Cardiac cyanosis in children

Cardiac cyanosis in children, or bruising, is one of the symptoms of cyanotic congenital heart disease, which is more commonly known as cardiac cyanosis. This article is fully discussed in this regard.

What is cardiac cyanosis?

Cyanotic congenital heart disease is a type of disease that is present from birth. Cyanotic congenital heart disease causes a lack of oxygen in the blood. Its common symptom is bluish skin, which is called cyanosis. Due to the prevalence of this symptom, people generally know this disease as cardiac cyanosis in children. Related article What are the types of heart disease in children? Several birth defects can cause this type of heart disease, including:

- disruption in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body - abnormalities in the large blood vessels leading to or exiting the heart

There is often more than one defect in cyanotic congenital heart disease. Pediatric cardiologists use imaging tests to confirm the presence of a defect that leads to this heart condition. These include chest x-rays and echocardiography.

Medications can help relieve the symptoms of cyanosis. Finally, most infants require surgery to correct disease-causing defects, the success of which depends on the severity of the defect. Related types of congenital heart disease in babies

Risk factors for cyanotic congenital heart disease

In many cases, a baby with this disease is born with a genetic factor. When there is a family history of congenital heart disease, the baby is more at risk of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Certain genetic syndromes can be associated with defects that cause cardiac cyanosis in children. These diseases include the following:

- Down Syndrome - Turner syndrome - Marfan syndrome - Noonan syndrome

In some cases, external factors can cause this disease. If a pregnant woman is exposed to toxic chemicals or certain medications, her baby may be more prone to heart defects. Infection during pregnancy is also a cause of this defect. Poorly controlled gestational diabetes can also lead to a higher risk of cyanotic congenital heart disease in the baby.

Defects that cause cyanotic congenital heart disease

Many physical defects in the heart can cause cardiac cyanosis in children. Some babies may be born with many defects. Its common reasons can include the following: ### Tetralogy of Fallot Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cause of cyanotic congenital heart disease, which is a combination of four different defects. Tetralogy of Fallot includes the following:

- Narrow pulmonary valve - Thickening of the muscles of the right ventricle - Incorrect position of the aortic valve

### displacement of large vessels In babies with transposition of the great vessels, the pulmonary and aortic valves have changed position with their arteries. This condition leads to the transfer of blood with low oxygen through the aorta to the rest of the body. This blood should actually go to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. ### tricuspid or tricuspid valve atresia In this defect, the tricuspid valve of the heart is abnormally enlarged or completely lost. This disrupts the normal flow of blood. As a result, blood with low oxygen is transferred to the body. ### Completely abnormal connection of pulmonary veins This condition occurs when the veins that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart become attached to the right atrium. Normally, these veins should be connected to the left atrium. This defect may be associated with the blockage of these veins between the lungs and the heart.

Cardiac cyanosis symptoms in children

It often occurs on the lips, toes, or fingers. Another common symptom is difficulty in breathing, especially after physical activity. In some children, oxygen levels may drop too low. As a result, they become anxious, their skin turns blue, and they may breathe excessively. Other symptoms of cyanotic congenital heart disease depend exactly on the physical defect, which is given below.

### Symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot

- Low birth weight - Cyanosis - Improper nutrition - Big toes, clubbed or rounded - Growth delay - Rapid and continuous breathing

### Symptoms of displacement of large vessels

- Fast heartbeat - Rapid and continuous breathing - Weight gain at low speed - Profuse sweating

### Symptoms of tricuspid valve atresia

- cyanosis - fatigue - shortness of breath - Difficulty in feeding - Profuse sweating - slow growth - Chronic respiratory infections

- shortness of breath - Chronic respiratory infections - slow growth

### Symptoms of completely abnormal connection of pulmonary veins with obstruction

- cyanosis - Rapid heartbeat - Rapid and continuous breathing - Difficulty in breathing that becomes very severe over time

Cyanotic congenital heart disease diagnosis

Observing symptoms is not enough for diagnosis. To detect the presence of any defect, the child's doctor uses tests to confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray chest X-ray shows the heart and the location of the veins and arteries. To get another picture of the heart, your child's doctor may recommend an echocardiogram. Cardiac catheterization is an invasive test that is often required to examine the interior of the heart. This test involves passing a small tube or catheter into the heart from the groin or arm.

Treatment of cyanotic congenital heart disease

Treatment of cardiac cyanosis in children may or may not be necessary depending on the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, surgery is ultimately necessary to correct the physical defects of the heart. When the defect is very serious, surgery may be needed soon after birth. In other cases, surgery can be delayed until the child is older. Sometimes, more than one surgery is needed. If surgery is delayed, the child may be given medications to treat the condition. Medicines can help with: - Removal of excess fluids from the body - Better pumping of the heart - Keeping blood vessels open - Regulation of abnormal heart rhythms

In mild cases, the child may be able to lead a normal lifestyle with minimal medication or other treatment. More severe cases require surgery. The pediatrician will work on the best treatment for your child. They can talk to you about your child's needs and next steps if needed. **Dr. Saeed Bitarafan, fetal and pediatric cardiology specialist**

You can refer to the following sources for further study https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/cyanosis https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/cyanosis