Can Tetralogy of Fallot receive oxygen therapy?

Written by Chen Guang Yin
Cardiology
Updated on January 09, 2025
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Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that includes abnormalities such as ventricular septal defects, pulmonary valve stenosis, and stenosis of the right ventricular outflow tract. Due to these congenital defects, the ejection of blood from the heart is affected, which in turn impacts the blood supply to various systems and organs throughout the body. The patient may exhibit symptoms of cyanosis and hypoxia, especially after physical activity, hence the use of supplemental oxygen is advisable. While oxygen therapy can temporarily alleviate these hypoxic symptoms, it does not address the underlying issue. Surgery is necessary for a definitive resolution.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Tetralogy of Fallot shadow on the radiograph

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic heart disease in children over the age of one, accounting for about 10 percent of all congenital heart diseases. Tetralogy of Fallot includes four anatomical abnormalities: a ventricular septal defect, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, an overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. In patients diagnosed through X-ray, the heart size is often within normal limits, typically appearing boot-shaped, with markedly reduced pulmonary vascular markings. The aortic arch may be located on the right side, and the ascending aorta is usually dilated. Patients with rich collateral circulation display prominent pulmonary markings.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can Tetralogy of Fallot be cured?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a type of congenital heart disease linked to family genetics and is considered quite severe among congenital heart conditions. Generally, within a few months after birth, children will exhibit cyanosis of the skin. It is crucial to perform surgery on the child promptly in such cases. Currently, the level of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery in our country has developed very rapidly. For typical cases of Tetralogy of Fallot, surgical treatment can be curative. Moreover, there are no specific requirements regarding weight and age for children undergoing heart surgery nowadays. Therefore, once Tetralogy of Fallot is diagnosed in young children, it is best to perform surgery as soon as possible. These children can then grow up, develop normally, and attend school like their peers.

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Written by Chen Guang Yin
Cardiology
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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 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 Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Management of Hypoxic Episodes in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot

In the treatment of hypoxic episodes in children with Tetralogy of Fallot, mild cases can be alleviated by positioning the child in a knee-chest position, while severe cases should receive immediate oxygen therapy, along with appropriate medication to correct acidosis. It is important to regularly eliminate factors that may trigger hypoxic episodes, such as anemia and infections, and to maintain a calm environment for the child. If these measures do not effectively control the episodes, emergency surgical repair should be considered.