BRUE
Pronunciation: BROO
Also written as: BRUE — Brief Resolved Unexplained Event
A brief episode in an infant younger than 1 year that is unexplained after appropriate history and physical examination, characterized by cyanosis, absent breathing, marked change in tone, or altered responsiveness.
Full Definition
Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) is the current preferred term for episodes previously called ALTE (Apparent Life-Threatening Event). BRUE describes a brief episode (less than 1 minute, typically) occurring in an infant younger than 1 year of age that includes one or more of the following: cyanosis or pallor, absent, decreased, or irregular breathing, marked change in muscle tone, or altered level of responsiveness. The episode is resolved by the time of presentation to medical care and remains unexplained after an appropriate history and physical examination. The term emphasizes that these events are brief, resolve on their own, and are unexplained rather than life-threatening.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred over ALTE in current medical practice. Always spell out on first use in documentation.
In Context
- "The infant was classified as low-risk BRUE and discharged home with close follow-up." — Discharge summary
- "Current guidelines recommend risk stratification for all infants presenting with BRUE." — Clinical protocol