[Results of the activity of Jose Carreras Memorial Cord Blood Bank in Warsaw]. / Podsumowanie dzialalnosci Banku Krwi Pepowinowej im. Jose Carrerasa w Warszawie.

Following the first successful cord blood transplantation in 1988, several hundreds of patients were treated using same protocol. The main limitation of the wide use of cord blood as a source of haematopoietic cells is the number of available units of this tissue. To make possible selection of HLA-matched cells for individual patient, several thousands of cord blood samples must be collected and stored in liquid nitrogen. The network of cooperating cord blood banks with join accessible database is necessary. In this paper the activity of Jose Carreras memorial Cord Blood Bank established in Warsaw was described. Since the middle of January the collection of cord blood units for clinical purposes was started. During first three months 80 samples of cord blood was collected. Collections were obtained from normal full-term deliveries after the third stage of labour. For the banking the collection over 60 ml or contain over 4 x 10(8) of mononuclear cells were qualified. Whole blood samples and plasma samples obtained following volume reduction were used for HLA and bacteriology tests. After volume reduction the number of nucleated cells (WBC), mononuclear cells (MNC) and hematopoietic cells (CD34+) were evaluated. After processing the cord blood samples were frozen using control freezer and were stored in liquid nitrogen storage tanks. According to results of cord blood transplantation hundred percent of banked samples are suitable for recipients weighing 10 kg and only 7 percent for these weighing 50 kg.

[Comparison of the selected methods of cord processing for transplantation purposes]. / Porównanie wybranych metod preparatyki krwi pepowinowej przeznaczonej dla celów transplantacyjnych.

Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been successfully used as a source of allogeneic hematopoietic cells for transplantation. Banking of the UCB requires its volume reduction to decrease storage space, costs and volume of infused DMSO. In order to select an optimal method for volume reduction we compared several methods of cord blood processing, namely buffy coat centrifugation, red cell lysis, hydroxyethyl starch (HES)-, methylcellulose- and gelatin-sedimentations. The viability of cells and the recoveries of total white blood cells, mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells was evaluated. We also compared the efficacy of red cells depletion from the original UCB sample. Buffy coat centrifugation, red cell lysis, HES, gelatin or methylcellulose resulted in high mononuclear cell recoveries, whereas high hematopoietic cell recovery was observed only after HES sedimentation and buffy coat processing. The HES sedimentation procedure compared to buffy coat processing is more time and labor consuming and resulted in higher red blood cell and platelets depletion. Both methods can be recommended as a method at choice for the umbilical cord blood processing before banking.

[Evaluation of the intrauterine fetus in hypertension--biochemical assessment of amniotic fluid. IV. Ions]. / Ocena stanu wewnatrzmacicznego plodu w nadcisnieniu tetniczym krwi--poprzez badania biochemiczne plynu owodniowego. IV. Jony.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid, collected by ultrasound guided amniocentesis, were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with). Both investigated and control groups consisted of pregnant women with the same gestational age of 37 +/- 2 weeks (34-40 weeks). The following ions were measured: NH4+, K+, Na+, Cl-, Mg++, total Ca, Ca++ and inorganic phosphorus (Pi). The ionic composition of amniotic fluid deriving from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension was normal. The regular concentration of NH4+ ions in amniotic fluids of a studied group may suggest kidneys of the fetuses in pregnancy complicated by hypertension were as mature as in the normal pregnancy within the same gestational age.

[Calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis in women with threatened abortion]. / Homeostaza wapniowo-fosforanowo-magnezowa u kobiet z poronieniem zagrazajacym.

One hundred twenty eight women were submitted to research including: 38 healthy not pregnant women, 40 healthy women in the first trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy (6-15 weeks) and 50 pregnant women with symptoms of threatened abortion (6-15 weeks). The following parameters were measured in serum: total Ca, Ca++, ionised inorganic phosphorus (Pi), magnesium (Mg), total protein and albumin and also total alkaline phosphatase activity (APt). Micromethods generally accepted in clinical laboratories were used. The study showed symptoms of threatened abortion are related to decreased concentrations of Pi, Mg, total protein and albumin and reduced activity of APt. Women who did not underwent miscarriage showed significantly higher Pi concentration compared to those who lost pregnancy, what might be of prognostic value. Threatened abortion was not considered to alter calcium homeostasis.

[Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in pregnant women with primary hypertension]. / Wapn, forsfor i magnez u kobeit ciezarnych z nadcisnienien tetniczym krwi pierwotnym.

