Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Congenital heart anomalies are the most common type of organ malformation, affecting approximately 1% of all newborn infants. More than 90% of these children now survive into adulthood. They need to be cared for by specialists for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), as well as by family physicians, internists, and cardiologists who are adequately versed in the basic management of persons with this lifelong condition. ⋯ The care of ACHD is a multidisciplinary task that requires basic care by primary care physicians as well as the involvement of specialized cardiologists in order to ensure optimal individualized treatment.
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Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are malignant diseases arising from hematopoietic stem cells. Their overall incidence is 4 cases per 100 000 persons per year, and they are usually diagnosed when evaluating cytopenia. The median survival time is three years. Myelodysplastic syndromes take a variable course; one-quarter of patients go on to develop acute leukemia. ⋯ Once a precise diagnosis has been established, new prognostic instruments such as the IPSS-M enable risk-adapted treatment based on the biological aspects of the patient's disease as well as his or her age and comorbidities.