Tetralogy of Fallot in children who prefer squatting is because

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Tetralogy of Fallot exhibits squatting symptoms because squatting involves flexing the lower limbs, which reduces the amount of venous return to the heart, thereby decreasing the cardiac workload. At the same time, the arteries of the lower limbs are compressed, increasing systemic vascular resistance, reducing right-to-left shunting, and temporarily alleviating hypoxia symptoms. Infants who cannot walk often prefer to be held with their thighs up, with both lower limbs bent; after they become able to walk, they frequently squat down momentarily during walking or playing.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Emergency treatment for cyanosis in Tetralogy of Fallot

During hypoxic attacks of Tetralogy of Fallot, for mild cases, adopting the knee-chest position can provide relief. Severe cases should immediately receive oxygen and be given relevant medication treatment. Normally, attention should be paid to removing factors that cause hypoxic attacks, such as anemia and infections, and keep the child as calm as possible. For cases where hypoxia cannot be effectively controlled through the above measures, emergency surgical repair should be considered.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Does Tetralogy of Fallot easily lead to heart failure?

Tetralogy of Fallot often leads to symptoms of heart failure because it is a severe congenital disease. Affected children tend to present with cyanosis of the lips, impaired growth and development, and a simple echocardiography can reveal specific indicators such as aorta overriding, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and ventricular septal defect. These children have limited lung and heart function, making them prone to increased cardiac load and symptoms of heart failure following infections or physical activity. Therefore, early surgical treatment is necessary for these children to prevent recurrent infectious diseases and heart failure, which can affect their normal growth and development. Additionally, it is crucial to enhance nutrition and exercise in their daily lives to boost their immune system. For Tetralogy of Fallot, early detection and treatment are essential.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Tetralogy of Fallot electrocardiogram manifestations

Tetralogy of Fallot is a common type of cyanotic congenital heart disease, primarily composed of four structural components: first, a ventricular septal defect; second, an overriding aorta; third, hypertrophy of the right ventricle; and fourth, obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. When performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) on Tetralogy of Fallot, it often shows right ventricular hypertrophy, and can also display right atrial hypertrophy. Initially, there may be hypertrophy of both the left and right ventricles. As the child develops cyanosis, it progressively evolves into hypertrophy of the right ventricle. These are the typical ECG findings in Tetralogy of Fallot.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Tetralogy of Fallot syncope causes

The causes of syncope in Tetralogy of Fallot generally involve episodic hypoxia attacks, which are more common in infants. Triggers include breastfeeding, crying, emotional excitement, anemia, and infections. The symptoms manifest as episodic breathing difficulties, and severe cases can suddenly lead to syncope with convulsions or even death. The underlying reason is the narrowing of the pulmonary artery infundibulum accompanied by muscular spasms, causing obstruction of the pulmonary artery and intensifying cerebral hypoxia. Older children may complain of headaches and dizziness.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Is Tetralogy of Fallot serious?

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease in children, accounting for about 10% of congenital heart diseases. It is a complex type of congenital heart condition, consisting of four defects: a ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Due to these four malformations, children will experience cyanosis, poor exercise tolerance, and may quickly become fussy or emotionally disturbed with physical activity. This can lead to noticeable worsening of dyspnea and cyanosis. They may also exhibit a preference for squatting, as squatting can decrease the return blood volume to the heart, increase systemic vascular resistance, and temporarily relieve hypoxic symptoms. Other symptoms include clubbing, paroxysmal hypoxia attacks which are more common in infants. These attacks can be triggered by crying, emotional excitement, anemia, infections, etc., and suddenly manifest as paroxysmal breathing difficulties. In severe cases, there can be fainting, convulsions, and even death. Therefore, these clinical manifestations are very serious, making this disease a significantly dangerous condition.