Abstract
The infant presenting to the emergency department with cyanosis requires rapid assessment, diagnosis, and initiation of therapy. In this article, the potential challenges in recognizing cyanosis are discussed, including the presence of higher concentrations of fetal hemoglobin and its oxygen binding characteristics. A systematic approach to the diagnosis of cyanosis is presented, based on an understanding of the normal transitional physiology, and how diseases of the airway, lung, and circulatory system may disrupt these processes. Strategies for initial emergency department management of lung and cardiac disease are presented.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 169-175 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- congenital heart disease
- cyanosis
- fetal hemoglobin
- oxygen therapy
- oxygen transport
- prostaglandin therapy
- pulmonary circulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health