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
→ AAP 2016: educate caregivers about BRUE and offer CPR training resources; may obtain pertussis testing and a 12-lead ECG; may monitor briefly with pulse oximetry and serial observations; should not routinely obtain blood tests, imaging or EEG, or admit solely for cardiorespiratory monitoring. Shared decision-making with caregivers.
Does not meet lower-risk criteria — further evaluation required
→ The AAP 2016 recommendations cover lower-risk infants only. Evaluate according to the history and examination: consider admission and investigation for serious underlying causes (infection, cardiac, neurological, metabolic, airway, non-accidental injury) with paediatric senior 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.