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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Congenital Pediatric Diseases

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Major congenital malformations are diagnosed in 4%–6% of all infants and fetuses (Lynberg and Edmonds 1992). About one third of them are the leading cause for infant mortality or morbidity (Grandjean et al. 1999). Malformations of the internal urogenital system are diagnosed in about 1% of all infants and account for approximately 20% of all congenital malformations, thus being one of the three most frequent birth defects (Table 11.1.1). Therefore a pre- and/or postnatally performed ultrasound screening for malformations of the internal urogenital system should be part of the routine to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity. The reliability and value of ultrasonographic screening for congenital malformations is the subject of ongoing discussions.