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Neuropediatrics 2005; 36(1): 1-5
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-830530
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Long-Term Outcome of Infantile Apparent Life-Threatening Event (ALTE): A Follow-Up Study until Midpuberty

S. Milioti1 , C. Einspieler2
  • 1Department of Physiotherapy, Technological Educational Institute, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 2Department of Systems Physiology (Developmental Physiology and Developmental Neurology), Centre of Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Received: April 8, 2004

Accepted after Revision: November 12, 2004

Publication Date:
09 February 2005 (online)

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Abstract

The neurological long-term sequelae of an idiopathic apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) were studied in 14 ALTE cases and 12 controls (of similar sex, age, and maturation of puberty). One ALTE case had developed motor and severe learning disabilities. Four other cases and one control were judged as MND (minor neurological deficits). Touwen's neurological profile was less optimal in children with an ALTE history than in controls (p < 0.05). A high amount of associated movements were found in combination with an inability of certain gross motor functions, such as standing or hopping on one leg for sufficiently long or walking on tip-toes or on heels. Fine and gross motor performance tested with the Bruininks-Oseretsky test and behaviour judged with Connors' Rating Scales - Revised, were not different between ALTE cases and controls. Our study provides evidence of neurological long-term sequelae of ALTE.

Key words

Children - neurological examination - minor neurological deficits - behaviour - fine motor development - gross motor development

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Prof. Dr. Christa Einspieler

Department of Systems Physiology · Centre of Physiological Medicine
Medical University of Graz

Harrachgasse 21

8010 Graz

Austria

Email: christa.einspieler@meduni-graz.at

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