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The babys skin, lips, fingernails, or toenails look blueA routine test called "pulse oximetry " � shows the baby does not have enough oxygen in his or her blood " � This test measures oxygen in the blood with a small device that goes on a finger.When the baby or child is older, if:- The baby's skin looks blue
- The baby has "tet spells " � " � These are times when a baby looks blue, breathes faster than normal, and acts fussy or upset. Tet spells usually happen when a baby is active, such as during crying or feeding.
- The baby has a heart murmur
Should my child see a doctor or nurse? " � If your child's skin, lips, or fingernails or toenails look blue, tell your doctor or nurse. This is very important if the blue color gets worse when your baby is crying or feeding. � �
Will my child need tests? " � Yes. If the doctor or nurse thinks your baby or child has TOF, he or she will order tests. These include: � �
- An echocardiogram " � This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart as it beats. It can show if a child has TOF or another heart problem.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) " � This test measures the electrical activity in the heart. It can show any abnormal activity from TOF.
- A chest X-ray " � A chest X-ray can show changes in the shape of the heart from TOF.
- Cardiac catheterization " � Cardiac (heart) catheterization is also called cardiac "cath. " � Another name is "coronary angiography. " � In this test, the doctor puts a thin tube in a blood vessel in the leg or arm. He or she threads the tube up to the heart. Then, the doctor puts a dye into the tube that shows up on an X-ray. The dye shows the changes caused by TOF.
How is TOF treated? " � Almost all children with TOF need surgery to fix the heart problems. Doctors usually do surgery before a baby is 1 year old. � �
Even if your child does not have symptoms, he or she needs surgery. This is because TOF can cause problems if the heart is not fixed. � �
Doctors do not find TOF in some people until they are adults. Adults who have TOF also need surgery. � �
What will my child's life be like? " � Many children who have surgery for TOF can live normal lives. But they still have a risk of heart problems and other health problems later. For example, some children who had surgery for TOF can have problems learning or growing normally. They need regular checkups and tests to make sure the heart is working correctly and to help with any other problems. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83995 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
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