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El término BRUE describe un evento en un lactante menor, repentino, breve, ya resuelto y sólo aplica cuando no existe una explicación para este episodio. Es escasa la literatura nacional e internacional sobre el estudio etiológico en BRUE. Objetivos: Caracterizar lactantes con episodio de BRUE y hacer un análisis etiológico. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo lactantes hospitalizados por BRUE. Resultados: Se encontraron 50 lactantes con BRUE, la mayoría de ellos presentó un solo evento y ninguno requirió reanimación cardiopulmonar. Las características principales de los eventos fueron apnea, cianosis y tono disminuido. Las etiologías encontradas, más habituales, fueron reflujo gastro-esofágico, infección respiratoria, mala técnica alimentaria y crisis epilépticas. La evaluación clínica fue el principal elemento diagnóstico. Discusión: Nuestro análisis etiológico concuerda con la literatura nacional e internacional. La anamnesis y examen físico son la principal herramienta diagnóstica. Es fundamental contar con guías, adaptadas a la realidad nacional y local, que dirijan el estudio de lactantes con BRUE.

BRUE is an event occurring in an infant when the observer reports a sudden, brief, and now-resolved episode. BRUE is a diagnosis of exclusion and is used only when there is no explanation for the event after conducting an appropriate history and physical examination. There is little literature on the etiological study in BRUE. Objectives: To characterize infants with a BRUE episode and to carry out an etiological analysis. Methods: A retrospective study including infants who have experienced a BRUE between the years 2017 to 2020. Results: 50 infants with BRUE, most of them presented a single event and none required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The main characteristics of the events were apnea, cyanosis and decreased tone. The most common etiologies found were gastroesophageal reflux, respiratory infection, poor feeding technique, and seizures. History and physical examination are the fundamental diagnostic tools. Discussion: Our etiological analysis agrees with the national and international literature. The clinical evaluation was the main diagnostic tool. It is essential to create local guidelines for the evaluation investigation and management of infants with BRUE.

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La posible relación entre apneas durante la infancia temprana y Síndrome de Muerte Súbita del Lactante (SMSL) nunca ha sido demostrada, existiendo evidencias de que ambas condiciones podrían no estar relacionadas. La Academia Americana de Pediatría (AAP) define ALTE (Acute Life Threatening Event), como un evento brusco e inesperado que incluye manifestaciones de apnea junto con cambios de coloración cutánea y de tono muscular, donde el observador cree que el niño ha muerto. La AAP ha propuesto recientemente la sustitución del término ALTE por Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUE). El nuevo concepto permite categorizar eventos breves, resueltos e inexplicados, para optimizar mejor el recurso en salud, a través de objetivar el evento y entregando estrategias de manejo categorizando el riesgo. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y letalidad de los pacientes menores de 12 meses que consultan por BRUE en un hospital de referencia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo con revisión de ficha de 46 pacientes de la Unidad de Lactantes y Nutrición del Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, con diagnóstico de BRUE, entre enero a diciembre de 2017. Resultados: Del total de pacientes con BRUE, 45% fueron hombres y 55% mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 1,37 + 0,51 meses. En 70% se demostró una etiología, de estas 31% con enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE), siendo ésta la causa más frecuente seguida de un 19% con infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) y 9% causas neurológicas. En el 30% fueron causas idiopáticas. Conclusión: En nuestro estudio las causas más frecuentes de BRUE fueron ERGE e infecciones respiratorias. Durante el período de estudio ningún paciente estudiado falleció, por lo que no encontramos relación entre apneas del lactante y síndrome de muerte súbita.

The possible relationship between apneas during early childhood and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has never been demonstrated, and there is evidence that the two conditions may not be related. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines ALTE (Acute Life Threatening Event), as an abrupt and unexpected event that includes manifestations of apnea along with changes in skin color and muscle tone, where the observer believes that the child has died. The AAP has recently proposed replacing the term ALTE with Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUE). The new concept makes it possible to categorize brief, resolved and unexplained events, to better optimize the health resource, through objectifying the event and delivering management strategies by categorizing the risk. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and lethality of patients younger than 12 months who consult for BRUE in a referral hospital. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with revision of the file of 46 patients from the Infant and Nutrition Unit of the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, with a diagnosis of BRUE, between January and December 2017. Results: Of the total number of patients with BRUE, 45% were men and 55% women. The average age was 1.37 + 0.51 months. An etiology was demonstrated in 70%, of these 31% with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this being the most frequent cause, followed by 19% with acute respiratory infections (ARI) and 9% with neurological causes. In 30% they were idiopathic causes. Conclusion: In our study, the most frequent causes of BRUE were GERD and respiratory infections. During the study period, no patient studied died, so we found no relationship between apnea in the infant and sudden death syndrome.

