Non cardiac causes of cyanosis in the neonatal period; Pulmonary, Neurological, Metabolic, blood

Описание: Cyanosis in newborns—especially central cyanosis—is a red flag that demands urgent evaluation. While congenital heart disease is a major cause, there are several non-cardiac causes that can also lead to cyanosis in the neonatal period. These typically involve the respiratory system, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and hematologic abnormalities.

🫁 Pulmonary Causes
These are the most common non-cardiac contributors to neonatal cyanosis:

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Seen in premature infants due to surfactant deficiency

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN): Failure of normal circulatory transition after birth

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Obstruction and inflammation of airways

Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM): Structural lung anomalies

Pulmonary hypoplasia: Underdeveloped lungs, often associated with diaphragmatic hernia

Pneumothorax or pleural effusion: Air or fluid compressing the lungs

Choanal atresia: Blockage of nasal passages, especially critical in obligate nasal breathers

🧬 Metabolic and Hematologic Causes
Hypoglycemia: Can impair respiratory drive and oxygen utilization

Methemoglobinemia: Abnormal hemoglobin that can't carry oxygen effectively

Polycythemia: Increased blood viscosity reduces oxygen delivery

Sepsis: Can cause metabolic acidosis and impaired oxygenation

🧠 Neurological Causes
Central nervous system depression: Due to birth asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, or drug exposure

Neuromuscular disorders: Impaired respiratory effort (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy)

🦠 Infectious Causes
Pneumonia: Bacterial or viral infections affecting lung function

Congenital infections: TORCH infections (e.g., CMV, rubella) may impair lung or CNS function

#cyanosis