Transient intellectual and psychosocial regression during recovery phase of stage V Reye's syndrome.

The outcome of stage V Reye's syndrome survivors has not been critically assessed. Three teenage survivors, who initially exhibited severe psychosocial and intellectual regression, are described. Findings support the observation that the neurological outcome from Reye's syndrome correlates with the duration of altered consciousness during the acute phase. Recovery of intellectual, psychosocial, learning and motor function is reported. A period of transient dementia was noted, which may be typical in recovery from stage V Reye's syndrome. Unlike other types of encephalopathies, complete resolution may be expected.