What is Blue Baby Syndrome?

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About Blue Baby Syndrome:

Blue baby syndrome, also called cyanosis, is a condition in babies in which their skin appears blue or purple tinged.
What causes blue baby syndrome?
- The baby takes on a bluish hue because of poorly oxygenated blood.
- Normally, blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs, where it receives oxygen.
- The blood is circulated back through the heart and then throughout the body.
- When there’s a problem with the heart, lungs, or blood, blood may not be oxygenated properly.
- This causes the skin to take on a blue color.
- The lack of oxygenation can occur for several reasons.
It can occur due to several congenital (meaning present at birth) heart defects or environmental or genetic factors.
Acquired methemoglobinemia is more common than the congenital form. It can be caused by exposure to a variety of substances and by some health conditions.
The most common cause of blue baby syndrome is water contaminated with nitrates.
Symptoms:
- The most common symptom of blue baby syndrome is a blue discoloration of the skin around the mouth, hands, and feet.
- Other potential symptoms of blue baby syndrome include:
  - difficulty breathing
  - vomiting
  - diarrhea
  - lethargy
  - increased salivation
  - loss of consciousness
  - seizures
In severe cases, blue baby syndrome can even cause death.
Treatment:
- Treatment will vary depending on what is causing the baby to turn blue.
- If congenital heart disease is causing the discoloration, surgery may be required to correct the abnormalities.
- Children with a more severe form of the condition may need a medication called methylene blue, which a doctor will give as an injection.