Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTE): Italian guidelines

Implementation strategy

The Guidelines (GL) will be accessible on the website of the SIP.

Moreover, dissemination of the GL will be facilitated after publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Ad hoc training courses are expected to complete the dissemination process.

Monitoring and assessment

Adherence of paediatricians to current GL in the management of ALTE will be assessed before and after dissemination of the GL on a selected sample of centres dedicated to the management of ALTE.

Is the acronym ALTE still valid?

The acronym ALTE (Apparent Life-Threatening Event) is widely used in medical literature, sometimes particularly referring to acute and severe events (Acute Life-Threatening Episodes or Events) [4, 5], Nevertheless, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently proposed the replacing of the term ALTE with the new acronym BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Events) [6] to allow for more easily classifying and managing all those patients who come under medical observation without any symptomatology and with a clinical history that suggests minor episodes.

The present GL refer to more severe episodes only solved after stimulation manoeuvres, for which the old acronym ALTE, is more appropriate.

Recommendation 1

The acronym ALTE should be maintained for the severe idiopathic episodes, while acquiring the new acronym BRUE for the lower-risk idiopathic episodes.

Evidence level VI

Grade of recommendation A

What is the real incidence of ALTE?

The precise incidence of ALTE is not known from the available scientific literature. This depends mainly on the different clinical interpretation given to these episodes, on the substantial inequality in the clinical/instrumental approach, on the variable coding of the event, and on the fact that the studies refer mainly to cases arriving under hospital observation.

In some retrospective studies [7, 8] a very high incidence is reported (4-6%) but it could be falsified by recall bias; in addition, these data are based exclusively on questionnaires administered to the parents, without documented medical observation of the infants. Nevertheless, even by excluding these studies, the real incidence of ALTE is hardly definable as the figures reported swing between approximately 0.5 and 10‰ [9, 10].

More recent prospective studies [11, 12] indicate an incidence ranging between 0.58 and 2.46/1000 live births.

Certainly, ALTE represent quite a common event in the emergency departments, reaching 0.6-0.8% of the total admissions of infants [13].

As soon as two different codes are available for ALTE and BRUE, the distinction between the incidence of higher-risk cases and lower-risk ones will be possible and recorded for epidemiological purpose.

What can cause an ALTE?

Clinical workup only allows for identifying a specific aetiology in 50-70% of cases [14], in which the final diagnosis will no longer be ALTE, but rather it will pinpoint the recognized cause that has triggered the event, i.e. gastroesophageal reflux, seizures, infections, etc... The remaining cases are represented by the so-called idiopathic ALTE (IALTE), which represent approximately 15% of the total cases.

In order to stabilise the infant, the witnesses report having to carry out vigorous resuscitation manoeuvres, at times even resorting to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the case of intervention by healthcare professionals.

The most frequent diseases causing episodes having the features of ALTE are represented by digestive tract diseases, [14–16] neurological diseases, respiratory tract infections, endocrine-metabolic diseases, cardiac diseases and child abuse [12, 14, 15, 17].

Two reviews have recently been published [18, 19], as well as two studies, one of which conducted on infants with ALTE admitted to the emergency department [20], and the other, a survey carried out in the Netherlands in second and third level hospitals [12].

The relationship between GER and ALTE

Diseases of the digestive tract and GER have long been considered a major cause of ALTE [21–24] but its relation is still controversial.

Wenzl et al. [25], using polysomnographic recordings simulatenously with esophageal pH-impedance, first demonstrated a close correlation between both acid and non-acid GER and episodes of apnoea.

More recently, an assessment of 58 preterm infants investigated for recurrent apnoea with pH-impedance monitoring and simultaneous polysomnography (PSG), reported a greater frequency of apnoea after acid and non acid GER episodes than during the periods preceding GER or those without reflux [26]. A Spanish study of 39 infants with ALTE showed underlying GER in 33 cases with the combined use of esophageal pH-impedance, and in only 14 with the sole pH-metry analysis, underscoring a greater frequency of non acid GER episodes and the benefit of a combined investigation [27]. Another study in 20 preterm infants (10 with ALTE and 10 controls) with simultaneous pharyngoesophageal manometry, respiratory plethysmography and the use of nasal thermistors suggested a possible role of esophageal motility. The analysis showed more frequent and prolonged spontaneous respiratory events (SRE, defined as apnoea >2″ with >/= 2 “missing” breaths) in patients with ALTE, as well as minor amplitude of the protective contraction reflexes of the upper esophageal sphincter, a greater frequency of altered esophageal propagation, and more frequent mixed apnoea and gasping [28].

On the contrary the European and North American Guidelines on the Clinical Management of GER [29] have questioned the relationship between apnoea and/or ALTE and GER. In fact, the respiratory manifestations of ALTE have been attributed to an exaggerated laryngeal chemoreflex aimed at preventing inhalation of the gastric contents in the respiratory tract, rather than to a true apnoea.

