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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough the exact cause of atrioventricular canal defect is unknown, several factors may increase the risk of a congenital heart defect, such as:
- Down syndrome in the baby. Down syndrome is a genetic condition resulting from an extra 21st chromosome.
- German measles (rubella) or another viral illness during early pregnancy.
- Having a parent who had a congenital heart defect.
- Drinking too much alcohol during pregnancy.
- Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy.
- Taking some types of medications, such as the acne drug isotretinoin (Accutane), during pregnancy. Check with your doctor before taking any drugs while you're pregnant and even when you're trying to get pregnant.
References
- Atrioventricular septal defect. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec19/ch287/ch287d.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
- Atrioventricular canal defect. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=132. Accessed March 2, 1010.
- Congenital heart defects. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/chd/chd_all.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
- Calabro R, et al. Complete atrioventricular canal. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2006;1:8.
- Congenital heart defects. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1212.asp. Accessed March 3, 2010.
- Craig B. Atrioventricular septal defect: From fetus to adult. Heart. 2006;92:1879.
- Warnes CA, et al. ACC/AHA 2008 guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2008;52:e143.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 10, 2010.
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