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Brief Resolved Unexplained Event

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Brief Resolved Unexplained Event

(BRUE; Previously known as ALTE)

Definition

A brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) is a set of symptoms in an baby that have no known cause. It is when one or more of these problems last for less than one minute:

  • Skin that is very pale or blue
  • Breathing that may be stopped, slower, or not regular
  • Changes in responsiveness
  • Muscles that seem stiff or floppy
Infant Airway and Lungs.

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Causes

The cause of BRUE is not known.

Risk Factors

BRUE happens to babies under one year of age. There are no risk factors because the cause is not known.

Symptoms

BRUE is when one or more of these problems last for less than one minute:

  • Skin that is very pale or blue
  • Breathing that may be stopped, slower, or not regular
  • Changes in responsiveness
  • Muscles that seem stiff or floppy

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your baby’s symptoms and recent health history. You will be asked what happened before, during, and after the event. A physical exam will be done. BRUE is diagnosed if symptoms lasted less than one minute, the baby returns to normal health, and no other cause is found.

Tests may be done to rule out other causes, such as infection. These may be:

  • Blood or urine tests to look for signs of infections, such as pertussis
  • ECG to look for heart problems
  • Imaging tests to look for signs of trauma or heart or lung problems
  • EEG to look for problems with the brain

Treatment

BRUE does not need to be treated. The doctor may want to see the baby again to do another exam.

The baby is not more likely to need it, but it is important for caregivers to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • ALTE and BRUE. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/miscellaneous-disorders-in-infants-and-children/alte-and-brue.
  • Brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/brief-resolved-unexplained-event-brue-22.
  • Tieder JS, Bonkowsky JL, et al. Brief resolved unexplained events (formerly apparent life-threatening events) and evaluation of lower-risk infants. Pediatrics. 2016;137(5)e20160590.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.