Monitoring

Detection of apnoea/bradycardia events at home may facilitate earlier detection of a possible apparent life threatening event (ALTE) and therefore prevent progression to cardiac arrest. However, there is no evidence that home apnoea monitoring reduces risk of SIDS.[124][125][126]

The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on the Fetus and Newborn does not recommend routine prescription of home apnoea monitoring for SIDS prevention, but acknowledges that it may be warranted for higher-risk infants: for example, premature infants with a high risk for persisting or recurrent apnoea/bradycardia, infants with a history of ALTE, and infants with home dependence on technology (i.e., tracheostomy, home continuous positive airway pressure).[3]​​[127]

Despite lack of evidence regarding risk reduction, the potential benefits of home monitoring on quality of life by providing reassurance can be highlighted.[128][129]

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