Infants with an Apparent Life-Threatening Event

Abstract

An acute event that, in the view of the observer, places the life of an infant aged <1 year at risk is called an apparent life-threatening event. The event presents two or more of the following criteria: apnea, change in skin color, change in muscle tone, choking or gagging, and the need for some action to resuscitate the infant. Patients should be assessed comprehensively with all tests that appear necessary, and they should be hospitalized to be monitored for at least 24-48 hours. Risk factors to consider are premature birth, age, vigorous resuscitation maneuvers, recurrent events, background disease, history of sudden death of a sibling, and social background.