Prevalence of fetal anomalies, stillbirth, neonatal morbidity, or mortality in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) lead to major complications in pregnancy. While the maternal morbidity associated with PAS is well known, there is less information regarding neonatal morbidity in this setting. The aim of this study is to describe the neonatal outcomes (fetal malformations, neonatal morbidity, twin births, stillbirth, and neonatal death), using an international multicenter database of PAS cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study based on prospectively collected cases, using the international multicenter database of the International Society for PAS, carried out between January 2020 and June 2022 by 23 centers with experience in PAS care. All PAS cases were included, regardless of whether singleton or multiple pregnancies and were managed in each center according to their own protocols. Data were collected via chart review. Local Ethical Committee approval and Data Use Agreements were obtained according to local policies. RESULTS: There were 315 pregnancies eligible for inclusion, with 12 twin pregnancies, comprising 329 fetuses/newborns; 2 cases were excluded due to inconsistency of data regarding fetal abnormalities. For the calculation of neonatal morbidity and mortality, all elective pregnancy terminations were excluded, hence 311 pregnancies with 323 newborns were analyzed. In our cohort, 3 neonates (0.93%) were stillborn; of the 320 newborns delivered, there were 10 cases (3.13%) of neonatal death. The prevalence of major congenital malformations was 4.64% (15/323 newborns), most commonly, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract malformations. The overall prevalence of major neonatal morbidity in pregnancies complicated by PAS was 47/311 (15.1%). There were no stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or fetal malformations in reported twin gestations. CONCLUSIONS: Although some outcomes may be too rare to detect within our cohort and data should be interpreted with caution, our observational data supports reassuring neonatal outcomes for women with PAS.

External validation of and improvement upon a model for the prediction of placenta accreta spectrum severity using prospectively collected multicenter ultrasound data.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to validate the Sargent risk stratification algorithm for the prediction of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) severity using data collected from multiple centers and using the multicenter data to improve the model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter analysis using data collected for the IS-PAS database. The Sargent model's effectiveness in distinguishing between abnormally adherent placenta (FIGO grade 1) and abnormally invasive placenta (FIGO grades 2 and 3) was evaluated. A new model was developed using multicenter data from the IS-PAS database. RESULTS: The database included 315 cases of suspected PAS, of which 226 had fully documented standardized ultrasound signs. The final diagnosis was normal placentation in 5, abnormally adherent placenta/FIGO grade 1 in 43, and abnormally invasive placenta/FIGO grades 2 and 3 in 178. The external validation of the Sargent model revealed moderate predictive accuracy in a multicenter setting (C-index 0.68), compared to its higher accuracy in a single-center context (C-index 0.90). The newly developed model achieved a C-index of 0.74. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the difficulty in developing universally applicable PAS prediction models. While models like that of Sargent et al. show promise, their reproducibility varies across settings, likely due to the interpretation of the ultrasound signs. The findings support the need for updating the current ultrasound descriptors and for the development of any new predictive models to use data collected by different operators in multiple clinical settings.

Opportunities for, and barriers to, uterus-preserving surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum.

INTRODUCTION: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) can lead to major peripartum morbidity. Appropriate management approaches depend on the clinical severity, each individual's preference, and the treating team's expertise. Peripartum hysterectomy is the most frequently used treatment option. However, it can impact psychological well-being and fertility. We investigated whether conservative treatment with focal resection or leaving the placenta in situ is associated with comparable or lower maternal morbidity than hysterectomy in centers of excellence within the International Society for placenta accreta spectrum (IS-PAS). Furthermore, a survey was conducted to explore potential barriers to conservative management in antenatal counseling and intraoperative decision-making. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Confirmed PAS cases in the prospective IS-PAS database from 22 registered centers between January 2020 and June 2022 were included in the analysis. A separate online survey with 21 questions was answered by the IS-PAS center experts about indications, diagnostic criteria, patient counseling, surgical practice, changes from the preoperative treatment plan, and why conservative management may not be offered. RESULTS: A total of 234 cases were included in the analysis: 186 women received hysterectomy and 38 women were treated by focal resection, and 10 by leaving the placenta in situ. Blood loss was lower in the focal resection group and in the placenta in situ group compared to the hysterectomy group (p = 0.04). 46.4% of the women initially planned for focal resection, and 35.7% of those initially planned for leaving the placenta in situ were ultimately treated by hysterectomy. Our survey showed that the IS-PAS centers preferred hysterectomy according to a woman's wishes (64%) and when they expected less blood loss and morbidity (41%). Eighteen percent of centers did not offer focal resection at all due to a lack of experience with this technique. Reasons for not offering to leave the placenta in situ were avoidance of unexpected reoperation (36%), puerperal infection (32%), or skepticism about the method (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Uterus-preserving treatment strategies such as focal resection appear to be safe alternatives to peripartum hysterectomy. However, less than half of the IS-PAS centers perform them. Acceptance of conservative treatments could be increased by standardized criteria for their implementation and by systematic training for PAS experts.

