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. 2022 Dec 1;12(12):1030-1043.
doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006550.

A Prospective Study of Brief Resolved Unexplained Events: Risk Factors for Persistent Symptoms

Daniel R Duncan  1 , Enju Liu  2 , Amanda S Growdon  3 , Kara Larson  1 , Rachel L Rosen  1
Affiliations

A Prospective Study of Brief Resolved Unexplained Events: Risk Factors for Persistent Symptoms

Daniel R Duncan et al. Hosp Pediatr. .

Abstract

Objective: The risk of persistent symptoms after a brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) is not known. Our objective was to determine the frequency and risk factors for persistent symptoms after BRUE hospitalizations.

Methods: We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants hospitalized with an admitting diagnosis of BRUE. Caregiver-reported symptoms, anxiety levels, and management changes were obtained by questionnaires during the 2-month follow-up period. Clinical data including repeat hospitalizations were obtained from a medical record review. Multivariable analyses with generalized estimating equations were conducted to determine the risk of persistent symptoms.

Results: Of 124 subjects enrolled at 51.6 ± 5.9 days of age, 86% reported symptoms on at least 1 questionnaire after discharge; 65% of patients had choking episodes, 12% had BRUE spells, and 15% required a repeat hospital visit. High anxiety levels were reported by 31% of caregivers. Management changes were common during the follow-up period and included 30% receiving acid suppression and 27% receiving thickened feedings. Only 19% of patients had a videofluoroscopic swallow study while admitted, yet 67% of these studies revealed aspiration/penetration.

Conclusions: Many infants admitted with BRUE have persistent symptoms and continue to access medical care, suggesting current management strategies insufficiently address persistent symptoms. Future randomized trials will be needed to evaluate the potential efficacy of therapies commonly recommended after BRUE.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04477460.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Parent-reported symptoms and anxiety levels during the follow-up period. Proportions are based on participants that responded to relevant question at given follow-up time-point.
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