A systematic revision [30] further highlighted the current limited data in literature on the association between GER and apnoea mainly because of the low number of patients recruited, the different inclusion criteria, diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes. Even less studies properly assessed the relationship between ALTE and GER.

How accurate is the diagnosis of GER?

First of all, regurgitation as an isolated sign of GER should be considered a physiological, functional, and transient phenomenon in infants with spontaneous recovery after the first month of life. Consequently, it is a common manifestation in healthy infants and does not require any investigation or pharmacological treatment, but simply parental education (with feeding modifications if needed) and reassurance.

Similarly, it is evident that the concurrent occurrence of any respiratory symptoms does not imply per se a suspicion of GER-disease (GERD), although some airway diseases (i.e. laryngomalacia, laryngitis, asthma) may lead to secondary GER due to negative intrathoracic pressure or increased abdominal pressure caused by cough.

Hence, if an episode of ALTE is associated with regurgitation, it does not require treatment or investigation for GERD unless severe or recurrent episodes occur, as pointed out in GER GL [29] and in a recent systematic review on the approach to ALTE [31]. As no specific symptom exists and regurgitation is neither specific nor necessary for the diagnosis of GERD, in the selected cases, it is recommended to perform 24-h pH-impedance with simultaneous PSG recordings to quantify acid and non acid GER and to detect possible relation with apnoea [29, 31, 32]. Ultrasound, X-Ray and scintigraphy have low sensitivity and/or specificity for GER and do not allow a symptom association assessment [29].

After reviewing 13 papers, the recent National Istitute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on GER [37] confirm how GER is only very rarely the cause of apnoea or ALTE, thus recommending to perform a gastroenterological assessment only in selected cases (Table 2).

No evidence supports the use of acid-inhibitors as diagnostic test or empirical treatment in infants with apnoea or ALTE, whereas these drugs may instead increase the risk of infections [37].

Despite investigation for GERD should be reserved to very few selected infants, if frequent, persistent and troublesome regurgitations emerge from the history of infants, it is advised to provide parents education on correct position and feeding to avoid prone position during sleep, overfeeding, exacerbations of GER and possible recurrent respiratory associated episodes [29, 37]. Alginate treatment for 2-4 weeks can also be considered in troublesome regurgitating infants before performing investigations for GER [37].

In view of the above data, we therefore propose the following recommendations:

Recommendation 2

Esophageal pH-monitoring for 24 h is recommended for measuring the degree of acid GER present in the esophagus.

Evidence level I

Grade of recommendation A

Recommendation 3

pH-impedance monitoring represents the gold standard for detecting any type of GER (acid or non-acid) and for assessing the temporal association between symptoms and reflux. pH-impedance monitoring is recommended in infants with persisting troublesome GER symptoms and/or recurrent respiratory manifestations.

Evidence level I

Grade of recommendation B

Recommendation 4

While the oesophagus-gastric ultrasound is a very sensitive investigation (95%), it is scarcely specific (11%) and has too short a duration to make an accurate assessment of the association between GER and symptoms.

Therefore it cannot be recommended in the diagnosis of GER.

Evidence level I

Grade of recommendation D

Recommendation 5

The performing of an EEG is strongly recommended in case of a suspected neurological disease or in the event of recurrent ALTE.

Evidence level III

Grade of recommendation A

Recommendation 6

Neurological consultation and the performing of an EEG are not recommended in an infant at the first episode of ALTE, in the absence of a clinical history and/or neurological signs.

Evidence level IV

Grade of recommendation D

Recommendation 7

The performing of a series of basic laboratory examinations (WBC, CRP) and a urine analysis and culture is recommended in cases of ALTE from a suspected infectious disease.

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendation B

Recommendation 8

In case of respiratory tract infections, it is recommended to carry out tests for RSV and Bordetella pertussis.

Evidence level III

Grade of recommendation B

Recommendation 9

In case of a suspected infection of the lower airways, it is recommended to carry out a chest X-ray.

Evidence level I

Grade of recommendation A

Obstructive sleep Apnoea syndrome

Between 4 and 10% of ALTE are ascribable to respiratory obstructions during sleep that may in time turn into real Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) [14].

Some infants who die from SIDS show a higher number of obstructive apnoea during sleep [56] and in some family strains with a history of OSAS, a higher incidence of both ALTE and SIDS has been reported [57–60]. Consequently, PSG and/or ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultation (including a fiberoptic rhinolaryngoscopy) might be indicated in selected cases [14].

During the first months of life, apnoea may be obstructive, usually associated with respiratory infections, or alternatively, it may be idiopathic, especially in former preterm infants. As many as 58% of cases in a cohort of 348 infants aged between 3 weeks and 3 months were attributable to an obstructive apnoea (e.g. due to mandibular retrognathia). The presence of thoracic/abdominal asynchrony (paradoxical breathing) during sleep has also been described, which is an expression of the increase in the respiratory effort needed to overcome the increased resistance at the level of the upper airways [61].