Maternal Vaccination in Pregnancy: An Assessment of Influenza, Pertussis, and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in Cracow, Poland.

BACKGROUND Maternal vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of severe course and complications from infections both for the mother and her child. As information regarding immunization status of pregnant women with recommended vaccines in Poland is scarce, this questionnaire-based study aimed to identify influenza, pertussis (whooping cough), and COVID-19 vaccination in 205 pregnant women in Cracow, Poland, between February and April 2023. Another objective was to assess whether any of the maternal factors might influence women's decision to inoculate during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS An anonymous and self-reported questionnaire developed specifically for this study was disseminated among postpartum women, who gave birth and were hospitalized at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of the University Hospital in Cracow, Poland, between February and April 2023. Study participants were asked about their basic sociodemographic and obstetric data, as well as their immunization status regarding influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 during their most recent pregnancy. RESULTS Only 12.2% and 23.4% of study participants received influenza and pertussis vaccinations, respectively, during pregnancy, while 61.5% of pregnant women reported vaccination with at least 2 doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Features including type of occupation, place of residence, gravidity, and parity were statistically significant (P.

Is Nuchal Translucency of 3.0-3.4 mm an Indication for cfDNA Testing or Microarray? - A Multicenter Retrospective Clinical Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of clinically relevant (sub)microscopic chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with the nuchal translucency (NT) range from 3.0 to 3.4 mm, which would be potentially missed by cfDNA testing. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of 271 fetuses with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm and increased first trimester combined test (CT) risk in five cohorts of pregnant women referred for invasive testing and chromosomal microarray was performed. RESULTS: A chromosomal aberration was identified in 18.8% fetuses (1:5; 51/271). In 15% (41/271) of cases, trisomy 21, 18, or 13 were found. In 0.7% (2/271) of cases, sex chromosome aneuploidy was found. In 1.1% (3/271) of cases, CNV >10 Mb was detected, which would potentially also be detected by genome-wide cfDNA testing. The residual risk for missing a submicroscopic chromosome aberration in the presented cohorts is 1.8% (1:54; 5/271). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that a significant number of fetuses with increased CT risk and presenting NT of 3.0-3.4 mm carry a clinically relevant chromosomal abnormality other than common trisomy. Invasive testing should be offered, and counseling on NIPT should include the test limitations that may result in NIPT false-negative results in a substantial percentage of fetuses.

Near-Term Cerebroplacental Doppler, Heart Morphology, and Neonatal Biometry in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze near-term cerebroplacental Doppler, heart morphology, and neonatal biometry in isolated hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) relative to healthy controls. METHODS: This retrospective study included 55 fetuses with HLHS (29 with mitral valve stenosis [MS]/aortic valve atresia [AA], 14 with MS/aortic valve stenosis, and 12 with mitral valve atresia [MA]/[AA]) diagnosed prenatally between 2010 and 2019 at 2 referral centers and 101 healthy controls. Ultrasound assessment included umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI), and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), with neonatal weight, length, head circumference (HC), Apgar score, and UA pH measured at birth. RESULTS: In total, 32.7% of HLHS fetuses had abnormal MCA-PI and UA-PI, and 38.2% had CPRs below the fifth percentile before birth. All tested Doppler parameters differed from those of the healthy controls (P ≤ .01). Birth weight and length were comparable between HLHS and control fetuses, whereas birth HCs were smaller in the HLHS group than in the control group (P = .018). In both groups, increased UA-PI correlated with lower birth weight, but only HLHS fetuses with UA-PI > the 95th percentile had a lower median HC at birth than those with normal UA-PI (P = .045). The median UA-PI percentile was higher in fetuses with MA than in fetuses with MS (P = .015). The ascending aortic diameter correlated with birth weight (P = .036) and birth length (P = .039). CONCLUSION: Abnormal cerebroplacental hemodynamics are evident in a high percentage of near-term fetuses with HLHS, and increased placental resistance may contribute to birth weight and HC. Moreover, heart morphology may impact placental circulation and neonatal biometry.

