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Factors associated with infant death after apparent life-threatening event (ALTE)

Mariana T N Romaneli1, Andréa M A Fraga, André M Morcillo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, SP, Brazil. matreneves@yahoo.com.br

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Infants experiencing an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) face increased mortality risk, especially if over six months old or if the event is prolonged. Cardiovascular disease significantly elevates this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) in infants are concerning due to potential for mortality.
  • Identifying risk factors for subsequent death after an ALTE is crucial for clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine factors associated with increased risk of death in infants following an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed 145 infants under 12 months presenting with ALTE symptoms.
  • Forward stepwise logistic regression (Wald) was employed to assess associations with mortality.

Main Results:

  • Eleven (7.6%) infants died; those who died were older than survivors.
  • Lack of spontaneous resolution (OR=14.3) and cardiovascular disease (OR=164.27) were significant predictors of death.
  • Older age (>6 months) and prolonged event duration were associated with higher mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • Infants with ALTE have a higher risk of death, particularly if older than 6 months or experiencing prolonged events.
  • Cardiovascular disease is a significant risk factor for mortality post-ALTE.
  • Lack of spontaneous resolution during the event also indicates a poorer prognosis.
Abstract

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