[Characteristics of 86 infants' cluster with A.L.T.E. (Apparent Life-Threatening Event): similarities and differences versus main risk factors for SIDS]. / Caratteristiche di un campione di 86 lattanti A.L.T.E.: analogie e differenze con i principali fattori di rischio per SIDS.

In this study we have gathered 86 ALTE infants' characteristics about physiological, familiar, remote and near pathological case history, modality of apnoea episode's presentation, environmental and behavioural conditions of babies and we have compared these ones with main risk factors for SIDS to find possible similarities or differences. Many of the already known differences or similarities between ALTE and SIDS have been confirmed by our data and new ones have been observed. So we can say that the association between ALTE and SIDS remains contrasting because beside undiscussed factors of association there are other ones which differentiate the two Syndromes.

[Analysis of risk factors for SIDS: experience at a referral center]. / Analisi dei fattori di rischio per SIDS: esperienza in un centro di riferimento.

The aim of this research is to value, with a questionnary for the families, epidemiologic aspects in 20 children died for SIDS. The risk factors we have considered regard: ambiental condition, pregnancy, neonatal and post-neonatal period, and modality of death. The result is that sleeping position, child's age and month in which the death happens, are still the most significant risk factors for SIDS.

[Cardiorespiratory monitoring in hospital and at home]. / Il monitoraggio cardiorespiratorio nella pratica ospedaliera e domiciliare.

Apnoea become a medical problem when associated with a symptomatology cohort characterized by skin colour modifications, muscular tone modifications and consciousness. This syndrome named ALTE, from the acronym Apparent Life Threatening Event, well describes the near death sensation in the witnesses. Only 60% of this events may be revealed in his etiopathogenesis, also even a strong diagnostic protocol is applied; the remaining part, called idiopathic represent a open doubt and stressing factor for the physicians. ALTE may be analyzed in his rising and resolving ways, throughout a complete and accurate report of the history and throughout his association with other several symptoms eventually associated, able to leading at diagnosis. The child must be investigated about his metabolic status near the crisis, particularly for each disease life threatening as cardiac arrhythmias, electrolytes alterations and hide or beginning infections. The use of instruments for domestic surveillance is based on old observations, denied by a lot of studies, there is an high relation between ALTE and SIDS. Really the monitoring has different rules in the management of child with ALTE: it is a useful tool to evaluate in continuous child's life parameters in order to be able to make a quick intervention in case of life threatening alterations for child. It also represents a diagnostic and prognostic way because it allows to evaluate respiratory and cardiac patterns and their modifications time related. There are some side effects as anxiety elicited in parents, cause of high frequency in false alarms. This allows the need of a strict relation between a SIDS Center and the family in order to increase the parents compliance.