LC/MS/MS assessment of changes in placental angiotensin I metabolism in preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and significant proteinuria in pregnant women. It affects about 7% pregnancies and can be cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. During pregnancy, a physiological overexpression of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) components is observed, including increased plasma Ang II level. Dysregulation of RAS in placenta may contribute to preeclampsia and uterine growth retardation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Ang I metabolism in human preeclamptic placentas and to compare to normal pregnancies condition. METHOD: Fragments of placental tissues were collected right after ceasarian section from PE and physiological pregnancies. Tissues were incubated in Krebs buffer in the presence of Ang I. Evaluation of Ang I metabolites in incubating fluid was performed by LC/MS/MS method. mRNA expression of main RAS components was measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Pattern of angiotensin metabolites did not differ between groups. The main products were Ang 1-7 and Ang II. Comparing to control group, more than 3-fold lower production of Ang II and Ang 1-7 in preeclampsia was observed. mRNA expressions of ACE and AT1 were significantly decreased in pre- eclamptic placentas, whereas higher expression of mRNA of ACE2 and MAS receptor were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Production of Ang 1-7 by PE placentas was significantly lower than in control group. Significantly decreased mRNA expression of ACE and AT1 receptor and lower production of Ang II in placentas of PE patients suggest that placental Ang II/ACE/AT1r pathway could be less important than Ang 1-7/ACE-2/MASr pathway in development of preeclampsia, but this requires further investigations.

Promising results in development of male contraception.

Nowadays, conscious planning of the family is very important for many people. The possibility of using protective measures against unplanned pregnancy is a great comfort. Most forms of contraceptives are intended for women, although their use can be ruled out in various health conditions. Scientists have been trying to develop a different type of method for men for many years. More and more research is being done and there have been promising results. It is hoped that soon both genders will have a similar range of contraceptive options to enable responsible family planning.

Chromogranin A demonstrates higher expression in preeclamptic placentas than in normal pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Although preeclampsia has long been recognized as a condition affecting late pregnancy, little is known of its pathogenesis or treatment. The placenta releases a number of hormones and molecules that influence the course of pregnancy, one of which is chromogranin A, a soluble protein secreted mainly from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Its role in pregnancy and pregnancy-related disorders remains unclear. Therefore, the main aim of the proposed study is to determine whether chromogranin A is related with the occurrence of preeclampsia. METHODS: Placental samples were collected from 102 preeclamptic patients and 103 healthy controls, and Chromogranin A gene (CHGA) expression was measured using real-time RT-PCR, The RT-PCR results were verified on the protein level using ELISA. The normal distribution of the data was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The clinical and personal characteristics of the groups were compared using the Student's t-test for normally-distributed data, and the χ2 test for categorical variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed data. As the log- transformation was not suitable for the given outcomes, the Box- Cox Transformation was used to normalize data from ELISA tests and CHGA expression. Values of P < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Chromogranin A gene expression was found to be significantly higher in the study group than in controls. Protein analyses showed that although the CgA concentration in placental samples did not differ significantly, the catestatin (CST) level was significantly lower in samples obtained from women with preeclampsia, according to the controls. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study for the first time reveals that chromogranin A gene expression level is associated with preeclampsia. Moreover, the depletion in catestatin level, which plays a protective role in hypertension development, might be a marker of developing preeclampsia. Further studies may unravel role of Chromogranin A in the discussed disease.

The Preeclamptic Environment Promotes the Activation of Transcription Factor Kappa B by P53/RSK1 Complex in a HTR8/SVneo Trophoblastic Cell Line.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder associated with shallow placentation, forcing placental cells to live in hypoxic conditions. This activates the transcription factor kappa B (NFκB) in maternal and placental cells. Although the role of NFκB in preeclampsia is well documented, its mechanism of activation in trophoblastic cells has been never studied. This study investigates the mechanism of NFκB activation in a first trimester trophoblastic cell line (HTR8/SVneo) stimulated by a medium containing serum from preeclamptic (PE) or normotensive (C) women in hypoxic (2% O2) or normoxic (8% O2) conditions. The results indicate that in HTR8/SVneo cells, the most widely studied NFκB pathways, i.e., canonical, non-canonical and atypical, are downregulated in environment PE 2% O2 in comparison to C 8% O2. Therefore, other pathways may be responsible for NFκB activation. One such pathway depends on the activation of NFκB by the p53/RSK1 complex through its phosphorylation at Serine 536 (pNFκB Ser536). The data generated by our study show that inhibition of the p53/RSK1 pathway by p53-targeted siRNA results in a depletion of pNFκB Ser536 in the nucleus, but only in cells incubated with PE serum at 2% O2. Thus, the p53/RSK1 complex might play a critical role in the activation of NFκB in trophoblastic cells and preeclamptic placentas.

