Origins of congenital heart disease: An epidemiologic perspective

摘要: As is true for laboratory or clinical research, epidemiology can either generate test hypotheses about the origins of disease. In so doing with respect to cardiac anomalies, rubella virus was identified as an environmental cause and role genetics has been clarified. Microscopically visible chromosomal aberrations have related high rates diverse defects in Turner's autosomaltrisomy syndromes. Submicroscopic genetic may also produce heart Marfan's syndrome. The inheritance production malformations general, however, appears be small indicated by studies twins (only 1 6 series revealed elevated concordance rate identical pairs) effect consanguinity. Yet a wide variety congenital disease repeatedly found occur excessively families. Future research must evaluate whether these occurrences are determined pre- postzygotically. By sporadic cases elicited. possibilities include submicroscopic abnormalities, chemical microbial agents that interfere normal embryonic development, combinations factors. Through use existing data resources epidemiologic help identify influence each. Although computer technology its value, etiologic insight, which tested method, seems more likely come from observations made physicians at bedside.