An update on the approach to apparent life-threatening events.
OBJECTIVE
Apparent life-threatening events are an ongoing diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. Since most apparent life-threatening event episodes occur in infants under 6 months of age, they can generate considerable anxiety in parents and providers. This review will discuss issues to consider in the evaluation of infants after an apparent life-threatening event. To ensure proper management, a systematic approach should be taken to attempt to determine the cause of the event.


RESULTS
More recent literature suggests that infants with apparent life-threatening events frequently present without signs or symptoms of illness. Obtaining a careful history and physical examination is essential in determining the cause of the event. In this article, we will review the most current literature and discuss the American Academy of Pediatrics new recommendations on sudden infant death syndrome prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
After a careful review of the literature, prone sleeping is one of the biggest risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome. The association between apparent life-threatening events and sudden infant death syndrome remains to be explored further, but current evidence suggests minimal risk after an apparent life-threatening event episode. This article will help clinicians prepare for this difficult challenge by providing up-to-date information and identifying problems to be addressed in future research.
Shah
Seema
S
Rady Children's Hospital and Health Center/University of California-San Diego, 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. sshah@chsd.org
Sharieff
Ghazala Q
GQ
D001049:Apnea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009123:Muscle Hypotonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control