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Resumen: Hace tres décadas se propuso el término Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTE), siendo incorpo rado paulatinamente en el enfrentamiento clínico de estos pacientes; permitiendo determinar riesgos, atribuir causas y realizar tratamientos específicos. Sin embargo, llevó a realizar estudios y hospitalizaciones en muchas instancias considerados innecesarios, generando un aumento de los costos sanitarios. Por estos motivos nace el concepto de Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUE), que pretende disminuir la subjetividad del evento y focalizar una estrategia de manejo según determina ción del riesgo. En el siguiente artículo se analizan diferencias entre ALTE y BRUE según consensos internacionales y chilenos, profundizando en el enfrentamiento e incorporando consideraciones de relevancia para la práctica clínica cotidiana de lactantes que presentan un BRUE.

Abstract: Three decades ago, the term Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTE) was proposed and was gra dually incorporated into the clinical approach of these patients, allowing to determine risks, attribute causes, and perform specific treatments. However, this led to studies and hospitalizations considered unnecessary in many cases, increasing health costs. For this reason, the concept of Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUE) was created, in order to reduce the subjectivity of the event and focus a management strategy according to the risk determination. This article analyzes the differences bet ween ALTE and BRUE according to international and Chilean consensus, deepening the approach and incorporating relevant considerations for the daily clinical practice with infants who present a BRUE.

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OBJECTIVE: To estimate an upper bound on the risk of death after a brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE), a sudden alteration in an infant's breathing, color, tone, or responsiveness, previously labeled "apparent life-threatening event" (ALTE). STUDY DESIGN: The meta-analysis incorporated observational studies of patients with ALTE that included data on in-hospital and post-discharge deaths with at least 1 week of follow-up after hospital discharge. Pertinent studies were identified from a published review of the literature from 1970 through 2014 and a supplementary PubMed query through February 2017. RESULTS: The 12 included studies (n = 3005) reported 12 deaths, of which 8 occurred within 4 months of the event. Applying a Poisson-normal random effects model to the 8 proximate deaths using a 4-month time horizon yielded a post-ALTE mortality rate of about 1 in 800, which constitutes an upper bound on the risk of death after a BRUE. CONCLUSIONS: This risk is about the same as the baseline risk of death during the first year of life. The meta-analysis therefore supports the return-home approach advocated in a recently published clinical practice guideline-not routine hospitalization-for BRUE patients who have been evaluated in the emergency department and determined to be at lower risk.

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Un Evento de Aparente Amenaza de la Vida o ALTE (del inglés: Apparent Life Threatening Event) corresponde a un episodio agudo que ante los ojos del observador pone en riesgo la vida de un lactante menor de 1 año. Debe presentar la combinación de 2 o más de los criterios siguientes: apnea / cambio de color / alteración del tono / atoro e implicar la necesidad de algún tipo de maniobras para reanimar. En el presente consenso sobre el manejo de un ALTE se revisaron la evidencia internacional y nacional respecto al enfoque diagnóstico, estudio etiológico, criterios y duración de hospitalización y las indicaciones de monitorización domiciliaria.

Apparent life threatening events are defined as an acute episode in which the observer fears an infant < 1 year may die. ALTE is characterized by some combination of apnea, color or muscle tone change, chocking and has to be followed by cardiorespiratory reanimation. The present consensus paper reviews international and national evidence concerning diagnosis, etiologies, hospitalization criteria and indications for home monitoring.

