Council of Europe Black Sea Area Project: International Cooperation for the Development of Activities Related to Donation and Transplantation of Organs in the Region.

BACKGROUND: In 2011, the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Healthcare of the Council of Europe launched a 3-year collaborative project to address the organ shortage and improve access to transplant health services in Council of Europe member states in the Black Sea area (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation) through the development of safe and ethical donation and transplantation programs. OBJECTIVE: Support the development of donation and transplantation programs through close interstate cooperation between national health organizations and relevant stakeholders. METHODOLOGY: Several work packages (WP) were established: WP1, project coordination (European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & Healthcare); WP2, development and implementation of an effective legislative and financial framework (Czech Republic and France); WP3, establishment of National Transplant Authorities (Italy and Portugal); and WP4, clinical practices (DTI Foundation). Data collection, surveys, and expert visits allowed for the collection of first-hand information from each participant country at national, regional, and hospital levels. RESULTS: Data analysis showed the positive impact of the project represented by a tendency to increase the total donation rates (per million people) in the participant countries (2011 vs 2013): Azerbaijan, +7.3; Armenia, -0.7; Georgia, +3.3; Bulgaria, +0.9; Moldova, +2.5; Ukraine:, +0.8; Romania, +2.3; and Turkey, +2.7. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in total donation rates are the result of a number of initiatives in the Black Sea area, including the stepwise implementation of legislative, organizational and institutional country-specific recommendations tailored by the CoE, efforts of the respective Ministries of Health in each country and synergism with other European projects in the region. These countries should invest further in implementing the recommendations that emerged from this project to improve their organ donation and transplantation programs and progress toward self-sufficiency.

DOES THE PATTERN OF CLONAL EVOLUTION IN THE KARYOTYPE OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA AND MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES DEPEND ON THE TYPE OF THE PRIMARY CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS?

The aim of our study was to define if the type of primary chromosomal aberrations (CA) of the karyotype of patients with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) determines the way and the rate of karyotype development. Conventional cytogenetic analysis was carried out on 248 AML and 105 MDS patients at diagnosis. Clonal evolution (CE) was found in 40% (51 of 128) of AML patients and in 47.5% (19 of 40) of MDS patients having CA in their karyotype. The first pattern we established was for the most frequent CA which initiate CE in 28 patients with a complex karyotype. These CA were non-balansed rearrangements in the following regions: 5q, 7q, 11q, 3q, monosomy 5, monosomy 7. The second pattern of CE was regarding the most frequent aneuploidias (+8, +11, +21, -Y, and the third pattern concerned balanced CA. We found significant difference in the distribution of karyotypes in different stages of progression between the first and the other two groups (p < 0.001). No statistical difference was found between the patterns in the second and the third group CA (p > 0.5).

IS THE AMPLIFICATION OF c-MYC, MLL AND RUNX1 GENES IN AML AND MDS PATIENTS WITH TRISOMY 8, 11 AND 21 A FACTOR FOR A CLONAL EVOLUTION IN THEIR KARYOTYPE?

The aim of our study was 1) to define if the amplification of c-MYC, MLL and RUNX1 genes is related to the progressive changes of the karyotype in patients with AML and MDS with trisomy 8, 11 and 21 (+8, +11 and +21) in bone marrow and 2) can that amplification be accepted as part of the clonal evolution (CE). Karyotype analysis was performed in 179 patients with AML or MDS with the different chromosomal aberrations (CA) aged 16-81. The findings were distributed as follow: initiating balanced CA (n = 60), aneuploidia (n = 55), unbalanced CA (n = 64). Amplification of c-MYC, MLL and RUNX1 genes by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was found in 35% (7 out of 20) of AML and MDS patients with +8, +11 u +21 as single CA in their karyotype; in 63.6% of pts (7 out of 11)--with additional numerical or structural CA and in 75% (9 out of 12)--with complex karyotype. We assume that the amplification of the respective chromosomal regions in patients with +8, +11 and +21 is related to CE. Considering the amplification as a factor of CE, we established 3 patterns of karyotype development depending on the type of the initiating CA in it. Significant statistical differences were found between the three patterns regarding the karyotype distribution in the different stages of progression (p < 0.001).

