The Hematological Sign and Complications of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Diseases

Aim: This review sought to determine the relationship between cyanosis and hematological signs and findings. Main finding: Patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease are succeptible to develope hematological side effects. Several findings, including polycytemia, thrombocytopenia, factor deficiencies, iron-deficiency anemia and disseminated intravasculary coagulation have been reported. Decreased arterial oxygen saturation in cyanotic congenital heart disease causes compensatory kurise in hemoglobin and haematocrit levels. Erythrocytosis is an adaptive response to improve oxygen transport in cyanotic congenital heart disease. However, at highly increased haematocrit levels patients may experience hyperviscosity symptoms. Iron-deficiency in cyanotic congenital heart disease patients is often overlooked due to elevated hemoglobin concentrations. The detection of a hemostatic abnormality and its correction by appropriate therapy are likely to minimize the side effects. Results: Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease are prone to both thrombosis and hemorrhage. Hematological management of cyanotic congenital heart disease has received little attention. The lack of practical therapeutic guidelines forced us to consolidate our observations on patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease.