Achondroplasia is associated with increased occurrence of apparent life-threatening events.

AIM: To assess the clinical picture underlying apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) occurring in infants with achondroplasia and provide guidance for evaluation after an event.

METHODS

A population of 477 individuals with achondroplasia was retrospectively reviewed, and information regarding possible ALTEs was recorded in a REDCap database.

RESULTS

ALTEs occurred in the first year of life in 18 of 477 individuals (3.8%). Most (14/18, 78%) occurred in the first 6 months of life and presented as episodes of apnoea and/or seizures. Of affected infants, 8/18 (44%) had more than one episode. Many of the initial ALTEs arose while infants were in car seats (11/18, 61%). Assessment following ALTEs most often demonstrated either craniocervical junction concerns and/or seizures, with 12/18 (67%) patients undergoing cervicomedullary decompression and 5/18 (28%) starting on anti-epileptic medications after the event.

CONCLUSION

Although this study is limited in size and was retrospective, it shows that infants with achondroplasia appear to be at high risk for ALTEs. Evaluation after an event should include neuroimaging of the foramen magnum, inpatient hospital observation including respiratory monitoring and electroencephalography, and a car seat challenge.