[Preplacentation pregnancy loss in cases of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism].

The balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis processes is critical for establishment and development of early pregnancy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is related with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity which is a key regulator in embryo implantation. Therefor polymorphisms in ACE gene and variation in ACE activity could be associated with an early pregnancy wastage risk. This study investigated carrier status for insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in introne 16 of ACE gene in 71 women with two or more pregnancy loss in preplacentation period (between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation) and 75 women without pregnancy complications. DD genotype for I/D polymorphism was found respectively in 31% and 24% in patients and controls. Heterozygosity of D allele was found correspondingly in 47.9% and 54.7%. The dominant genetic model was used for allele prevalence comparison. D allele in DD genotype was not significantly prevalent in women with early pregnancy wastage compared with the control subjects, OR = 1.42, 95% CI (0.64-3.15). The study found a weak association between I/D polymorphism and preplacentation pregnancy loss. The additive effect over the pregnancy loss risk of I/D polymorphism could be supposed in a presence of other inherited or acquired factors connected with endometrial receptivity and implantation process.

[A weak association of 677 C>T polymorphism in MTHFR with recurrent embryonic loss].

Early (embryonic) pregnancy loss before 10 week of gestation (wg) could also be related with endometrial receptivity as well as with gene expression regulation in developed embryo. Methylation of genome is a key process in the gene expression. Because the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) have had significant role in methionine metabolism polymorphisms into the gene could be related with early embryonic development. This study evaluated relationship between T allele in 677 C>T polymorphism in MTHFR and recurrent embryonic loss development. One hundred six women with tree or more pregnancy loss before 10 wg and 165 women without reproductive failure have been evaluated for 677 C>T carrier status. Sixteen (15.1%) of women with pregnancy loss have had TT genotype and 54 (50.9%) are heterozygous carriers for T allele. T allele frequency was higher but not significant differ from carrier status in control group (13.9% for TT genotype and 43.9% for CT OR and 95% CI respectively 1.1, 0.52-2.3 u 1.34, 0.8-2.26, p > 0.05). T allele (in homozygous and heterozygous carriers) was in higher but not significant prevalence in patients compared with controls (66% and 57.6% respectively, OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.84-2.46, p > 0.05), This study found a weak association between T allele carrier status (both in homozygous and heterozygous state) and recurrent embryonic loss development. T allele in 677 C>T polymorphism could be considered like an agent for early pregnancy wastage only in a constellation with other risk factors influencing embryonic development.

[Factor V Leiden in women with repeated IVF failures].

A plenty of factors have been connected with embryo implantation and further fetus development. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after assisted reproductive technology (ART) forces seeking the causes of decreased endometrial receptivity. A non-haemostatic function of thrombophilic mutations such as Factor V Leiden (FVL) was considered a factor related with endometrial receptivity. One hundred eighty eight women with two or more RIF after in vitro fertilization procedures investigated for carrier status for FVL was compared with carrier status of 97 women without reproductive failure who give a birth of at least one health child. There was no significant difference in carrier status for FVL in patients and controls (5.9% and 7.2% respectively, OR 0.80, 95% CI (0.26-2.73, p>0.05). Negligible higher prevalence of FVL was fond in health subjects compared with women with RIF A slightly positive relationship was found between FVL and embryo implantation. A preliminary determination of thrombophilic status in RIF women could specify needing or rejection of anticoagulant therapy during implantation period.

[Inherited thrombophilic factors in women with secondary infertility].

