Bushra Rafique.
Apparent life threatening events (ALTE) - an experience and analysis.
Pak Paed J Jan ;34(4):198-203.

Objective: To find out the characteristic features of apparent life threatening events, underlying diagnoses and how to manage children with ALTE. Study design: Retrospective study. Place and duration of study: Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman, for one year from November 2008 to October 2009. Methodology: All the children presenting to the Accident and Emergency (AnE) with a working diagnosis of ALTE were admitted in the High Dependency (HD) unit of children ward. There they were observed closely and investigated for any underlying disease. Once stable they were shifted to the general ward in front of nursing station. Parents were counseled and children were followed up in the Out Patient Department. Results: Over one year of study period, 31 children presented with ALTE. This constituted 1.98% of AnE attendance, 7.34% of HD admission and 1.39% of total admission. Underlying diagnosis was possible in only 23% of cases. 54% of the cases were labeled as primary ALTE. Conclusion: ALTE is not an infrequent condition. Immediate and long term management needs good orientation of this entity.

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