A recent study [62] conducted on preschool children with a previous history of ALTE has demonstrated a greater frequency of respiratory disturbance in these children during sleep than in controls, emphasising the importance of the PSG also in these cases.

In infants with ALTE, the PSG is only indicated when there is the clinical suspicion of a respiratory sleep disorder [63].

Recommendation 10

The PSG is recommended in all cases of ALTE when a respiratory sleep disorder is suspected.

Evidence level I

Grade of recommendation A

Breath holding spells

Around 7% of ALTE are attributable to Breath Holding Spells (BHS) [64] which are classically divided into cyanotic, pale and mixed forms. The cyanotic forms of BHS are characterized by a prolonged expiratory apnoea followed by a rapid central cyanosis due to severe hypoxaemia. The cause of cyanotic BHS has been attributed to a right-left intrapulmonary shunt which would explain the rapid onset of hypoxaemia, rather than the apnoea itself [65].

BHS may be triggered by prolonged crying or by a sudden and/or painful stimulus; approximately 25% of these episodes occur before the age of 6 months and 66% before the age of 1 year [66]. The diagnosis of BHS in the context of the ALTE episodes does not imply particular difficulties. In case of BHS, the clinician should be aware of the association between iron-deficiency anaemia and BHS which makes it advisable to perform a FBC and analysis of the serum iron level [67–69].

Generally, BHS clear up spontaneously after the first 2 years of life, and based on the data in literature, neurological sequelae can be ruled out [65].

Recommendation 11

Performing a WBC and an assessment of the serum iron levels are recommended in case of BHS.

Evidence level IV

Grade of recommendation B

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome

In extremely rare cases, ALTE may represent the onset of a Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS).

The CCHS, also known as Ondine’s Curse, is a rare and complex disease characterised by impairment of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and in particular, the automatic control mechanisms of breathing during sleep. The prevalence is about 1 case every 200,000 births. It is a genetically-based disease and in 90% of cases the defect is represented by the heterozygote mutation of the PHOX-2B gene [70].

The genetic alteration determines a complex disease dominated by the impairment of the ANS in which there is a severe respiratory depression during sleep, so-called forgotten breathing, indicating the failure of the respiratory drive during sleep. Generally, the diagnosis is made in the first days/weeks after birth because these infants show a severe respiratory insufficiency not attributable to common neonatal diseases.

However, there may also be a later-onset form characterised by a more subtle symptomatology, that may manifest as ALTE.

The diagnosis of CCHS is suggested by documented severe and progressive hypercapnia and hypoxaemia that take place during sleep, in the absence of pulmonary and neuromuscular diseases. The PSG demonstrates the hypoventilation and the diagnosis is confirmed by genetic test.

Metabolic diseases

The episodes of ALTE due to congenital errors of the metabolism vary between 2 and 5% [14]. The ß-oxidation defects of fatty acids (Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency), defects of the urea cycle, galactosaemia, Reye Syndrome, and nesidioblastosis are common metabolic diseases involved in ALTE.

A metabolic disease must be suspected in infants with a clinical history of ALTE in case of recurrent idiopathic events and/or sudden unexpected deaths in the family. An ALTE may represent either the onset or the decompensation of a metabolic disease. The most frequent symptoms are represented by: apnoea, hypertonia, hypotonia, seizures, vomiting and failure to thrive.

In these cases, it is recommended to assess the acid-base balance, to perform blood glucose and ammonia analyses and a full metabolic screening. A specialist assessment is recommended when an in-depth diagnostic analysis is required [71].

Recommendation 12

When a metabolic disease is suspected, acid-base balance, blood glucose, ammonia, serum lactic acid, urine organic acids, plasma amino acids and plasma acylcarnitine analyses are recommanded. A specialist assessment is indicated in the event of symptoms and/or first tests requiring an in-depth diagnostic procedure.

Evidence level I

Grade of recommendation A

Recommendation 13

The performing of an ECG is recommended in all infants with a history of ALTE.

Evidence level VI

Grade of recommendation A

What features of the medical history should be collected?

The history collection represents the first step in the diagnostic process. In fact, the infant is usually taken to the paediatrician or the emergency department (ED) after overcoming the event and when he/she is in good conditions. The information must be provided above all by the witnesses of the event, those who have provided first aid and subsequently the parents if they were not present at the time of the episode.

After the first data collection, which takes place at a time of stress for the witnesses of the event, there must be an in-depth investigation during the following hours [14, 91].

The family history must specifically refer to any possible presence of ALTE/BRUE or sudden death in the collaterals, as a familiarity is detectable in respiratory, cardiac or metabolic diseases.

The pre-perinatal history must include the gestational age and birthweight since both prematurity and low gestational weight represent risks factors [46].

With the past medical history, any diseases already diagnosed will be considered as they could be associated with the risk of sudden death or a recurrence of the episode.