Because of the presence of additional confounding factors, such as cervical incompetence or uterine infections, the impact of inherited thrombophilia in women with second infertility has been hard to assess. The evaluation of the significance of the most common inherited thrombophilic factors - Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin gene mutation 20210 G > A (FII), polymorphism (PL) 677 C > T in MTHFR, PL A1/A2 in platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and PAL-1 PL 4G/5G in 35 women with two or more secondary (who have given birth to at least one child) recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) before 14 weeks of gestation compared to 70 healthy women with no history of RPL and at least one uncomplicated full-term pregnancy, has been performed. Eight out of 35 women with secondary RPL (25.7%) and 6 out of 70 controls (8.6%) have had FVL or FII 20210 G > A (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.05-13.2, p = 0.038). Five (14.3%) women with secondary infertility were carriers for FVL and four (11.4%) for FII 20210 G > A, corresponding to four (5.7%) and two (2.9%) of the women in the control group. The carrier status for MTHFR 677 C > T (TT genotype), PL A1/A2 and PL 4G/5G (4G/4G genotype) was as follows: 11.4%, 28% and 30.8% in patients and 14.3%, 17.1% and 24.3% in controls without significant difference between the groups. Despite of the presence of background factors, an appreciable role of inherited thrombophilia in secondary RPL was established, which enforces thrombophilia testing and management of women with second infertility as well as women with primary RPL.

[Platelet intregrin beta3 A1/A2 polymorphism in women with stillbirth].

Maternal thrombophilia was recently discussed as possible cause for pregnancy complication, although the roles of some coagulation factors have not been clarified. Carrier status for platelet integrin beta3 polymorphism A1/A2 (PL A1/A2) was considered as possible risk factor for pregnancy complication. Seventy women with one or more stillbirth (intrauterine fetal death after 20 week of gestation) and 100 healthy control subjects were evaluated for PL A1/A2 to assess the impact of polymorphism for late pregnancy loss. The prevalence for PL A1/A2 in women with stillbirth was higher but not significantly differs from carrier status in control subjects (respectively 28.3% and 17%, OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 0.84 - 4.45). After adjustment for carrier status for Factor V Leiden (FVL) and Prothrombin (FII) gene mutation 20210 G > A the prevalence of PL 1/A2 remains a similar (28.2% O R = 1.92; 95% Il: 0.78 - 4.75). Combined carriers status for PL A1/ A2 with FVL or III 20210 G > A have had significantly higher prevalence in investigated group comparing with control subjects (respectively 20% and 2%, p < 0.0001). An independent impact of PL A1/A2 on risk of stillbirth development is not be yet established but additive role of the polymorphism in combination with other thrombophilic factors should be considered.

[Combined thrombophilic factors among women with late recurrent spontaneous abortions].

The aim of this study was to assess the role of combined thrombophilic factors carrier status for development of late recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The polymorphism 4G/5G (PL 4G/5G) - genotype 4G/4G in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), Factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin (FII) gene mutation 20210 G>A in 52 women with recurrent pregnancy loss between 10 and 20 weeks of gestation and in 125 healthy women with at least one uncomplicated full-term pregnancy was investigated. Combined carrier status for thrombophilic factors was more pronounce among women with RPL (7.7%) compared to control subjects (3.2%), (OR=2.52, 95% CI (0.5- 12.62), p-ns). The most common association was between FVL and PL 4G/5G (5.8% compared to 0.8% in patients and controls, OR=7.59, 95% CI (0.68 - 191.04), p-ns). Because of relatively small size of the study, the difference in carrier status between women with RPL and control subjects did not rich statistical significance. A weak association between double carrier status for inherited thrombophilic factors and RPL was established. The strong determination in larger studies of the relation between combined inherited thrombophilic status and RPL development could better specify anticoagulant prophylaxis in further pregnancy

[Diagnosis and prevention of neural tube defects--where are we? (Data based on the registry of congenital anomalies in the Pleven region)].

AIMS: to present some clinical and epidemiological data, concerning diagnosis and prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), based on the registry of congenital anomalies (CAs) in the Pleven region; to analyse our data comparing with the data of other registries in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The source of the data was the regional population-based registry of Cas (in live births, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy following prenatal diagnosis) using criteria according to EUROCAT recommendations. During the study period 1988-2006, 47 622 births were surveyed in the University hospital, City of Pleven. RESULTS: A total of 107 cases of NTDs were ascertained. About 20% of the cases with isolated NTDs were in terminations of pregnancy following prenatal diagnosis, in 80% of the case the diagnosis was ascertained in liveborn and stillborn fetus. The isolated NTDs were among the most common CAs, with a proportion of 8% of all registered cases and a prevalence of 2 per 1000 births. The genetic counseling revealed familial data (other affected child/pregnancy) in 7% of families with NTDs. Prenatal diagnosis was provided to the subsequent risk pregnancies in the affected families and NTDs were detected in 7% of the pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Neural tube defects are a common type of congenital defects that demonstrated a relatively high prevalence in the Pleven region. The data of the study indicates that there is a need to develop an official government policy regarding prevention of NTDs (pericoceptional folic acid supplementation and antenatal screening of CAs).

