What does the acronym "BRUE" stand for in pediatric medicine?

The acronym "BRUE" stands for "Brief Resolved Unexplained Event," which is a term used in pediatric medicine to describe a specific clinical scenario in infants. BRUE is characterized by an event where an infant experiences a sudden change in behavior, such as altered responsiveness, color change, or breathing irregularities, but the episode resolves quickly and remains unexplained after a thorough medical evaluation.

The significance of BRUE lies in its classification to help healthcare providers differentiate between common benign episodes and potential serious underlying conditions. Recognizing BRUE helps ensure that affected infants receive appropriate reassurance and follow-up care without unnecessary interventions, based solely on the events experienced. This framework supports parents and caregivers in understanding that while the episode can be alarming, it may not indicate a serious health issue when resolved swiftly and without further complications.