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El ALTE no es una enfermedad específica en sí misma, sino una forma de presentación clínica de diversas enfermedades, su incidencia se estima en 6 por 1 000 en aquellos lactantes nacidos a término, y asciende a un 86 por 1 000 en los nacidos pretérmino. Su etiología es multifactorial, el diagnóstico es difícil y precisa de experiencia, y la conducta depende de las causas que lo originen. Esta afección poco reconocida en la práctica médica actual, genera una enorme ansiedad en la familia, y constituye un desafío en cuanto al diagnóstico, manejo y consejos por parte del pediatra(AU)

Apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is not a specific disease, rather a form of clinical presentation of several diseases. Its incidence rate is estimated to be 6 per 1000 in the term infants and 86 per 1000 in preterm infants. The etiology of the event is multifactoral, the diagnosis is difficult and requires experience, and the behavior to be adopted depends on the causes that bring it about. This poorly recognized illness in the present medical practice gives rise to a lot of anxiety for the family and represents a true challenge in terms of diagnosis, management and counseling by the pediatrician(AU)

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El ALTE no es una enfermedad específica en sí misma, sino una forma de presentación clínica de diversas enfermedades, su incidencia se estima en 6 por 1 000 en aquellos lactantes nacidos a término, y asciende a un 86 por 1 000 en los nacidos pretérmino. Su etiología es multifactorial, el diagnóstico es difícil y precisa de experiencia, y la conducta depende de las causas que lo originen. Esta afección poco reconocida en la práctica médica actual, genera una enorme ansiedad en la familia, y constituye un desafío en cuanto al diagnóstico, manejo y consejos por parte del pediatra(AU)

Apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is not a specific disease, rather a form of clinical presentation of several diseases. Its incidence rate is estimated to be 6 per 1000 in the term infants and 86 per 1000 in preterm infants. The etiology of the event is multifactoral, the diagnosis is difficult and requires experience, and the behavior to be adopted depends on the causes that bring it about. This poorly recognized illness in the present medical practice gives rise to a lot of anxiety for the family and represents a true challenge in terms of diagnosis, management and counseling by the pediatrician(AU)

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El ALTE no es una enfermedad específica en sí misma, sino una forma de presentación clínica de diversas enfermedades, su incidencia se estima en 6 por 1 000 en aquellos lactantes nacidos a término, y asciende a un 86 por 1 000 en los nacidos pretérmino. Su etiología es multifactorial, el diagnóstico es difícil y precisa de experiencia, y la conducta depende de las causas que lo originen. Esta afección poco reconocida en la práctica médica actual, genera una enorme ansiedad en la familia, y constituye un desafío en cuanto al diagnóstico, manejo y consejos por parte del pediatra

Apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is not a specific disease, rather a form of clinical presentation of several diseases. Its incidence rate is estimated to be 6 per 1000 in the term infants and 86 per 1000 in preterm infants. The etiology of the event is multifactoral, the diagnosis is difficult and requires experience, and the behavior to be adopted depends on the causes that bring it about. This poorly recognized illness in the present medical practice gives rise to a lot of anxiety for the family and represents a true challenge in terms of diagnosis, management and counseling by the pediatrician

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OBJETIVO: Identificar, na admissão dos lactentes com após eventos com aparente risco de morte (apparent life-threatening event, ALTE), fatores que possam indicar maior risco de evolução para o óbito. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal retrospectivo, descritivo e analítico com lactentes menores de 12 meses, com evento súbito de cianose, palidez, hipotonia e/ou apneia, atendidos na unidade de emergência de hospital universitário de nível terciário. Para avaliação da associação, determinaram-se os valores de odds ratio bruto e ajustado por regressão logística (método stepwise forward Wald). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 145 pacientes com idade média de 105 dias (mediana = 65 dias). Onze (7,6 por cento) evoluíram para óbito, com idade média de 189 dias (mediana = 218 dias), enquanto que a idade média dos sobreviventes foi de 98 dias (mediana = 62 dias) (p = 0,003). Atividades que precederam o evento, antecedente de prematuridade e número de episódios não apresentaram associação com o óbito. Apresentou relação significativa o relato de palidez pelos observadores. Entre os 11 lactentes, 3 apresentaram melhora imediata e espontânea; já 8 pacientes [27,6 por cento; p < 0,001; OR = 14,3 (IC95 por cento 3,51-58,3)] não tiveram melhora espontânea. Os diagnósticos de doença do trato respiratório e do sistema cardiocirculatório também foram significantes. Na análise multivariada, mostraram significância estatística: não melhora imediata e espontânea [p = 0,015; OR = 6,06 (IC95 por cento 1,02-35,94)] e diagnóstico de doença do sistema cardiocirculatório [p = 0,047; OR = 164,27 (IC95 por cento 7,34-3.673,78)]. CONCLUSÃO: Os lactentes que apresentaram ALTE tiveram maior risco de óbito quando presentes na faixa etária acima dos 6 meses e quando os eventos tiveram duração prolongada, principalmente quando ocorreram como manifestação de doenças do sistema cardiocirculatório.

