Can children with Tetralogy of Fallot be desired?

Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

Updated on November 07, 2024

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Tetralogy of Fallot is a relatively severe congenital heart disease. If it is detected during the fetal period, it is not an indication for termination of pregnancy. In other words, one should not choose to not have the baby simply because it has Tetralogy of Fallot. However, it is crucial that the baby undergoes a timely echocardiogram after birth to assess the condition and undergo surgery as soon as possible. Currently, pediatric surgery, particularly cardiothoracic surgery, is developing very rapidly in our country. With multiple surgeries, Tetralogy of Fallot can be surgically cured. Therefore, having a child with Tetralogy of Fallot is not an indication for termination of pregnancy.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

48sec

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Tetralogy of Fallot Clinical Characteristics

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease in infancy, accounting for about 12% of all congenital heart diseases. It is caused by malformations of four heart structures: 1. right ventricular outflow tract obstruction; 2. ventricular septal defect; 3. overriding aorta; 4. right ventricular hypertrophy. Its clinical manifestations may include cyanosis, squatting symptoms, clubbed fingers, and paroxysmal hypoxia attacks. Physical examinations generally show delayed development, a prominent precordial area, and at the second to fourth rib interspace along the left sternal margin, a grade 2 to 3 rough systolic murmur can be heard.

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Written by Chen Guang Yin

Cardiology

44sec

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Does Tetralogy of Fallot involve chromosomal abnormalities?

Tetralogy of Fallot is primarily a developmental disorder, generally unrelated to chromosomes, with no chromosomal abnormalities. The cause of the disease is still not very clear. If pregnant again and giving birth again, it generally does not recur. Therefore, couples undergoing chromosomal testing before pregnancy is a common practice. It is generally believed that the four malformations in Tetralogy of Fallot occur due to viral infections acquired by the fetus during pregnancy, the mother consuming alcohol, or the use of certain medications during pregnancy. Currently, these are considered related factors, and so far, no abnormalities have been found related to genetics or chromosomes.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

1min 11sec

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The main cause of hypoxic attacks in Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex congenital heart disease, characterized by ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, aorta overriding, and right ventricular hypertrophy. When the obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract is severe, pulmonary artery blood flow significantly decreases. A large amount of unoxygenated venous blood passes through the ventricular septal defect causing a right-to-left shunt, which clinically manifests as severe cyanosis and increased red blood cells, and different degrees of hypoxia in the systemic circulation. Factors that can induce hypoxic episodes in these infants include feeding, crying, emotional agitation, anemia, infection, etc. These can suddenly lead to fainting, convulsions, or even death. The main reason is generally due to a sudden muscle spasm at the narrow pulmonary artery infundibulum on top of pre-existing stenosis, causing temporary pulmonary artery obstruction and exacerbating cerebral hypoxia, thus leading to severe hypoxic attacks.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

32sec

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What position should be adopted when Tetralogy of Fallot is hypoxic?

Treatment of hypoxic episodes in Tetralogy of Fallot: For mild cases, assuming the knee-chest position can alleviate symptoms. Severe cases require immediate oxygen administration and relevant drug therapy. Routinely, it is important to actively eliminate factors that trigger hypoxic episodes, such as anemia and infections, and maintain the child's tranquility. If the above treatments do not effectively control the episodes, emergency surgical intervention for repair or definitive treatment should be considered.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

32sec

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Management of Hypoxic Episodes in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot

In the treatment of hypoxic episodes in children with Tetralogy of Fallot, mild cases can be alleviated by positioning the child in a knee-chest position, while severe cases should receive immediate oxygen therapy, along with appropriate medication to correct acidosis. It is important to regularly eliminate factors that may trigger hypoxic episodes, such as anemia and infections, and to maintain a calm environment for the child. If these measures do not effectively control the episodes, emergency surgical repair should be considered.