With the recent history, attention must be paid to the clinical conditions of the infant during the 24 h prior to the episode (presence of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or feeding difficulties), to any immunizations carried out (possible syncopal reactions), to the introduction of any new foods or medication (possible anaphylactic reactions), to the type and method of breastfeeding, to any drugs taken by the mother if nursing (for example codeine or diazepam), or to changes in the feeding schedules (possible triggering factor of hypoglycaemia in case of latent metabolic diseases). Stress deriving from abrupt changes in the infant’s habits, such as sleep deprivation on occasion of flying, holiday or weekend trip, etc., is also considered a possible triggering factor [14, 92].

Possible drug administration, either accidental or intentional, should always be carefully searched for and possibly confirmed by urine and blood toxicological tests.

The endpoint of the medical interview refers to the resuscitation intervention carried out, as this may vary from mild tactile stimulation to cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by the observer and/or the emergency service. The more severe ALTE occur while sleeping, manifesting with extreme pallor, marked hypotonia and apnoea, and may require vigorous resuscitation manoeuvres (intubation, pharmacological resuscitation) to be resolved [93].

The importance is reiterated of obtaining specific and punctual information about the clinical history and of carrying out a complete and thorough physical examination of the child has been recently reiterated by Sahewalla [18]. Nevertheless, after obtaining the full history, performing a careful physical examination and some basic laboratory investigation, the clinician may be able to identify the causes of ALTE in a limited number of cases [19].

Recommendation 14

A targeted and accurate medical interview is essential for ensuring a correct classification of the infant with ALTE.

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendation A

How is a correct physical examination performed?

Besides the interview, an in-depth objective examination of the infant represents the other fundamental step in the definition of any suspected case of ALTE.

As for the history collection, the physical examination should also be repeated twice, several hours after the emergency access; this is facilitated if the patient is admitted to hospital or kept under observation.

Recommendation 15

A thorough physical examination is essential for identifying possible causes of ALTE.

The physical examination of hospitalized patients should be repeated, with particular attention to the neurological assessment.

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendation B

What first-level examinations should be performed?

Due to the great variety of causes of ALTE, it is not possible to recommend a set of “basic examinations” to be carried out in all cases [14, 92]. The initial investigations must be aimed first and foremost, as with any infant arriving in the Emergency Service for an acute event, at excluding any life-threatening diseases for the infant or which could have results later on if they cannot be treated immediately.

Based on the current literature, and in view of the very young age of the patients, as well as the huge number of diseases that could present as ALTE (728 in one systematic study) [15] and the parents’ anxiety, most authors suggest a panel of investigations in every single case of ALTE.

The first-approach examinations are mandatory whenever the infant appears unstable and/or in cases that have required resuscitation manoeuvres.

For the clinical management of infants with BRUE, reference must be made to the GL of the AAP [6].

Recommendation 16

We recommend to carry out at least some basic diagnostic tests on all infants hospitalised for ALTE (Fig. 1).

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendation B

What second-level examinations should be performed?

The selection of the second-level examinations should be guided by the history, the physical examination and the results of the first-approach investigations of each individual case.

The most frequently recommended in literature [14–16, 37, 38, 45, 94] are listed in Fig. 2.

Recommendation 17

When planning the second-level examinations, a multidisciplinary evaluation is recommended.

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendation B

When should an infant with a clinical history of ALTE be hospitalised?

The decision to admit a patient with a history of ALTE to hospital is difficult [17, 95] due to the age of the infant, the anxiety of the family and the unclear history of the episode, which run the risk of either overemphasising or minimising the episode.

Hospitalisation for ALTE is recommended after resuscitation manoeuvres by those providing first aid, especially if healthcare operators, or if the conditions of the infant appear unstable [14, 92], and according to Claudius [95] possibly also in case of prematurity, the age of the infant and the number of episodes of ALTE. In particular, preterm newborns, below 43 weeks PCA, are exposed to the greatest risks of “extreme events” (bradycardia less than 60 bpm for at least 10 s in infants below 44 weeks PCA and below 50 bpm for at least 10 s if at least 44 weeks PCA or apnoea lasting longer than 30 s) [96], and therefore they require more surveillance.

In their study, Mittal and colleagues identified infants with ALTE who are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes and they recorded significant interventions occurring during hospitalization [20].

They mainly considered as “significant interventions”, admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), supplemental oxygen for hypoxia, recurrent episodes of ALTE, discharge with a home apnoea monitor, and concluded that cases of prematurity, abnormal physical examination, colour change to cyanosis, absence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URI) symptoms in the previous 24 h, and absence of choking during the episode, could represent indications for admitting the infant to hospital [20].

Besides the above mentioned risk factors, family compliance should also be specifically considered in order to decide to discharge the infant from the ED [91].

As a general rule, the episodes which can be considered as less important include those temporally correlated to feeding (within 30 min after the feed), those occurring for the first time, those that occur while awake, those characterised by erythrosis rather than cyanosis or pallor, and those which have resolved spontaneously or after mild stimulation. When these cases are diagnosed as BRUE hospitalization is not recommended, while, if risk factors are present, it is recommended to keep the patient under observation for at least 24 h [46, 96–98].