OBJECTIVE: To detect factors associated with greater risk of death in infants after an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE). METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive and analytic study evaluated infants younger than 12 months who had a sudden event of cyanosis, pallor, hypotonia or apnea and were seen in the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital. Forward stepwise logistic regression (Wald) was used to calculate and adjust odds ratios to evaluate associations. RESULTS: Mean age of the 145 patients included in the study was 105 days (median = 65 days). Eleven (7.6 percent) died, and their mean age was 189 days (median = 218 days). Mean age of survivors was 98 days (median = 62 days) (p = 0.003). Activity before the event, prematurity and number of events were not associated with death. A significant association was found with pallor. Of the 11 infants, 3 had spontaneous resolution of ALTE, whereas 8 patients [27.6 percent; p < 0.001; OR = 14.3 (95 percentCI 3.51-58.3)] did not. The associations with respiratory or cardiovascular disease were also significant. In multivariate analysis, immediate spontaneous resolution [p = 0.015; OR = 6.06 (95 percentCI 1.02-35.94)] and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease [p = 0.047; OR = 164.27 (95 percentCI 7.34-3.673.78)] remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Infants who experienced an ALTE had a higher risk of subsequent death when their age was greater than 6 months and the event had a long duration, particularly when ALTE was associated with cardiovascular disease.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and describe clinical characteristics of seizure disorders and epilepsy as causes of apparent life- threatening event (ALTE) in children admitted at the emergency and followed in a tertiary hospital. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection using specific guidelines to determine the etiology of ALTE. RESULTS: During the study, 30 (4.2 percent) children admitted to the hospital had a diagnosis of ALTE. There was a predominance of males (73 percent) and term infants (70 percent). Neonatal neurological disorders and neuropsychomotor development delay were found respectively in 13.4 percent and 10 percent of the cases. Etiological investigation revealed that 50 percent of the cases were idiopathic, and 13.4 percent were caused by epilepsy or seizure disorders. Although all patients had recurrent ALTE events, epilepsy had not been previously suspected. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy should be included in the differential diagnosis of ALTE, particularly when events are recurrent.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e características clínicas de crises epilépticas e epilepsia como causa de eventos com aparente risco de vida (ALTE) em crianças atendidas na emergência e acompanhadas em hospital terciário. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com coleta prospectiva de dados através de protocolo específico para identificação da etiologia de ALTE. RESULTADOS: Foram diagnosticadas 30 crianças com ALTE perfazendo 4.2 por cento das crianças internadas no período do estudo. Houve predominância no sexo masculino (73 por cento) e em neonatos a termo (70 por cento). História prévia de doenças neurológicas no período neonatal e atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor ocorreram respectivamente em 13.4 por cento e 10 por cento dos casos. A investigação etiológica identificou 13.4 por cento dos casos relacionados a epilepsia ou crise convulsivas e 50 por cento idiopáticos. Apesar destes pacientes terem apresentados episódios recorrentes em nenhum caso havia a suspeita prévia de epilepsia. CONCLUSÃO: Ao investigar pacientes com ALTE a possibilidade do diagnóstico de epilepsia deve ser fortemente considerada principalmente nos casos recorrentes.

