Peripheral cyanosis: inadequate oxygen supply to extremeties
| Problem | Mechanism | Presentation and investigations |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | Sepsis creates an increased metabolic demand. The infant may be unable to meet the increased oxygen requirements of the tissues leading to peripheral vasoconstriction and cyanosis. | In septicaemia, other clinical signs would be evident: tachycardia, hypotension, metabolic acidosis; as well as signs of the underlying infection. Extremities are cyanotic, cool and pale. The tongue and conjunctiva are pink. Systemic arterial oxygen saturations are normal. Note that peripheral cyanosis is a not uncommon finding in normal healthy newborns. |
| Shock | Inadequate blood flow to essential organs will result in peripheral vasoconstriction. This can cause peripheral cyanosis. | |
| Hypothermia | Hypothermia causes peripheral vasoconstriction and cyanosis |