Skip to main content

Serious Adverse Event

Meaning

A Serious Adverse Event, or SAE, is any untoward medical occurrence that results in death, is life-threatening, requires inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, or is a congenital anomaly or birth defect. This critical designation is fundamental for assessing the safety profile of medical interventions, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, throughout their lifecycle.