Sixty five women were in the third trimester of pregnancy (29-40 weeks of gestation) submitted to the study including 35 with primary hypertension (the studied group) and 30 healthy (control group). The following parameters were measured in blood serum and urine from 24 hrs, collection: total Ca and Ca++, inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and magnesium. Generally accepted micromethods were used; Ca++ was measured using AVL type 9140 analyser. Women of the studied group presented mean blood pressure 164 +/- 14/106 +/- 9.7 mm Hg and did not have proteinuria and oedema. They presented decreased concentrations of total Ca (p < 0.004) and ionised Ca++ (p < 0.004), and an increase of Pi (p < 0.002) in blood serum. No differences in magnesium concentrations were found. Distinct decrease of calcium excretion in urine was found in hypertensive women (4.50 +/- 2.76 vs 6.60 +/- 3.4 mmol/24 hrs, p < 0.024). No alterations in phosphorus and magnesium urine excretion were observed in women with hypertension (women of both groups had the same volume of 24 urine). Our study concludes the main alterations in calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis in pregnant women with primary hypertension are the calcium homeostasis alterations. Phosphorus homeostasis is less affected while magnesium distribution does not change. Hypocalciuria might be related to impaired glomerular filtration in this pathology in pregnancy. Hypocalciuria and lowered serum concentrations of total Ca and ionised Ca++ might prove general deficiency of this element in pregnancy complicated by primary hypertension.

[Evaluation of fetal condition in pregnancy complicated by hypertension--biochemical assessment of amniotic fluid. II. Enzymes]. / Ocena stanu wewnatrzmacicznego plodu w nadcisnieniu tetniczym krwi--poprzez badania biochemiczne plynu owodniowego. II. Enzymy.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group with blood pressure -65 +/- 15/95 +/- 5 mm Hg) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with mean blood pressure 118 +/- 10/74 +/- +/- 9 mm Hg). The following parameters of amniotic fluid were measured: 1) aminotransferases: alanine AlAT and aspartate AspAT, 2) alkaline phosphatase (APt) and its thermostable isoenzyme (APh), 3) ceruloplasmin (Crlp), 4) alpha-amylase (alpha-Amy). The study showed pregnancy complicated by hypertension is related to fetal salivary gland's immaturity presenting decreased activity of alpha amylase in amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluids deriving from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension showed normal activities of AlAT, AspAT, APt, APh and Crlp.

[Evaluation of fetal condition in pregnancy complicated by hypertension--biochemical assessment of amniotic fluid. III. Acid-base balance]. / Ocena stanu wewnatrzmacicznego plodu w nadcisnieniu tetniczym krwi--poprzez badania biochemiczne plynu owodniowego. III. Równowaga kwasowo-zasadowa.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid, collected by ultrasound guided amniocentesis, were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with). The following parameters of acid-base balance were measured in amniotic fluids of both groups: pH, pCO2, base deficiency, standard HCO3 and total CO2. Corning device type 168 was used. Distinct metabolic-respiratory acidosis was present in amniotic fluids of studied group showing the decrease of a pH, pO2, standard HCO3 values and an increase of CO2 values and base deficiency. Authors believe in pregnancy complicated by hypertension biochemical environment of intrauterine fetal development with regard to acid-base balance is highly unfavourable.

Predictor of transplanted kidney deterioration following pregnancy--daily urine protein loss or serum creatinine concentration?

Increasing number of female kidney recipients deciding to born a baby makes us to investigate the impact of pregnancy on graft survival. The aim of study was to find the parameter that would have the predictive value for graft function following delivery. Scr and P in 33 pregnant renal allograft recipients (mean age 27.1 +/- 6.1 yrs) treated with pred + aza + CsA were studied for 6 mo before, during and 6 mo following delivery. As measured only by Scr graft function was stable in all pts (1.4 +/- 0.05 mg/dl). Significant rise in Scr following pregnancy was found in 6 of 33 pts. This "unstable" group was compared with 27 patients with "stable" despite pregnancy graft function. Proteinuria, but not Scr differentiated groups prior to pregnancy. The estimation of P prior to conception seems to be more potent parameter to predict kidney graft deterioration following pregnancy than Scr alone. Increase in P during and following pregnancy in "unstable" pts may reflect the acceleration of subclinical (not yet manifested with rise of Scr) chronic graft rejection due to pregnancy-induced hiperfiltration.

[Fetal metabolism in post term pregnancy based on biochemical investigations of amniotic fluid. IV. Ion composition]. / Metabolizm plodu w ciazy przeterminowanej--na podstawie badan biochemicznych plynu owodniowego. IV. Sklad jonowy.

Concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium, calcium (total and ionised) and inorganic phosphorus were determined in amniotic fluid. Samples were taken from patients between 42-43 week of gestation (investigated group) and between 38 and 40 week (control group). Micro-methods, generally acknowledged in laboratories of clinical biochemistry were used. In the protracted pregnancies increase of magnesium levels and decrease of sodium levels were observed. No differences in concentrations of calcium, calcium (total and ionised) and inorganic phosphorus between investigated and control group were noted. Independently of the duration of pregnancy, near term or post term, ionised calcium constituted 90% of total calcium in amniotic fluid.

[Fetal metabolism in post-term pregnancy based on biochemical examinations of amniotic fluid. V. Glucose, bilirubin, H+ ions, hormones and tests of lung maturation]. / Metabolizm plodu w ciazy przeterminowanej--na podstawie badan biochemicznych plynu owodniowego. V. Glukoza, bilirubina, jony H+, hormony i testy dojrzalosci pluc.

Concentrations of glucose, bilirubin, H+ ions, estriol, HPL were determined in the samples of amniotic fluid from post term and near term pregnancies. Investigated group consisted of samples taken between 42-43 week of gestation, control group between 38-40 week. In both groups biochemical tests of pulmonary maturation--Lectin/Sphingomyelin ratio, foam test, 650 nm absorbance were carried out. In the diagnosis of post term pregnancy glucose concentrations, oestrogens, HPL, 650 nm adsorption, foam test and L/S ratio had proper diagnostic value. No differences were observed in bilirubin concentrations.

[Kidney function in pregnant women with primary arterial hypertension]. / Czynnosc nerek u kobiet ciezarnych z nadcisnieniem tetniczym krwi pierwotnym.

Investigations covered 64 women in the III trimester of pregnancy. In this group 34 were with diagnosed primary arterial hypertension (examined group), and 30 were apparently healthy (control group). In both groups the blood serum concentrations of creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes were determined. Creatinine clearance and acid-base balance were determined in these cases also. In 24 hours urine samples the NH4+, H+, Na+ and K+ ions concentrations were established. Impaired kidney function was shown in the patients from the examined group.

[Kidney function in pregnant women with hypertension in the course of chronic kidney disease]. / Czynnosc nerek u kobiet ciezarnych z nadcisnieniem tetniczym krwi w przebiegu przewleklych chorób nerek.

In 53 pregnant patients in the III trimester of pregnancy kidney function investigations were carried. The group consisted of 23 patients with chronic kidney diseases with superimposed arterial hypertension (examined group) and of 30 healthy pregnant women (control group). In the examined group an increase of blood-serum urea, uric acid and creatinine concentrations were demonstrated. In these women the blood pH was decreased also. The urinary excretion of NH4+ and H+ ions was decreased, the excretion of Na+ and K+ was normal.

[Alpha-amylase in serum and urine of women with hypertension during the III trimester of pregnancy]. / Alfa-amylaza w surowicy krwi i w moczu u kobiet z nadcisnieniem tetniczym krwi w III trymestrze ciazy.

The urinary and blood serum activity of alpha-amylase was tested in 34 women with arterial hypertension in the III trimester of pregnancy (examined group). The results were compared with a control group of healthy women (35 urine samples and 108 blood-serum samples). In both groups other biochemical examinations were carried additionally (the serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, electrolytes and the acid-base balance levels were established). In the examined group an increased activity of the alpha-amylase in the blood serum was demonstrated.

[Activity of alpha-amylase in serum and urine of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus type I]. / Aktywnosc alfa-amylazy w surowicy krwi i w moczu kobiet ciezarnych chorych na cukrzyce typu I.

The investigations covered 33 women in the III trimester of pregnancy with diagnosed, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and 108 healthy women in the control group. The alpha-amylase activity was measured in the blood-serum and urine samples using the Caravay technique. An increased activity was demonstrated in the blood-serum samples in the examined group. The values were not related to the levels of glycemia. The urinary alpha-amylase activity was similar to that in the control patients. No coincidence between the activity and glycemia or acetone levels could be demonstrated.

[Various biochemical parameters of renal tubular function in patients with type I diabetes in the third trimester of pregnancy]. / Niektóre parametry biochemiczne funkcji kanalików nerkowych u chorych na cukrzyce typu I w III trymestrze ciazy.

