[Congenital heart malformations in neonates, infants and young children (author's transl)].

Congenital heart malformations in neonates, infants and young children represent the main problem of paediatric cardiology in Poland. Congenital cardiovascular diseases (incidence also approximately 8 per 1000 in liveborn infants) cause very high mortality, particularly in the neonatal and infantile period. Approximately 5000 live-born children are affected every year by serious heart malformations. For at least two thirds of these previously hopelessly ill infants there are real possibilities of effective medical and surgical treatment. Not only a considerable drop in mortality in the earliest infancy would be achieved, but: a further normal physical and psychical growth and development of these children would be possible. At present, however, the available possibilities are by far not sufficient, as in all hitherto functioning centres we were able to manage 200-300 children yearly, whereas the real needs are at leasttenfold greater. Therefore it is necessary to: Increase the number and capacity of hospital wards capable enough to provide the intensive cardiopulmonary care; to execute appropriate reorganization aimed to concentrating the appropriate specialists (pediatric cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses) and equipment (cardiological and cardiosurgical appliances, X-ray equipment, intensive care units etc.) in centres designated for the above tasks. At least 7 paediatric intensive care and cardiosurgical centres should be instituted in Poland for a satisfactory management of congenital heart diseases.