Amplification of c-MYC and MLL Genes as a Marker of Clonal Cell Progression in Patients with Myeloid Malignancy and Trisomy of Chromosomes 8 or 11.

Gene amplification (amp) is one of the basic mechanisms connected with overexpression of oncogenes. The c-MYC (located in 8q24) and MLL (located in 11q23) are the most often over represented genes that lead to a rapid proliferation of the affected cell clone in patients with myeloid neoplasms. Assessment of the level of amp c-MYC or amp MLL in the cases with trisomy 8 (+8) or trisomy 11 (+11) and myeloid malignances is necessary for a more precise estimation of the disease progression. A total of 26 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were included in the study: 18 with +8, six with +11 and two with complex karyotypes suspected of the partial trisomy. Routine cytogenetic analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were applied to indicate the chromosome alterations and genes amp in the bone marrow cells. Amp c-MYC was observed in 12 from 18 (66.7%) patients with +8. All the patients with +11 demonstrated a different level of amp MLL. In most of the cases with MDS (9/10), the coincidence of the +8 or +11 with amp c-MYC or amp MLL, respectively, leads to transformation to AML and/or short overall survival. Our data suggest that amp c-MYC and amp MLL develop in conformity with +8 and +11, especially in cases with progressive deviations in the karyotype as an aggressive expansion of an aberrant cell clone and appearance of additional chromosome anomalies.

[Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 activity in women with unexplained very early recurrent pregnancy loss].

The aim of the study was to assess the independent role of polymorphism 4G/5G (PL 4G/5G)--genotype 4G/4G in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in the development of very early recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)--before 10 weeks of gestation of pregnancy. The polymorphism 4G/5G as well as Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin (FII) gene mutation 20210 G > A and polymorphism 677 C > T in methylentetrahydrofolat reductase (MTHFR) gene was investigated in 110 women with recurrent pregnancy loss before 10 weeks of gestation and in 97 healthy women with at least one uncomplicated full-term pregnancy. A significant prevalence of PL 4G/5G in women with RPL was found in comparison to prevalence of the polymorphism in controls (41.8% versus 26.8% respectively in patients and controls, OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.05 3.69, p = 0.034). The difference in prevalence of the polymorphism remains still significant after exclusion of patients and control carriers of FVL, FII 202010 G > A and 677 C > T in MTHFR (the prevalence of PL 4G/5G alone was 44.1% and 24% respectively in patients and controls, OR: 2,5, 95% CI: 1,15 5, 45, p = 0.018). The found association of PL 4G/5G in PAI-1 with early recurrent pregnancy loss encourage an extension of the list of inherited thrombophilic factors with this one. This result also could have had an implication for adjustment of further prophylactic low-molecular weight heparin implication in further pregnancy to prevent a poor foetal outcome.

[Risk of thrombophilia in carriers of thrombophilic genetic factors in unsuccessful assisted reproduction].

The aim of this study was to evaluate an association of carrier status of common inherited thrombophilic genetic mutations and implantation failure after assisted reproduction (ART): IVF and ICSI. Sixty seven women with failure of embryo implantation and ninety six controls--women without obstetric complication were investigated for carriage of factor V Leiden (FVL), G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, genetic variant C677T in methylentetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) and polymorphism A2 in platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GIPr IIb/IIIa). A significantly higher prevalence of polymorphism A2 in GIPr IIb/IIIa was found in women with implantation failure in ART compared to controls (respectively 26.1% and 12.5%; OR: 2.571, 95% CI: 1.066-6.258, p = 0.033). A higher but not significant prevalence of G20210A prothrombin gene mutation carriage was found inpatients compared to controls (respectively 5.8% and 3.13%, OR: 1.968, 95% CI 0.356-11.539). The carriage of FVL was a little but not significantly higher in controls. The carriage of genetic variant C677T in MTHFR was the same in both groups. These data suggest that polymorphism A2 in GIPr IIb/IIIa and G20210A prothrombin gene mutation could be play a role in the etiology of IVF failures and the carriers of GIPr IIb/IIIa A1/A2 and G20210A prothrombin gene mutation are at higher risk of implantation failure and not successful ART outcome. The carriage of these two genetic defects should be investigated in women undergoing IVF and the antithrombotic or anticoagulant prophylaxis should be indicated for carriers of these two factors.

