Archive Of Standardized Exam Questions: Reye Syndrome

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose topic is Reye syndrome. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how Reye syndrome will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a traditional question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a topic is quite valuable.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)

When it comes to standardized exams, each topic has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for Reye syndrome. 

  • History of aspirin usage in children: typically aspirin usage in patients 5-14 years old is the tip-off for this condition (used to treat a fever/viral infection/etc). 
  • Signs of hepatic dysfunction on serum studies:
    • Elevated levels of liver enzymes
    • Increased bilirubin
    • Prolonged PT and PTT
    • Increased ammonia 
  • Microvesicular steatosis can be observed on a liver biopsy 
QUESTION EXAMPLES

Question # 1

 

Explanation # 1

 

Question # 2

 

Explanation # 2

 

TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)

Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying topic. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the topic’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:

  • Mechanism of disease: aspirin metabolizes decrease beta oxidation in the mitochondria by reversible inhibitor of mitochondrial enzymes. 
  • Consequences of disease: hepatic dysfunction and encephalopathy. 
    • Cause of encephalopathy: toxic effect of hyperammonemia (as a result of hepatic dysfunction) on the CNS (which causes cerebral edema) 
  • Expected histological findings: fatty liver/microvesicular fast changes. 

 

 

Page Updated: 04.24.2017