BRUE Criteria for Infants
Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUE) criteria replace ALTE (apparent life-threatening event). Identifies lower-risk infants who may not need extensive workup.
Score interpretation
Meets all lower-risk criteria — BRUE with low risk of recurrence or serious underlying cause
→ Brief observation; shared decision-making with parents; no mandatory workup; ECG and pertussis testing recommended by AAP; educate parents on CPR; no routine EEG, neuroimaging, or hospital admission required
Does not meet lower-risk criteria — further evaluation required
→ Hospital admission; comprehensive workup (ECG, CBC, electrolytes, glucose, pertussis testing, septic workup if <60 days or concerning features); paediatric subspecialty review
Interpretation bands for the BRUE. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Tieder JS et al. Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (Formerly Apparent Life-Threatening Events) and Evaluation of Lower-Risk Infants. Pediatrics. 2016;137(5).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Hydrocortisone (IV — Paediatric Emergency) · IV Corticosteroid / Adrenal Replacement
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined Alpha-1 and Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined alpha and beta blocker
- Tenecteplase · Cardiovascular Emergency
- Tirofiban · Cardiovascular Emergency
- Terlipressin · Gastrointestinal Emergency
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.