Finally, when discharging an infant after an episode of ALTE, the risk of recurrence should be considered and the family informed accordingly. In fact, 2.5% of cases require readmission within 30 days after the first episode [17]. A very recent study in Japan demonstrates that respiratory infection symptoms at ED admittance may be independent risk factors for recurrent ALTE [99].

Recommendation 18

Evidence level IV

Grade of recommendation B

Is hospital cardiorespiratory monitoring always indicated in infants with ALTE?

A cardiorespiratory monitoring device should always be applied to all infants admitted with ALTE at least during the first 24 h. Monitoring reassures parents and identifies relapses that may occur in 30-60% cases of severe ALTE [100–102]. Monitoring should also allow for identifying the cardiorespiratory pattern and must include not only transthoracic impedance, but also pulse oximetry, since it has been highlighted how severe hypoxemia may occur in the absence of prolonged central apnoea [103]. Conversely, it has been demonstrated [93, 104–106] that hypoxemia accompanies the majority of significant events depending on obstructive apnoea. A cardiorespiratory monitor should ideally be fitted with a data recorder, that is, with a memory and relative software, for recording the cardiorespiratory traces before, during and after the alarm, to be downloaded and scored. These devices give us the chance to obtain very important information about the infant’s cardiorespiratory pattern despite not allowing us to perform a complete sleep study for which a PSG is required [104, 107].

The most recent literature [61, 108–110] confirms what has just been outlined above.

Recommendation 19

In case of hospitalisation it is recommended to carry out the cardiorespiratory and pulse oxymetry monitoring, and if this is not available, then at least pulse oxymetry alone. It is recommended to carry out monitoring for at least 24 h.

Evidence level III

Grade of recommendation A

Which are the indications for home monitoring of infants with ALTE?

In early ‘70s, home cardiorespiratory monitoring become very popular in the USA in order to reduce the risk of SIDS by subjecting infants to electronic surveillance during sleep.

Although various studies have analysed the compliance and quality of life of the family of the infant monitored, the duration of the monitoring, and the type of cardiorespiratory events recorded [92, 99, 104, 110–114], no studies have demonstrated their real effectiveness as life-saving devices. Consequently, while home monitoring should not be generically prescribed to prevent SIDS [14, 92, 107] it can be still considered an extension of the diagnostic process.

The only longitudinal case-control study available highlights that the risk of cardiorespiratory events must only be considered significantly higher in preterm newborns up to 43 weeks PCA [93]. In particular, infants with ALTE enrolled in this study did not show a significantly altered cardiorespiratory pattern compared to controls.

Even the more recent studies agree to recommend home monitoring for infants with severe ALTE [107, 109, 115, 116].

The monitoring must in all cases be considered not only as electronic surveillance regarding episodes that could be life-threatening for the infant, but also as a tool that enables the detecting of central apnoea and/or intermittent hypoxemias that could damage the CNS [117].

In any case, the parents of monitored infants must be informed about the recommendations relating to the reduction of the risk of SIDS, as well as the exact functioning of the monitor and its technological limitations. In addition, they must be trained in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres to be performed when necessary [92].

As already mentioned, the monitors should ideally be cardiorespiratory (based on the thoracic impedance) and oxymetric (for detecting the oxygen saturation), equipped with a data recorder and adjustable alarms depending on the various needs and age of the infant [105]. Devices that are sensitive to the infant’s movements are advised against as they do not allow for detecting or recording potentially harmful cardiorespiratory events (false negatives), besides being susceptible to false alarms (false positives) that could have a negative impact on the caregivers [3]. The duration of home monitoring should not be less than 6 weeks, the period of time within which there is the greatest frequency of recurrences [93, 100]. Parents can suspend after 6 weeks of monitoring if no pathological events have been recorded and/or there is documented resolution of the causes that have given rise to the event [14, 115]. Preterm infants with episodes of ALTE should be monitored until the 43rd week of PCA; in case of persistence of the symptoms, it will be necessary to prolong the monitoring for at least another 6 weeks, until their complete remission [92, 93, 115].

Recommendation 20

Home monitoring prescription is recommended for infants with severe or recurrent ALTE and for symptomatic preterm infants with a clinical history of ALTE, especially with a PCA < 43 weeks.

Evidence level III

Grade of recommendation A

Recommendation 21

The duration of home monitoring should be at least 6 weeks, but in the case of preterm infants with ALTE, it must be prolonged for at least until the 43rd week of PCA.

Evidence level III

Grade of recommendation A

What is the prognosis for ALTE?

