Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What is a BRUE?
During a BRUE babies may have the following symptoms:
- Stop breathing
- Change in color of skin. May look blue or pale.
- Relaxed muscles.
- Tightened muscles.
- “Passing out” or loss of consciousness
These symptoms last for only a very short period of time and then the baby is back to normal.
How is a BRUE diagnosed?
- A BRUE is diagnosed after other causes for this event have been ruled out.
- This diagnosis is made after it has been determined that there was no worrisome cause for the event.
Should my baby stay in the hospital after having a BRUE?
- Sometimes babies are admitted to the hospital for monitoring.
- Babies who are felt to be lower risk for a serious cause of the event or future problem can be sent home with close monitoring.
What makes a baby “lower risk” for future problems after a BRUE?
- Babies born on time (38-40 weeks of pregnancy).
- Babies who are more than 60 days old.
- Babies who did not need CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) by a medical professional during the BRUE.
- The BRUE lasted for less than 1 minute.
- This is the first and only time the baby has had an event like this.
Does having a BRUE make it more likely for my baby to have Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)?
- While the cause of SIDS/SUID is not known, events like BRUE are not known to increase the risk of SIDS/SUID.
- Ways to decrease the risk of SIDS/SUID for ALL babies (not just those who have had a BRUE) include:
Does my baby need special or extra care after having a BRUE?
- No special care is needed.
- Continue to love and care ofr your baby as you normally do.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics does NOT recommend the use of commercially available home cardiorespiratory monitors.
- It is a good idea for everyone that cares for an infant to learn CPR.
What should I do if it happens again?
- Call 911 if you are worried that the event is life threatening.
- Have your child evaluated in a pediatric Emergency Department.
- After, schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s primary care provider.
When to call your healthcare team:
- Your child has multiple concerning events.
- Your child is not acting normally after a suspected event.
- Your child is getting worse.
- You have other questions or concerns.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials.
Reviewed by: FC D.O., AR D.O. | 05/2024