PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast
Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd
149 episodes
2 days ago
PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast is an evidence-based podcast focused on the care of ill and injured children in the Emergency Department. The host is Brad Sobolewski, author of PEMBlog.com and a Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s and the University of Cincinnati.
All content for PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast is the property of Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast is an evidence-based podcast focused on the care of ill and injured children in the Emergency Department. The host is Brad Sobolewski, author of PEMBlog.com and a Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s and the University of Cincinnati.
PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast
14 minutes
4 weeks ago
BRUE: Brief Resolved Unexplained Events
BRUE, Brief Resolved Unexplained Events, are a common and anxiety-provoking condition that presents to the Emergency Department. In this episode we explore the definition of BRUE, contrast it with ALTE, and walk through evidence-based approaches to risk stratification. We’ll explore the original AAP framework and two subsequent prediction models to see where the recommendations stand today. This is a classic example of scary event / well child that you will see in the Emergency Department.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this episode, you will be able to:
Define BRUE and contrast it with the older concept of ALTE.
Recognize evolving risk stratification criteria
Apply evidence-based strategies for evaluation and counseling of infants with BRUE, including safe discharge decisions and the role of home monitoring.
References
Tieder JS, Bonkowsky JL, Etzel RA, et al. Brief resolved unexplained events (formerly apparent life-threatening events) and evaluation of lower-risk infants: Executive summary. Pediatrics. 2016;137(5):e20160591. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-0591
Carroll AE, Bonkowsky JL. Acute events in infancy including brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE). In: McMillan JA, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (Accessed October 2025).
Carroll AE, Bonkowsky JL. Use of home cardiorespiratory monitors in infants. In: McMillan JA, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (Accessed October 2025).
Carroll AE, Bonkowsky JL. Sudden infant death syndrome: Risk factors and risk reduction strategies. In: McMillan JA, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (Accessed October 2025).
Carroll AE. Patient education: Brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) in babies (The Basics). In: UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (Accessed October 2025).
Nama N, Neuman MI, Finkel MA, et al. Risk prediction after a brief resolved unexplained event. JAMA Pediatr. 2023;177(12):1263–1272. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4197
Nama N, Neuman MI, Finkel MA, et al. External validation of brief resolved unexplained events prediction rules for serious underlying diagnosis. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(4):398–407. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0114
PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast
PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast is an evidence-based podcast focused on the care of ill and injured children in the Emergency Department. The host is Brad Sobolewski, author of PEMBlog.com and a Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s and the University of Cincinnati.