Apparent Life Threatening Events (ALTE) is not a diagnosis but a confusing entity, representing a constellation of descriptive symptoms and signs. Multiple possible etiologies and difficulties in evaluating and managing infants presenting with these events accompanied by traumatized and anxious parents is a challenge for primary care physicians, ED specialists as well as pediatricians.
By definition from NIH, USA ALTE may be referred as “An episode that is frightening to the observer and that is characterized by some combination of apnea, color change, (usually cyanotic or pallid but can be erythematous or plethoric) marked change in muscle tone, (usually limpness), choking, or gagging.” These are frightening events for families and are diagnostic challenges for the physicians caring for these infants. It is frequently difficult to decide whether there has been a true life threatening…
