Assessment of cyanosis in the newborn

Cyanosis and tachypnoea are frequently encountered in the neonatal period. The prevalence of respiratory distress in newborns ranges from 2.9% to 7.6%. Cyanosis can result from a range of disorders, including cardiac, metabolic, neurological, and pulmonary disorders. In all, 4.3% of newborns may require supplemental oxygen therapy because of cyanosis.[1]Hjalmarson O. Epidemiology and classification of acute neonatal respiratory disorders: a prospective study. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981 Nov;70(6):773-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7324931?tool=bestpractice.com [2]Hjalmarson O. Epidemiology of neonatal disorders of respiration. Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 1991;7 Suppl 1:9-15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2037445?tool=bestpractice.com [3]Kumar A, Bhat BV. Epidemiology of respiratory distress of newborns. Indian J Pediatr. 1996 Jan-Feb;63(1):93-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10829971?tool=bestpractice.com ​ Cyanosis is dependent on the absolute concentration of the reduced haemoglobin and not on the ratio of reduced haemoglobin to oxyhaemoglobin. It is visually perceptible when reduced haemoglobin exceeds 30-50 g/L. Cyanosis is classified into central and peripheral cyanosis. When present throughout the body, including the mucous membranes and tongue, the condition is termed central cyanosis. When limited to the extremities, it is termed peripheral cyanosis or acrocyanosis.