Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention
Definition
A brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) is a set of symptoms in an infant that cause the caregiver to believe the child may be in distress or danger. BRUE lasts less than 1 minute and includes one or more of the following:
- Changes in skin color—pale or blue skin
- Breathing that may be stopped, slower, or irregular
- Noticeable changes in responsiveness
- Noticeable changes in muscle tone
Infant Airway and Lungs
Risk Factors
BRUE affects infants under 1 year of age. There are no risk factors because the cause is unknown.
Symptoms
BRUE is one or more of following:
- Changes in skin color—pale or blue skin
- Breathing that may be stopped, slower, or irregular
- Noticeable changes in responsiveness
- Noticeable changes in muscle tone
Infants with BRUE return to their normal health in less than 1 minute.
More serious symptoms require immediate medical attention. Examples include:
- Breathing that stops
- Choking or gagging
- Bleeding from the nose or mouth
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your baby’s symptoms and medical history, including what you noticed in the time leading up to the event. A physical and neurological exam will be done. Your baby may have an ECG to check the electrical activity of the heart.
A diagnosis of low-risk BRUE is confirmed if the event lasted less than one minute, your baby returned to normal health, and no cause can be identified.
High-risk BRUE is diagnosed if the other criteria are not met or your baby has had a similar event in the past. At this point, the doctor will look for an underlying cause. Tests may include:
- Blood tests or cultures
- Urine tests or cultures
- Imaging tests such as x-rays or scans
- EEG—to check the electrical activity of the brain
Testing will depend on the suspected cause. Your baby may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.
Treatment
BRUE does not require treatment. After your baby is observed and evaluated, they will be able to go home. BRUE can cause distress and anxiety for a parent, but no further monitoring beyond what is normal is needed.
Taking classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid can help you be prepared in case of an emergency.
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatricians
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
Health Canada
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. Updated February 2017. Accessed December 21, 2017.
Brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T909988/Brief-resolved-unexplained-event-BRUE. Updated October 9, 2017. Accessed December 21, 2017.
Tieder JS, Bonkowsky JL, Etzel RA, et al. Brief resolved unexplained events (formerly apparent life-threatening events) and evaluation of lower-risk infants. Pediatrics. 2016;137(5)e20160590.
Last reviewed December 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.