Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTEs), as defined by the National Institutes of Health, encompass all the findings hitherto attributed to “Shaken Baby Syndrome” (SBS), and may follow routine vaccination. Vaccines may also induce vitamin C deficiency (Barlow’s disease), especially in formula-fed infants or infants whose mothers smoke. This could account for some of the changes seen in these i...

OBJECTIVE To describe the aetiology and outcome of apparent life threatening events (ALTE) presenting to an emergency department (ED), and to assess the value of an initial investigation protocol. DESIGN A 12 month prospective study of infants under 1 year of age who presented to a children's hospital ED after an ALTE. A standardised history sheet and initial investigation protocol were used....

A comprehensive, detailed history and physical examination with pulse oximetry and nondilated funduscopy (to look for traumatic retinal hemorrhage) helps to determine the underlying etiology of an ALTE in 70 percent of infants. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: C, based on case series). Initial diagnostic evaluation should include 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG); blood gas analysis; chest ra...

Much of the existing popular literature suggests that survival from life-threatening diseases encourages a process of self-transformation. Seventeen long-term survivors of metastatic cancer were interviewed about the impact of a life-threatening condition on their life stories. Contrary to the existing literature, which suggests such an event greatly transforms the individual, nearly all of tho...

There is much debate relating to possible abnormalities in respiratory control mechanisms in infants considered at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The P0.1 occlusion technique was used to assess the central respiratory response to hyperoxic hypercapnia during quiet sleep in 21 normal infants, 13 siblings of SIDS victims, and 17 infants with apparent life threatening even...