Apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) and the role of home monitors

Strong research evidence suggests that apnea and bradycardia are common occurrences in healthy infants. (1) Further, strong research evidence suggests that the three most common comorbid conditions associated with ALTE are GER, seizure, and lower respiratory tract infection. (2) According to some research evidence, evaluation for cases of ALTE that have nonsuggestive presentations should begin with screening for GER, urinalysis and culture, brain neuroimaging, pneumogram, and white blood cell count. (3) Based on strong research evidence, home cardiorespiratory monitors should be used only for preterm infants or children who are either dependent on technology, have unstable airways, have medical conditions that involve disordered respiratory control, or have symptomatic chronic lung disease. (4).