Blue Baby Syndrome: What does the condition indicate?

What does it mean if a baby’s skin colour changes to blue? While yellow colour is often associated with high bilirubin, pale is interpreted as anaemia or even poor circulation, blue is a condition in which a newborn’s skin, lips and sometimes nails appear bluish because their blood is not carrying enough oxygen. The Cleveland Clinic calls the condition ‘Methemoglobinemia or MetHb’ and says it affects red blood cells’ ability to deliver oxygen to cells and tissues. Those with MetHb apparently have a certain level of cyanosis – a condition that turns their skin, nails, tongue and lips a shade of light purple or blue.

What are its causes?
Noted paediatrician Dr Virendar Kumar Gehlawat, head of the department of paediatrics at the Dwaraka Manipal Hospital, in conversation with a national daily, said that Blue Baby Syndrome could be related to heart or lung diseases or even haemoglobin problems. Detecting cyanosis with bare eyes is apparently challenging in milder cases, babies with darker complexion or babies with anaemia. So, Dr Gehlawat reminds the parents to constantly check their baby’s blood oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people can also inherit it after using certain medications, and can even inherit the condition. Congenital heart defects like tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries and truncus arteriosus are the main causes of cyanosis in babies, according to the doctor. In some babies, cyanosis could even cause breathlessness. Physical diagnosis, ultrasound scan of the heart and other cardiac imaging tests could help detect the real causes of Blue Baby Syndrome. Dr. Gehlawat adds that early detection through various tests and proper medical intervention can help the baby lead a healthy life.

How concerned should you be?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, congenital methemoglobinemia doesn’t cause serious medical issues. However, some babies born with the condition can have severe neurological problems. People who develop it over time can also have life-threatening conditions.