Literature exploring the outcome of ALTE is limited. Nevertheless, the outcome depends on the causes and extent of the event [115]. In fact, infants with ALTE, who suffer from seizures or neurological disorders, those who have required resuscitation manoeuvres, or those who have suffered recurrent episodes, have a higher death rate and a more severe outcome [118]. In Bonkowsky’s retrospective study [43], out of 471 infants with a clinical history of ALTE, 5% had a neurodevelopmental delay or epilepsy. The question remains open as to whether the underlying neurological disease started off as an ALTE, or whether it was the consequence of the episode [119]. Another relevant aspect is represented by the neurological complications of the “shaken baby syndrome”. Besides being an expression of child abuse, retinal bleeding and cerebral injuries [43] may also be the consequence of inadequate attempts at resuscitation [120]. Consequently, correct resuscitation practices should be transmitted to the parents of infants with a higher risk of ALTE or with recurrent episodes.

A recent 5 years follow-up shows that a single episode of ALTE is not predictive of chronic systemic or neurological diseases [121]. It was also emphasised that while the real risk of a recurrence of ALTE cannot be predicted, it is possible, however, to identify subjects at the highest risk of recurrent events, in particular, those subjected to abuse [31, 122, 123].

The overall death rate for ALTE (irrespective of the individual causes) is low (0.2-1.1%) and not connected to risk factors for SIDS [124, 125].

Abuse is a possible cause of death in subjects with a history of ALTE and therefore this must always be taken into close consideration [122].

Recommendation 22

The prognosis depends on the cause and extent of the event. The most frequently described complications, despite having a relatively low impact, are neurological.

Parents of infants with ALTE should be trained how to perform resuscitation manoeuvres in case of recurrence.

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendation B

Is follow-up necessary after an ALTE episode?

Only few studies on long-term follow-up of ALTE are available [126].

Follow-up of infants with ALTE may reveal possible neurological sequelae, detect cases of unrecognised abuse, evaluate the clinical trend over time [15, 31, 43, 47, 108, 126–128] and provide parents with the necessary resuscitation training and re-training, counseling and psychological support [12, 91, 129].

Referral of some cases of ALTE to specialized centres providing a multidisciplinary approach is indicated [130].

Recommendation 23

A follow-up is always mandatory for the patient with ALTE, who must be looked after in multidisciplinary settings with specific expertise.

Level of evidence: V

Grade of recommendation B

Is there a connection between ALTE and SIDS?

Data deriving from a broad retrospective European study indicate that ALTE precedes 10% of the cases of SIDS [131].

On the other hand, there is evidence of altered respiratory control during sleep at least in a subset of SIDS cases, in which serotonergic and adrenergic neuronal systems are involved.

Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is the enzyme that down-regulates both these neurotransmitters: particular polymorphisms of the gene that codifies for this enzyme could be at the basis of SIDS.

One systematic study on a polymorphism of the MAOA gene was carried out on a large group of patients (156 cases of SIDS and 260 control subjects). The results indicate a relationship between SIDS and a specific MAOA genotype in males, notoriously at a higher risk of SIDS, which seems to influence the serotonergic and adrenergic systems of the brainstem. This locus is the first X-chromosome locus associated with SIDS. As a result, some anomalies of the brainstem probably play a role in a subset of SIDS cases [134].

Therefore, strong doubts surround the relationship between SIDS and ALTE. Nevertheless, the genetic analyses of the L/L 5HTT, MAOA and the dopamine transporter in patients with ALTE of known origin and IALTE, demonstrate a possible association between IALTE and SIDS, in contrast with what has been observed between cases of ALTE of known origin and SIDS.

In short, the two situations (IALTE and SIDS) could represent a different phenotypic expression with a common genetic base [90].

Further studies are necessary before assuming that the two phenomena are merely a different phenotypic expression of the same genetic defect.

Recommendation 24

A correlation between ALTE and SIDS may be ruled out, therefore, when informing the family about the risk of SIDS after an ALTE, we can be reassuring.

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendation D

What does sudden unexpected postnatal collapse (SUPC) mean?

According to the 2011 definition of the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM), neonatal collapse or SUPC means any newborn in the first week of life with GA > 35 weeks, with a normal Apgar at the 5th minute of life, considered suitable for being normally managed, but which has presented a sudden unexpected cardiocirculatory and respiratory collapse requiring resuscitation with ventilation and leading to death, neonatal intensive care or encephalopathy [135].

This definition also implies that cases of SUPC can be identified as ALTE, when the newborn survives, and as cases of Sudden Unexpected Early Neonatal Death (SUEND) when they lead to death.

The term SUPC refers to a clinical situation that is always severe, therefore excluding mild episodes of cyanosis and apnoea which are simply resolved with aspiration of the airways and tactile stimulation, and that are at times misleadingly cited as ALTE in some works [136].

According to Herlenius [137] 36% of the SUPCs occur during the first 2 h of the newborn’s life, 29% between 2 and 24 h, 24% between 25 and 72 h, and 9% between 4 and 7 days of life. In the case studies collected by Becher [138], the onset of SUPC takes place between 6 and 643 min after birth, on average, at 70 min.

In literature, the incidence range is relatively wide: from 40/100,000 in a Scottish maternity hospital [139] to 2.6/100,000 in Germany [140] and 0.5/100,000 in Australia [141].

This variability may be due to a combination of different degrees of accuracy in the reporting and to different definition.

