Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 1997
Otolaryngic manifestations in children presenting with apparent life-threatening events.
Apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is a term used to characterize an event of unknown cause after an infant is found limp, cyanotic, bradycardic, and/or requiring resuscitation. Like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ALTE is a general term used until a precise diagnosis can be established. The relationship between ALTE and SIDS has not been clearly defined, although 7 to 15 percent of children with ALTE die of SIDS. ⋯ Thirteen percent of the children had nonotolaryngic anomalies identified during evaluation. Surgical intervention was required in 10 patients and medical treatment was used in 18. When evaluating a child with ALTE, a complete history and physical examination, evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux, assessment for upper airway obstruction by radiographs and endoscopy, and a multidisciplinary approach are recommended.