Brain holding spells in early infancy

We report two patients of breath holding spells (BHS) within the first two months of life presenting with apparent life threatening events, characterized by respiratory suppression and bradycardia. Although breath holding spells have been generally considered a benign phenomenon, they could cause a critical condition in early infancy due to the severe respiratory suppression. The pathophysiologic mechanism of BHS has remained unknown, respiratory suppression recognized in our patients might be related to immaturity of the autonomic function. We conclude that breath holding spells in early infancy should be taken account as a cause of apparent life threatening or even sudden infant death syndrome.