The studied group comprised 47 women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (29-40 weeks), including 17 with type I diabetes (study group) and 30 healthy women (control group). In the study group in one case diabetes was diagnosed during pregnancy and treated with diet only, in the remaining 16 pregnant women the mean diabetes duration was 6.2 years and the mean daily insulin dose was 70 u. According to White's classification one patient was in class A, 10 in class B and 6 in class C. In all cases renal function was normal, with normal blood values of creatinine, urea, electrolytes, uric acid, protein and acid-base equilibrium. Endogenous creatinine clearance was also normal. The studied biochemical parameters of renal tubular function included: 1) deamination of amino acids--with measurement of ammonium ion (NH4+) excretion with urine, 2) carbonic acid metabolism--with determination of urinary excretion of hydrogen ions (H+), 3) urinary excretion of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions. Besides that 24-hour urine was always measured. The studied women were similarly hydrated (standard diet, fluid balance control). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. In women with type I diabetes the volume of 24-hour urine was increased, although it fell within the normal range, urinary excretion of Na+ and K+ was raised. No change was found in amino-acid deamination an carbonic acid metabolism since the excretion of NH4+ and H+ was normal.

[Carbohydrate metabolism during cholestasis in pregnancy]. / Metabolizm weglowodanów podczas cholestazy ciezarnych.

Blood glucose levels were measured in fasting state and 2 hours after breakfast, together with glucose tolerance tests (after a load of 100 g of glucose) and 24-hour glycaemia profile in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in the third trimester of pregnancy. In all these tests abnormalities were found indicating a considerable impairment of carbohydrate metabolism during this complication of pregnancy. The changes manifested themselves as increased blood glucose level 2 hours after breakfast, increased glucose level in 24-hour glucose profile, and raised blood glucose levels in glucose tolerance tests in all studied time intervals besides the first and last determinations.

[Various biochemical functions of the renal tubules and glomeruli in women during normal pregnancy and the puerperium]. / Niektóre biochemiczne funkcje kanalików i klebków nerkowych u kobiet podczas prawidlowej ciazy oraz w pologu.

The study was carried out in 194 healthy women, including 50 non-pregnant, 31 pregnant in the 1st trimester, 32 in the 2nd and 30 in the 3rd trimester, and 51 in the 3rd day of puerperium. Their age was 19-43 years, they gave no history of renal disease nor urinary tract disease. The biochemical tests evaluating the function of renal tubules and glomeruli were done in 24-hour urine: 1) 24-hour urine volume, 2) NH4+, 3) H+, 4) K+ and 5) Na+ ions. Endogenous creatinine clearance was determined as well in all cases. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Increased tumular metabolism of carbonic acid begins in the 16th week of pregnancy, increases further till the end of pregnancy and is still high on the 3rd day of puerperium. Amino acid metabolism increase in the tubules was noted only in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and it was normal again on the 3rd day of the puerperium. K+ and Na+ excretion was raised in the 3rd trimester, and on the 3rd day postpartum potassium excretion was still high while that of sodium was normal. Endogenous creatinine clearance rose in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and failed to return to the value before pregnancy on the 3rd day postpartum. The observed changes in the biochemical functions of renal tubules and glomeruli in physiological pregnancy may be responsible for the typical changes of blood acid-base equilibrium in pregnancy (compensated metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis).

[Placental lactogen and estrogens in the amniotic fluid in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by hypertension in relation to the state of the newborn]. / Laktogen lozyskowy i estrogeny w plynie owodniowym z ciazy prawidlowej i powiklanej nadcisnieniem tetniczym krwi a stan noworodka.

The study was carried out in 45 samples of amniotic fluid taken by amniocentesis from 21 hypertensive mothers (study group) and 24 healthy mothers (control group). In these samples the concentrations were determined of total oestrogens and human placental lactogen. In the evaluation of the state of the newborns the following was considered: 1) length and body weight, 2) status in the 1st minute of life (Apgar score). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. In hypertensive mothers during pregnancy HPL and total oestrogen concentrations were decreased. In the study group reduction of body weight and length was found. The general condition of the newborns in the 1st minute was similar in both groups.

[Respiratory distress in newborns born to hypertensive mothers and acid-base equilibrium and the ion composition of the amniotic fluid]. / Zaburzenia oddechowe u noworodków matek z nadcisnieniem tetniczym krwi a równowaga kwasowo-zasadowa i sklad jonowy plynu owodniowego.

Twenty-five samples of amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis from 25 pregnant women with hypertension in the 35 to 40 weeks of pregnancy were studied. The following biochemical determinations were done in the samples: acid-base equilibrium (pH, pO2, pCO2, base deficit, standard HCO3- and total CO2), concentrations of potassium and sodium ions, total and ionised calcium and inorganic phosphorus. The results were analysed depending on the presence of the respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn, and were subjected to statistical analysis. It was found that determination of acid-base equilibrium and concentrations of K+, Na+, total and ionised Ca++ and inorganic phosphorus in the amniotic fluid of hypertensive women are probably without prognostic significance with respect to the development of the respiratory distress syndrome in newborns.