[Pentalogy of Cantrell--a case report].

Pentalogy of Cantrell is a rare congenital anomaly consisting of the following features: (1) midline supraumbilical abdominal wall defects (2) deficiency of the anterior diaphragm (3) defects in the diaphragmatic pericardium (4) defects of the lower sternum (5) congenital cardiac malformation We report a case of Cantrell's Pentalogy with rare cardiac malformation single ventricular chamber with two atria ventricular valves and pulmonary stenosis. The newbom had multiple congenital anomalies: omphalocele, thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis, diaphragmatic defect, short sternum/sternal defect and dysmorphic features--microcephaly, hypertelorism, down slanted palpebral fissures, micrognathia, low set ears.

[Inherited thrombophilia and pregnancy with fetal loss].

Maternal thrombophilia (inherited and acquired) has recently been identified as a major cause of thrombembolism (TE), but it may also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and recurrent pregnancy loss. If the acquired thrombophilia is a well-established factor in etiology of fetal loss, the contribution of specific inherited thrombophilic genes is still controversial. The most common inherited traits are deficiency of antithrombin, protein C or protein S; Factor V Leiden; prothrombin G20210A; MTHFR C677T This review focuses on association of recurrent fetal loss with specific gene thrombophilic defects. Overall 52% of women with obstetric complication other than TE carry thrombophilic gene defects. The role of specific genes is different in etiology of early and late pregnancy loss. Inherited thrombophilia is now view as multicausal model; clinical manifestation can be heterogeneous result of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. Therefore the criteria for genetic screening affected women with history of fetal loss should not be very stringent. The implication of screening for thrombophilic mutations allow to find women at risk of thrombosis and vascular gestational abnormalities in which antithrombotic drugs may have potential therapeutic benefit.

[Genetic variant C677T in the MTHFR in women with recurrent early fetal loss].

The aim of this study was to evaluate correlation of carrier status for thrombophilic gene mutation--C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and recurrent early pregnancy loss. Recently inherited thrombophilia was discussed as a predisposed factor for early recurrent fetal loss (ERFL). We investigated carrier status for C677T genetic variant in 54 women with ERFL before 10 week of gestation and 67 women with one or more successful pregnancy. It was found significant prevalence of C677T genetic variant in MTHFR in women with ERFL compared with controls (p = 0.005). The significant high prevalence of C677T genetic variant in women with ERFL suggests that thrombophilia have an increased risk of early pregnancy loss and possibly, although the definition of the magnitude of risk will require prospective longitudinal studies.

[Genetic thrombophilic defects (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T) in women with recurrent fetal loss].

Maternal thrombophilia (inherited and acquired) has recently been identified as a major cause of thrombembolism, but it may also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and recurrent pregnancy loss. To determine the association of specific inherited thrombophilias and recurrent fetal loss (RFL), three gene mutations (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T) were investigated. The prevalence of the thrombophilic markers was compared in 156 women with history of fetal loss in different trimester of pregnancy and 80 matched controls. At least one thrombophilic defect was found in 28.2% of total study group women compared with 16.2% in controls (p=0.06; OR-2.02) and in 50% of women with RFL in third trimester (p=0.008; OR-5.15). Factor V Leiden was more common in the group of women with fetal loss in third trimester (37.5%) compared to the controls (6.2%) (p=0.002; OR-9.0). Presence of FVL was associated with a significant increased risk for RFL in second and third trimester (OR-6.25; P<0.001) and significant protection for RFL in first trimester (OR-0.16; P<0.001). Mutation prothrombin G20210A or MTHFR C677T was more common in group of women with fetal loss in first trimester compared to the controls (28.3% vs. 11.2% respectively; p=0.009; OR-3.11). The presence of either of these mutations was associated with no significant increased risk for RFL in first trimester (OR-2.5). Genetic thrombophilic defects are common in women with RFL and are associated with late fetal loss. This association is manifest by FVL rather than total number of defects involved.

