The Cyanotic episodes in congenital heart disease CPG has been updated and reviewed by the CPG Committee and endorsed by the Paediatric Improvement Collaborative (December 2022).  

CPG key points 

1. Most cyanotic episodes in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are self-limiting 
2. The child should be comforted by the parent, clinicians should use a minimal handling approach with targeted examination 
3. Prolonged episodes may be life threatening and require active treatment with oxygen and opiates 
4. Early involvement of senior staff and specialist advice is important in prolonged episodes