In 58% of cases [142] a precise cause can be documented: metabolic diseases, congenital malformations, neonatal pulmonary hypertension, and bacterial infections.

The lack of documentation regarding a specific aetiology is very frequent: in 42% of Weber’s cases, in 53% of Pejovic’s cases [143], and up to 67% of Becher’s cases [138].

A post-asphyxia syndrome develops in 73% of cases (22/30) and the outcome is poor in 33% (10/30) of cases, with death (5/30; equal to 16%) or neurological sequelae at 1 year of life [138].

What are the risk factors for SUPC?

In the subgroup of SUPC without an evident cause (“idiopathic” SUPC) a series of risk factors, are identified, some of which cannot be modified, such as primiparity (OR: 6.22), while others are amenable to modification: the potentially asphyxiating position of the newborn (OR: 6.45) [144], mother in lithotomy position, skin to skin contact, bed-sharing, unsupervised feeding during the first 2 h of life and lastly maternal distraction (possibly also due to the use of a mobile phone for talking or sending text messages) [143].

Becher stresses that 80% of idiopathic SUPC are associated with an obstruction of the airways due to inappropriate prone position and/or the type of feeding.

How the risk of SUPC can be reduced?

Unfortunately, current literature does not indicate any effective interventions to prevent SUPC. Moreover, neither position statements on the topic nor clear recommendations by the scientific societies are available, with the exception of the BAPM document [135].

Even the recent document of the Task Force on SIDS of the American Academy of Pediatrics does not add much to this issue [145], simply warning that inappropriate skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in can be associated with SUPC. Rooming-in may be of concern particularly when mother and baby are sleeping together in the mother’s bed.

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room are well known: “humanization” of care for the mother-infant pair, promotion of the mother-baby relationship, promotion of breastfeeding, colonization of the newborn with maternal bacteria, influence on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of the newborn. However, in recent years there has been great emphasis on the need for skin-to-skin contact to be carried out safely, avoiding asphyxiating positions of the newborn, improving supervision by the healthcare personnel, increasing the attention paid by the family to the baby.

The safety of rooming-in and bed-sharing in the context of the prevention of SUPC is debatable. Difficulties faced in implementing and maintaining good standards are well known. Moreover, the risk of the infant falling out of bed while bed-sharing still represents a nightmare for postnatal health workers as well as for families.

In other words, there is a persistent need to integrate safe skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in (representing respectively Step 2 and Step 7 of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative), with safe postnatal care.

The Guidelines for Perinatal Care of the AAP-ACOG [146] recommend a physical examination and observation of the newborn during the first 6-12 h of life, i.e. during the stabilization-transition period.

Currently, in order to reduce the risk of SUPC during the first 2 h of life (when the cases of SUPC are concentrated), different strategies have been implemented that share the following interventions: 1) non-intrusive supervision of the mother-infant pair by health professionals, avoiding positions at risk of asphyxia, and 2) information for parents regarding the signs of the infant’s wellbeing, aimed at involving parents in controlling the newborn infant in the early postnatal period [137].

In this regard, education programs for families are advised.

More and more maternity hospitals worldwide have drawn up checklists as a tool for assessing the newborn during the first 2 h after birth, when the risk of SUPC is higher.

More specifically, two checklists have been published in literature: 1) the first by Ludington-Hoe & Morgan in Cleveland [147] and the second by Davanzo at the Istituto Materno-Infantile IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, in Trieste [148] (Table 5).

Position: Prone position of the newborn during skin-to-skin contact (SSC) should not obstruct the airways or prevent adequate breathing. The healthcare professional should intervene to correct at risk positions

Colour: Areas to be examined are lips and tongue. Assess the presence of abnormal skin colour: cyanotic or pale

Breath: Breathing pattern, respiratory rate, and amplitude of breaths are physiologically irregular in the newborn. The presence of the following abnormal conditions must be assessed: (a) mouth or nose obstruction; (b) respiratory rate > 60 breaths/min or <30 breaths/min; (c) apnoea or dyspnoea (flaring of the nostrils, grunting, or intercostal retractions)

Pulse oximetry: This should be measured only if the infant shows some abnormal signs during surveillance, appears “unconvincing” to the observer, or if judged appropriate in the local settings due to staff shortage. For term newborns, a value higher than 90% (10° percentile) is considered normal after the first 10 min of life

Skin temperature: Normal skin temperature is 36.5 °C-37.5 °C

Mother and infant should never be left alone: mother-infant SSC should be supervised periodically (at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min of life) by midwives. Presence of the father or another person should be guaranteed. The room should be adequately lit, so that the baby’s skin colour can be seen. Should the mother appear fatigued or drowsy, consider placing the infant in his or her own crib or have the father hold him or her. Emergency call procedures should be clearly explained to parents. If no surveillance can be provided and the parents’ reliability cannot be assessed, the safest option is to admit the newborn infant to the regular nursery. It is recommended to turn off mobile phones to avoid a well-known and relevant source of distraction

These checklists record some items relevant to the protection and safety of the newborn: the correct position on the mother’s chest, the presence of at least a second person in addition to the mother in the delivery room, the monitoring of neonatal parameters such as skin colour, respiratory rate, presence of dyspnoea, temperature.

A local decision can be made also to include in these surveillance grids the routine use of pulse oximetry for detecting the S_p,O2 and the heart rate. Nevertheless, we must recognize that at the moment, no clear cost/benefit evaluation is available regarding the implementation of pulse oximetry in preventing SUPC. Certainly, when routinely used, pulse oximetry could represent a medicalising intervention. Although it could interfere with the mother-baby relationship and the natural childbirth, it can be considered in case of staff shortage.

Pending documentation on the effectiveness of these checklists to prevent SUPC in the early postpartum period, the application of these checklists in the delivery room should be considered a best practice.

Checks of the newborn’s conditions are foreseen and conducted by the midwife or the nurse, or paediatrician/neonatologist at 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after birth. The checks are based on the assessment of certain selected vital parameters for ascertaining whether the safety conditions are present (YES) or absent (NO). The healthcare operator identifies him/herself by signing at the bottom.

During the remaining part of hospitalization after childbirth, the information to parents is still crucial, including the advice that healthy newborn infants should be put back to sleep in her/his cot in the rooming-in settings. The use of a patient safety contract, particularly for the high risk situations (e.g maternal obesity and tiredness), has been suggested by the Task Force on SIDS of the AAP [145].

Certainly, surveillance by a nurse/midwife is needed, particularly during the transition period (first 6-12 h) and with special focus on the healthy late-preterm infants and ultimately until the newborn infant demonstrates to be stable [149]. However, we must recognize that minimum requirements for staffing in order to improve safety have not yet been clearly defined at an international level.

Currently, the indication for monitoring every 30 min during night-time and early morning for high risk, even healthy, dyads [145] can be sustained in some American hospitals that can afford to provide a dyads/nurse ratio of no more than 3:1 [150], but it is far from being achieved in maternity hospitals in Italy, and possibly also other European countries. Moreover, it is not only an issue of affordability, but also the possible intrusiveness of the medical care in a context of unproven impact of a stricter versus a looser surveillance pattern.

Workup after SUPC

A valid clinical orientation has been provided by the BAPM guidelines [135], that propose a protocol aimed at collecting information as well as performing investigations on the event.

The staff should complete a full parental medical history, including the use of alcohol and drugs, smoking, obstetric history (including infections, foetal growth and anomalies), the type of feeding, and the circumstances surrounding the SUPC (witnesses, position of baby, etc.).

In the case of fatal SUPC or SUEND, an autopsy is strongly recommended, according to the Italian decree “Diagnostic protocols in cases of sudden infantile death and unexpected death of the foetus” (14A08847) (GU General Series no. 272 of 22-11-2014 – Ordinary Supplement no. 89).

Aiming at preventing SUPC: A summary

In order to prevent neonatal collapse, greater attention should be paid in the case of primiparity, operative vaginal delivery, maternal sedation, maternal fatigue and maternal distraction. The usual position of the newborn in the delivery room during maternal skin-to-skin contact is the prone one, which represents an exception to the general rule that recommends the supine position for the newborn’s safety. The supervision by health professionals, together with that of the parents during skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room should therefore be very strict, in particular avoiding and/or correcting potentially asphyxiating positions.

After the first hours of life, parents should be instructed how to avoid the prone position or a potentially asphyxiating position, that precludes the patency of the mouth and nostrils. The issue of keeping the newborn’s safety during the post-partum period must be part of the routine written and verbal information transmitted to parents during pregnancy as well as during the postpartum period. Monitoring the conditions of the newborn must be implemented, especially during the first 2 h of life.

Simple checklists as a tool for assessing the newborn during the first 2 h after birth are available.

During the remaining part of hospitalization after childbirth, non-intrusive surveillance is needed. The information to parents is still crucial, including the recommendation that while rooming-in, newborns should be put back to sleep in their cot. Midwives/nurses should strictly observe healthy newborn infants during the transition period (first 6-12 h after birth). Particularly, between 3 and 12 h after birth, at least 2 observations should be made. After the transition period or after the first 12 h of life, mother-baby dyads should be observed at least once every 8 h until hospital discharge. Bed-sharing should be discouraged. Whenever parents give preference to bed-sharing, they should be advised that it is generally contraindicated and particularly in case of obesity, sedation and tiredness.

Recommendation 25

In order to prevent neonatal collapse, skin to skin contact in the delivery room should be implemented by health professionals, using available checklists for supervision.

Parents and accompanying persons should be informed and involved on the appropriate way to keep skin to skin contact between mother and baby as safe as possible for the newborn infant in the delivery room as well as subsequently in the postpartum ward.

Health professionals should discourage bed sharing and strictly observe healthy newborn infants during the transition period and regularly until hospital discharge.

Evidence level V

Grade of recommendations B