| Summary: | Congenital heart malformations are among the most common congenital malformations. Congenital heart malformations occur due to genetic and environmental factors during embryonic morphogenesis period of the heart. About 25% of these malformations are severe, requiring intervention immediately after birth or in infancy.
Abnormalities of structure and function of the heart and great vessels are the consequence of teratogenic factors occurring between day 19 and 45 of gestation. (Yagel et al, 2002; Socoteanu, 2010)
According to WHO, global incidence of congenital heart diseases (MCHC) is 8 per 1,000 live births and show an upward trend. In the US, an incidence of 6 cases per 1000 live births was reported in 1968 (Hoffman, 1968) and it is much higher nowadays, more than 12-14 cases per 1000 live births. (Hoffman, 1995)
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