Blue boy syndrome” what are the main causes of congenital and acquired metahemoglobinemia in neonates

Gisela Vanesa Cuesta; Eliana Denise Campagnale

doi:10.59471/ijhsc2025215

Authors

Gisela Vanesa Cuesta Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Facultad De Medicina Y Ciencias De La Salud, Carrera De Medicina. Buenos Aires. Argentina Author
Eliana Denise Campagnale Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Facultad De Medicina Y Ciencias De La Salud, Carrera De Medicina. Buenos Aires. Argentina Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59471/ijhsc2025215

Keywords:

Blue Boy, Methemoglobinemia, Cyanosis, Congenital and acquired

Abstract

Introduction: The term “blue baby” refers mainly to a medical condition known as methemoglobinemia, in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced that cannot transport oxygen effectively, leading to a decrease in tissue oxygenation and a bluish appearance in the skin, lips and nail beds, known as cyanosis.
Objectives: To analyze the causes of congenital methaemoglobinaemia acquired in newborns, focusing on genetic, environmental and lifestyle aspects.
Material and methods: A systemic review was carried out in virtual bibliographic databases, based on evidence presented in scientific articles and journals, reviews and meta-analyses. The databases used were: Google Scholar, PubMed, Wikipedia, Scielo, National Library of Medicine, Regional Portal of the VHL, MedlinePlus, Open Athens, Tripdatabase.

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