Why does Tetralogy of Fallot squat?

Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

Updated on September 24, 2024

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The primary deformity in Tetralogy of Fallot is the obstruction of the right ventricular outflow, which leads to increased right ventricular pressure and a right-to-left shunt causing cyanosis. When the child squats, the flexion of the lower limbs can reduce the return of blood to the heart, alleviating the burden on the right ventricle. At the same time, it can increase systemic circulation resistance, reducing the right-to-left shunt in the heart, thereby alleviating the child's symptoms of hypoxia.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

49sec

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Tetralogy of Fallot prognosis

Tetralogy of Fallot includes four components: ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The prognosis depends on the first symptom. If it is frequent severe hypoxic attacks, sudden syncope, convulsions, or even death can occur. Therefore, early surgical treatment is essential. Most cases of Tetralogy of Fallot have a reasonable prognosis with early surgical intervention. If the condition is severe, palliative shunt surgery may be performed initially, followed by definitive surgery once the condition improves. Effective surgical treatment can generally lead to a good prognosis. Without surgery, most cases may develop severe infections and die from hypoxic attacks.

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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 Tong Peng

Pediatrics

59sec

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Can children with Tetralogy of Fallot heal on their own?

Children with Tetralogy of Fallot cannot be cured, as this condition is a congenital disease, primarily involving vascular malformations, characterized by ventricular septal defects, overriding aorta, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Due to pulmonary atresia or near-atresia, leading to numerous collateral vessels, it might only present with a ventricular septal defect with shunting or mild pulmonary valve stenosis. The effectiveness of surgery for this type of Tetralogy of Fallot may not be particularly good, and the chances of a cure are very low. Therefore, for this category, early detection and surgical treatment are crucial, and it is important to enhance dietary nutrition and care in daily life, as it is prone to pulmonary infections, which can lead to serious conditions such as respiratory failure and heart failure.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

39sec

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Tetralogy of Fallot Emergency Measures

Generally, one should often drink water to prevent infection, prevent dehydration and complications. Infants and young children should be especially careful in their care, to avoid episodes of paroxysmal hypoxia. In mild cases of hypoxic episodes, placing them in a knee-chest position can alleviate the symptoms. In severe cases, oxygen should be administered immediately, along with the appropriate drug treatment. If the episodes cannot be effectively controlled with medication, emergency surgical intervention may be necessary. With the continuous improvement in surgical techniques this year, the mortality rate for curative surgeries has been decreasing.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

1min 20sec

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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.