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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough the exact cause of transposition of the great arteries is unknown, several factors may increase the risk of a baby being born with this condition, including:
- A history of German measles (rubella) or another viral illness in the mother during pregnancy
- A family history of transposition of the great arteries or another congenital heart defect
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy
- A mother older than age 40
- A mother who has poorly controlled diabetes
- Down syndrome in the baby
References
- Facts about transposition of the great arteries. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/TGA.html. Accessed May 23, 2012.
- Fulton DR, et al. Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of D-transposition of the great arteries. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 23, 2012.
- Fulton DR, et al. Management and outcome of D-transposition of the great arteries. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 23, 2012.
- Transposition of the great arteries. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/pediatrics/congenital_cardiovascular_anomalies/transposition_of_the_great_arteries.html. Accessed May 23, 2012.
- Fuster V, ed. et al. Hurst's The Heart. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=5. Accessed June 8, 2012.
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