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Neonatal-onset cyanotic breath-holding spells: a case report with longitudinal diagnostic dilemma

delete2026-04-01
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PRE
AI
A
Alosail, Abdulaziz
A
Alotaibi, Amal
J
Jarwann, Rawan
A
AlHojailan, Abdullah
A
AlRashed, Meshal
A
AlFadhel, Abdulmajeed
A
Abusido, Tamer *
DOI:10.3389/fped.2026.1783586delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Breath-holding spells (BHS) are benign paroxysmal events that typically present between 6 and 18 months of age. Neonatal-onset BHS is rare and may closely mimic other causes of neonatal cyanotic episodes, particularly respiratory inhibition after crying (RIAC). We report a term male infant who developed recurrent cyanotic episodes starting at birth and underwent extensive investigations with unremarkable results. He was initially diagnosed with prolonged RIAC. Longitudinal follow-up demonstrated persistence of episodes with evolution into a classical cyanotic breath-holding phenotype. This case highlights the importance of longitudinal assessment in neonates with unexplained cyanotic spells and supports the inclusion of breath-holding spells in the differential diagnosis after exclusion of serious underlying conditions.
Keywords:
breath holding
crying
cyanotic spells
neonatal hypoxemia
spells

Journal

Frontiers in Pediatrics cover
Frontiers in Pediatrics
IF:
2
Papers:
1.0K
Citations:
2.0W

Organization

K
king saud bin abdulaziz university for health sciences
Scholars:
1.5K
Papers: 525
Citations: 0
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