Brief, resolved, unexplained event (brue) and alte

[Raeanne Dimick]

BRUE (brief, resolved, unexplained event) and ALTE (apparent life-threatening event) are not specific disorders but are terms referring to the sudden occurrence of certain alarming symptoms such as periods of no breathing (apnea), change in color or muscle tone, coughing, and gagging in children under 1 year of age.

• An event is classified as a BRUE if no cause is found after a thorough history and physical examination and sometimes testing are done.
• Known causes, when identified, include digestive, nervous system, breathing, infectious, heart, metabolic, and traumatic disorders.
• The diagnosis is based on a discussion with caregivers, a physical examination, and sometimes the results of certain laboratory tests.
• The prognosis depends on any identified cause of the event.
• Treatment is aimed at specific causes when they can be identified.

Terminology has changed recently. Previously, doctors used the term