5 Interesting Facts of Cyanotic congenital heart disease
- Usually presents with acute onset of cyanosis around the time of ductal closure in the neonatal period, usually 2 to 3 days after birth
- In contrast with meconium aspiration syndrome, most neonates with cyanotic congenital heart disease present with relatively comfortable tachypnea (without retractions) and cardiac murmurs
- In contrast with meconium aspiration syndrome, infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease typically exhibit minimal response to supplemental oxygen administration and do not have elevated PCO₂ levels; chest radiograph shows an abnormal cardiac silhouette or cardiomegaly, with relatively normal lung fields
- Differentiate from meconium aspiration syndrome by history, physical examination, chest radiograph, lack of significant improvement in cyanosis with oxygen, and improvement with alprostadil (prostaglandin E₁) treatment
- Definitive diagnosis is made using echocardiography
