Can someone with Tetralogy of Fallot have a second child?

Written by Chen Guang Yin
Cardiology
Updated on April 17, 2025
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Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital cardiac defect that has not been found to have a definite genetic relationship, meaning no chromosomal abnormalities have been discovered. However, congenital heart disease does tend to occur within families to a certain extent, indicating some level of familial predisposition. The primary cause, however, is believed to be related to viral infections during the first three months of pregnancy or the use of certain medications. Therefore, we believe that parents of a child with Tetralogy of Fallot can consider having a second child.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Can Tetralogy of Fallot be cured?

With the continuous improvement of surgical techniques, the cure rate for total corrective surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot is increasing, and the mortality rate is continuously decreasing. Mild cases may have the opportunity to undergo a one-stage corrective surgery between the ages of five and nine. However, for patients with significant clinical symptoms, palliative surgery should be performed within six months after birth. Once the general condition improves and pulmonary vasculature develops, they can proceed with the corrective surgery. Overall, the cure rate for Tetralogy of Fallot is continuously improving.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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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 Chen Guang Yin
Cardiology
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Can someone with Tetralogy of Fallot have a second child?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital cardiac defect that has not been found to have a definite genetic relationship, meaning no chromosomal abnormalities have been discovered. However, congenital heart disease does tend to occur within families to a certain extent, indicating some level of familial predisposition. The primary cause, however, is believed to be related to viral infections during the first three months of pregnancy or the use of certain medications. Therefore, we believe that parents of a child with Tetralogy of Fallot can consider having a second child.

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home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
39sec home-news-image

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 Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Emergency treatment for cyanosis in Tetralogy of Fallot

During hypoxic attacks of Tetralogy of Fallot, for mild cases, adopting the knee-chest position can provide relief. Severe cases should immediately receive oxygen and be given relevant medication treatment. Normally, attention should be paid to removing factors that cause hypoxic attacks, such as anemia and infections, and keep the child as calm as possible. For cases where hypoxia cannot be effectively controlled through the above measures, emergency surgical repair should be considered.