The long-term outcome of infantile apparent life-threatening event (ALTE): a follow-up study until midpuberty

The neurological long-term sequelae of an idiopathic apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) were studied in 14 ALTE cases and 12 controls (of similar sex, age, and maturation of puberty). One ALTE case had developed motor and severe learning disabilities. Four other cases and one control were judged as MND (minor neurological deficits). Touwen's neurological profile was less optimal in children with an ALTE history than in controls (p < 0.05). A high amount of associated movements were found in combination with an inability of certain gross motor functions, such as standing or hopping on one leg for sufficiently long or walking on tip-toes or on heels. Fine and gross motor performance tested with the Bruininks-Oseretsky test and behaviour judged with Connors' Rating Scales--Revised, were not different between ALTE cases and controls. Our study provides evidence of neurological long-term sequelae of ALTE.