ALTE
Also written as: ALTE — Apparent Life-Threatening Event
An apparent life-threatening event in infants, characterized by a combination of apnea, color change, and altered muscle tone.
Full Definition
ALTE (Apparent Life-Threatening Event) is a clinical syndrome describing an acute episode in infants that frightens the caregiver and is characterized by some combination of apnea, color change (cyanosis, pallor, or erythema), marked change in muscle tone (limpness or rigidity), and choking or gagging. These episodes typically occur in infants under one year of age and may be associated with various underlying conditions including gastroesophageal reflux, respiratory infections, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmias. The term has largely been replaced by BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event) in recent medical literature, though ALTE remains in use in many clinical settings. Evaluation typically includes a thorough history, physical examination, and selective diagnostic testing based on clinical presentation.
Usage
Usage note: Increasingly replaced by BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event) in current practice.
In Context
- "The infant was admitted for observation following an ALTE witnessed by the parents." — Emergency department note
- "Polysomnography was performed to evaluate for sleep-related causes of the recurrent ALTE episodes." — Sleep study report