glenn and Fontan operation that Aspirin helps prevent blood clots compared to taking nothing. But it is always a low dose: 3-5 mg/kg/day (with max dose of 75-100 mg).
When it comes to children with a heart defect that need Aspirin to prevent their blood from clotting, our cardiologist does not recommend interrupting the low dose of the medicine during febrile illness.
During many years of treating dozens of patients that are on long-term Aspirin, I have never experienced a complication like Reye syndrome. And to the best of my knowledge, there is no report of Reye syndrome in kids with CHD who are on low-dose Aspirin for many years.
At the same time, all paediatricians recommend avoiding high doses of Aspirin for infants and children anyway. Generally, they will prescribe Paracetamol or Ibuprofen formulas to fight the high fever and pain.
*THROMBOEMBOLISM refers to a blood clot that forms inside the vascular system, breaks off, travels through the bloodstream, and lodges elsewhere.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational or educational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider.