Get to know Blue Baby Syndrome, a disease that threatens newborns

Blue baby syndrome is a blue or cyanotic skin condition in newborns. This bluish color is clearly visible on thin skin. For example on the lips, ears and nails. Although classified as common, this syndrome can be caused by a number of congenital factors, such as heart malformations or genetic diseases.

Causes of Blue Baby Syndrome

The blue color in this condition is caused by blood with low oxygen levels. Normally, blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs to receive oxygen. Blood will flow again through the heart throughout the body.

When there are problems in the heart, lungs or blood, oxygen levels are normal. The result, the skin turns blue. The following conditions can cause a decrease in oxygen levels.

1. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

This rare congenital anomaly, or TOF, is a major cause of Baby Blue Syndrome. This condition is a combination of four heart defects that reduce blood flow to the lungs and cause oxygenated blood flow to the body to decrease.

TOF can also be a hole in the wall of the heart chamber that separates the left and right ventricles, or muscles that block blood flow from the left ventricle to the lungs, lungs, or arteries.

2. Methemoglobinemia

This condition is caused by nitrates which poison the baby after consuming formula milk mixed with well water or nitrate-rich foods, such as spinach or beets. This condition can affect babies under six months because the condition of the digestive system is sensitive and has not fully developed.

As a result, nitrates are converted to nitrites. If nitrites circulate in the body, methemoglobin will be produced. Although methemoglobin is rich in oxygen, methemoglobin does not release oxygen, resulting in blue baby syndrome.

3. Other congenital heart disease

Genetic factors often cause congenital anomalies. For example, babies born with Down syndrome. Pregnancy with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can also cause Blue Baby Syndrome.

Some congenital heart disease can occur without a definitive cause, and only a few cause cyanosis.

Symptoms of Blue Baby Syndrome

Besides blue skin, some of the symptoms of Baby Syndrome or Blue Baby Syndrome include:

difficult
Sluggishness (weak, helpless, slow, etc.)
It's hard to eat
Difficult to gain weight
There is a development problem
Rapid heart rate or breathing
Rounded fingers and toes

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of blue baby syndrome

Besides checking the medical history and physical condition of the baby, the diagnosis of Blue Baby Syndrome can be confirmed by a series of tests in the form of:

Blood test
Pulmonary x-ray to check the size of the lungs and heart
ECG to see the electrical activity of the heart
Echocardiogram to see the anatomy of the heart
Heart catheter for visual observation of heartbeats
Oxygen saturation test to determine oxygen levels in the blood

Treatment of infantile syndrome is based on the cause. If it is caused by a congenital heart defect, surgery is likely to be done. Treatment can also be recommended depending on the error conditions that exist.

Infants with methemoglobinemia can take methylene blue, a drug that provides oxygen to the blood. This medicine must be prescribed by a doctor and injected into a vein.

Blue baby syndrome usually occurs naturally. However, several precautions can be taken, including:

Do not use well water until at least 12 months of age. Boiled water will not eliminate nitrate levels. Nitrate levels in water should not exceed 10 mg / L.
Limit foods that are rich in nitrates, including broccoli, spinach, beets and carrots, to seven-year-old babies. If you must use these vegetables, choose frozen products rather than fresh ones.
Pregnant women should avoid illegal drugs, cigarettes and alcohol to prevent congenital heart defects in babies. If you have diabetes, make sure you are in control and have your doctor watch you.

Blue baby syndrome is a disease with various causes. The doctor can recommend surgical treatment. If they are identified and successfully cured, babies with a history of Blue Baby Syndrome can lead normal lives with little health impact.