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OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo a elaboração de guia para manejo e seguimento de crianças com episódios de possível ameaça a vida (ALTE) com enfoque especial ao diagnóstico diferencial deste evento com primeiro episódio de crise convulsiva. MÉTODOS: Através de revisão da literatura foi elaborado um consenso, entre os membros do comitê de Síndrome da Morte Súbita do Lactente (SMSL) da Associação Latinoamericana de Pediatria (ALAPE), para orientação quanto ao manejo e investigação etiológica de pacientes com ALTE. RESULTADOS: A proposta de sistematização da investigação destes pacientes inicia definindo a gravidade do evento e estabelecendo a necessidade de internação ou seguimento ambulatorial. A pesquisa da etiologia deve ser realizada gradualmente sendo dividida em exames iniciais e exames específicos, que são aprofundados de acordo com as características clínicas do caso em questão. O manejo após alta hospitalar e a indicação de monitorização domiciliar devem ser individualizados e avaliados caso a caso. O ALTE pode ser a primeira manifestação de uma crise epiléptica ,entretanto, este diagnóstico algumas vezes é tardio, quando não é disponível EEG ictal. O EEG interictal, nestes casos, geralmente é normal e o refluxo gastroesofágico, distúrbio muito prevalente na infância, pode confundir o diagnóstico da manifestação epiléptica. CONCLUSÃO: O ALTE não deve ser considerado um diagnóstico etiológico, mas conjunto de sinais percebidos pelo observador que deve ser amplamente investigado. Apesar de pouco freqüente, a apnéia pode ser a única manifestação ictal de uma crise parcial. Esta possibilidade deve ser lembrada e excluída no diagnóstico diferencial da etiologia de ALTE. As orientações sugeridas neste artigo assim como o fluxograma de investigação apresentado podem auxiliar no manejo e seguimento dos pacientes com ALTE assim como resultar em redução do tempo e custo de internação destes pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to propose guidelines to clinical investigation of patients with an apparent life threatening event (ALTE) with focus on the differential diagnosis with first seizure. METHODS: Based on literature review and a consensus meeting, members of the Sudden Infant Death Committee (SIDS) of the Latin American Society of Pediatrics (ALAPE) elaborated guidelines to help pediatricians evaluate children with ALTE. RESULTS: The proposal presented starts evaluating the gravity of the event and the consequent choice for admission or outpatient follow up. The search for etiology should be gradual starting with low complexity exams. After discharge follow up should be individualized as the choice of home monitoring. An ALTE may be the first manifestation of an epileptic seizure, however, the diagnosis is sometimes delayed when an ictal EEG is not available, because interictal EEGs are often normal and gastroesophageal reflux, a disorder very prevalent in early childhood, may mislead the diagnosis of the epileptic manifestation. CONCLUSIONS: ALTE cannot be considered an etiological diagnosis, moreover, it is a group of signs and symptoms that should be thoroughly investigated. Although not often, an apneic spell may be the only manifestation of partial seizures. This possibility should be reminded and ruled out in the etiological diagnosis of children with ALTE. The information provided in this guideline may help in the evaluation and follow up of ALTE patients, including a reduction on time and cost of hospitalization.

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La definición de ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event) corresponde a un evento que pone en riesgo la vida de un lactante, caracterizado por cianosis, hipotonía o apnea, y que requiere de maniobras para su recuperación. Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de ALTE en nuestro centro, para estandarizar el enfrentamiento diagnóstico y de tratamiento en nuestros pacientes. Pacientes y Método: Estudio retrospectivo que enroló a 71 pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de ALTE. Resultados: Las causas principales de ALTE fueron idiopático (36%), infección respiratoria viral (29%), síndrome convulsivo (12%), mala técnica de alimentación (14%). Los exámenes que con mayor frecuencia contribuyeron al diagnóstico fueron: inmunofluorescencia (IFD) viral, electroencefalograma (EEG), polisomnograma. Un 49% repitió un ALTE durante su hospitalización. Se realizó educación en reanimación a 71,4% de los padres. Al 42% se les indicó monitor cardiorrespiratorio al alta. Conclusiones: Las causas de ALTE encontradas son similares a lo publicado, destacando la alta frecuencia de ALTE idiopático. Basados en nuestros datos se propone un algoritmo de estudio, tratamiento e indicaciones de monitor cardiorrespiratorio para lactantes con diagnóstico de ALTE. Es necesario realizar un estudio controlado, prospectivo de estudio y tratamiento de esta entidad para poder afirmar y soportar adecuadamente este algoritmo.

ALTE is a life-threatening event characterized by cyanosis, hypotonia or apnea that requires life-support maneuvers for recuperation. Objective: To determine the etiology of ALTE in our center, in order to standardize an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this entity. Method: Retrospective study of 71 infants younger than 1 year, hospitalized by ALTE. Results: The most common causes of ALTE were idiopathic (36%), viral respiratory infections (29%), feeding technique problems (14%) and seizures (12%), Important diagnostic tests include direct virus inmunofluorescence (IFD), electroencephalography and polisomnography. 49% of patients repeated an ALTE event during hospitalization. 71% of parents received basic life-support education. 42% of patients were sent home with a cardio-respiratory monitor. Conclusions: The causes of ALTE found in our investigation are similar to the ones published on previous studies, standing out the high frequency of idiopathic ALTE. Based on our data, we propose an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of infants with ALTE. Prospective-controlled studies related to clinical evaluation and therapy of ALTE are necessary in order to validate this algorithsm.