What Is Blue Baby Syndrome?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Prognosis
Left untreated, blue baby syndrome can eventually prove fatal regardless of the cause. Chronic oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage that can lead to developmental delays. When tetralogy of Fallot goes untreated, the patient is unlikely to live past the age of 1.
Surgery to correct a congenital heart defect has a better chance of succeeding the earlier that the condition is diagnosed. Therefore, it is important to watch for symptoms within the first few hours after birth. Children who receive methylene blue for methemoglobinemia and avoid further nitrate exposure typically have no further health complications from the condition and go on to lead normal, healthy lives.
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