[Terminated pregnancy following prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies--a part of register of congenital anomalies].

UNLABELLED: The most of European registries of congenital anomalies (CA) collected information of CA in livebirths, stillbirths and terminated pregnancies following prenatal/ultrasound diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: to assess terminated pregnancies after prenatal/ ultrasound diagnosis of CA as a part of register of CA performed in University Hospital-Pleven. Among 21 202 births monitored during the study period (1996-2005), 679 CA were detected. The total prevalence of CA was 32/ 1000 births. The outcome of pregnancy for all cases of selected CA by register was 620 livebirths (91.3%), 36 stillbirths (5.3%), 23 terminated pregnancies (TP) (3.4%). The percentage of pregnancy termination was higher in the case of isolated anomalies, mainly lethal and CA associated with a low survival rate (61%), than with multiple ones. The most common CA detected after prenatal/ ultrasound diagnosis were neural tube defects (NTD) - the main reason for TP (52% of cases). The low proportion of these CA in TP (1/3) compared to their proportion in livebirths (50%) demonstrated an insufficiency of prenatal diagnosis of NTD as a part of register of CA performed in University Hospital-Pleven. Prenatal diagnosis of CA allows an early genetic counseling of mother presenting information on neonatal prognosis and recurrence risk for subsequent pregnancies. It helps family to take an adequate decision for termination of pregnancy with bad prognosis about heavy fetal CA.

Nanoparticles as drug carrier system of 5-fluorouracil in local treatment of patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To develop an alternative nonsurgical treatment for basal cell carcinoma using colloidal systems as drug carriers. We investigated the possibility of polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to be applied in local treatment of patients with basal cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 patients (mean age 74 years, range 56-90) with histologically confirmed superficial basal cell carcinoma were treated with 5-FU-loaded polybutyl-cyanoacrylate nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared by anionic polymerization of butyl-2-cyanoacrylate monomer for use as drug delivery system. The preparation of 5-FU-loaded polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles was carried out by adsorption of the drug on the surface of previously prepared nanoparticles. This preparation was applied once a day for 35-40 days. The effect of treatment on the immunological parameters, measured by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced DNA synthesis of T lymphocytes and also their number in the peripheral blood were analyzed in 28 of 32 treated patients and compared against a group of 24 healthy individuals (controls). RESULTS: 31 of 32 patients achieved histologically confirmed complete tumor resolution. Treatment did not cause significant changes both in the number of T lymphocytes and PHA-induced DNA synthesis of T lymphocytes of the treated patients. CONCLUSION: Local treatment with 5-FU-loaded nanoparticles provides a nonsurgical treatment alternative in patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma. This effective and well tolerated method is preferred by patients who are not surgical candidates or who prefer nonsurgical treatment.

[Active screening for genetic pathology in newborns. II. Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in high risk families]. / Aktiven skrining za genetichna patologiia sred novorodeni. II. Genetichna konsultatsiia i prenatalna diagnostika pri riskovi semeistva.

Active screening for genetic pathology over a period of 12 years (1990-2001) involved examination of 29629 newborns at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Congenital anomalies were detected in 1244 cases (live-, stillbirths and terminated pregnancies) which gives an average incidence rate of 42.0 per 1000 among the studied population. Chromosomal abnormalities were diagnosed in 70 cases (5.6%), single gene conditions--in 164 cases (13.2%), multifactorially determined conditions--in 449 cases (36.1%). The total genetic contribution of all recognized cases with genetic conditions was 54.9% (683 cases). Genetic counseling was provided to 560 out of 1244 (45%) couples who given births to affected children. During that period prenatal diagnosis was performed on 110 (44%) pregnancies and most of them (90%) ended successfully (healthy child was born). Our strategy for identifying CD by active screening enabled us to provide more accurate genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis for genetic diseases. Screening of newborn population is likely to be an effective and necessary service.