Question

A 3-year-old child presented to OPD with the symptoms of influenza. Aspirin is contraindicated in the patient because of increased risk of

• A. Gastric bleeding
• B. Thrombocytopenia
• C. Fanconi Syndrome
• D. Reye's syndrome

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

A 3-year-old child has presented with symptoms of influenza, and we must determine why aspirin is contraindicated in this situation. Let's evaluate each option to understand the correct reasoning:

1. Gastric bleeding: While aspirin is known to cause gastric bleeding due to gastric mucosal damage, this is not specifically related to the age or influenza context.
2. Thrombocytopenia: This could be caused by various medications, including aspirin, but it is not specifically contraindicated in children or patients with influenza.
3. Fanconi Syndrome: This is a disorder affecting kidney tubule function, typically unrelated to aspirin usage.
4. Reye's Syndrome: This is a serious condition that can occur in children who take aspirin during viral illnesses like the flu or chickenpox. Reye's syndrome can cause swelling in the liver and brain, leading to severe outcomes. It is the specific reason for avoiding aspirin in young children with viral infections.

Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is Reye's syndrome. Aspirin is contraindicated in children due to the risk of this rare but potentially fatal disease, especially when the child is suffering from viral infections such as influenza.