What is Blue Baby Syndrome?

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.

Q1: What is methylene blue?

Methylene blue (MB) is a synthetic dye and medication with various scientific, medical, and industrial applications.

Source: CNBC

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