Canonical, Non-Canonical and Atypical Pathways of Nuclear Factor кb Activation in Preeclampsia.

Although higher nuclear factor κB (NFκB) expression and activity is observed in preeclamptic placentas, its mechanism of activation is unknown. This is the first study to investigate whether the canonical, non-canonical, or atypical NFκB activation pathways may be responsible for the higher activation of NFκB observed in preeclamptic placentas. The study included 268 cases (130 preeclamptic women and 138 controls). We studied the expression of the genes coding for NFκB activators (NIK, IKKα, IKKß, and CK2α) and inhibitors (IκBα and IκBß) using RT-PCR in real time. The RT-PCR results were verified on the protein level using ELISA and Western blot. To determine the efficiency of the pathways, the ratios of activator(s) to one of the inhibitors (IκBα or IκBß) were calculated for each studied pathway. The preeclamptic placentas demonstrated significantly lower IKKα and CK2α but higher IκBα and IκBß protein levels. In addition, the calculated activator(s) to inhibitor (IκBα or IκBß) ratios suggested that all studied pathways might be downregulated in preeclamptic placentas. Our results indicate that preeclamptic placentas may demonstrate mechanisms of NFκB activation other than the canonical, non-canonical, and atypical forms. In these mechanisms, inhibitors of NFκB may play a key role. These observations broaden the existing knowledge regarding the molecular background of preeclampsia development.

The relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and neonatal birth weight: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) have a meaningful impact on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. The first aim of the study was to analyze the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and the prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) outcomes. The second aim was to assess the relation- ship between pre-pregnancy BMI combined with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the prevalence of SGA and LGA measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort study was conducted at Jagiellonian University Hospital in Cracow, Po- land from 2016 to 2017. During this time there were 2,123 deliveries. Patients with chronic diseases, multiple pregnancies, fetal defects and incomplete data were excluded. Finally, 474 cases were enrolled. Patients were divided into BMI groups (underweight, normal, overweight and obese) and into GWG groups (inadequate, adequate, excessive). Relationships between maternal BMI, GWG and newborn weight were examined. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and prevalence of SGA measurements. However, underweight women with inadequate GWG showed a higher risk to bear SGA babies (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.57-17.18). Obese women with adequate GWG had higher risk of bearing LGA newborns (OR 5.48, 95% CI 1.15-26.13). High BMI correlated with excessive GWG (overweight: OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.84-3.87; obese OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.1-5.48). CONCLUSIONS: There is a considerable risk of giving birth to a SGA newborn for underweight women with inadequate GWG. There is a statistically significant association between maternal obesity and LGA outcomes. Our study shows that redefining the risks of abnormal neonatal weight considering both pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain can be useful in providing effective prevention during pregnancy.

Labor induction at full-term and post-term pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION: Induction of labor is an intervention in the obstetrics, which aim is to achieve cervical ripening and stimulate contractions of uterus before beginning of labor. The purpose of our study was to evaluate efficacy of combinations of vaginal misoprostol, intracervical dinoprostone and Foley catheter at term with regard to mode of delivery and rate of emergency C-sections due to birth asphyxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 403 singleton pregnant women, who underwent pharmacological labor induction at term, were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 main cohorts due to beginning of induction algorithm: vaginal misoprostol (66) or intracervical dinoprostone (337) consisting of 3 subgroups - PGE2 alone (184), PGE2+Foley catheter (125), PGE2+Foley catheter+PGE1 (28). RESULTS: Comparison of maternal age, presence of cervical dilation and parity revealed no major differences between cohorts. Effectiveness of labor induction with misoprostol, dinoprostone and dinoprostone followed by Foley catheter were respectively 90.9%, 51.3%, and 82.8%. Addition of PGE1 was effective in 83% of patients with negative response to PGE2 followed by Foley catheter. ere was no statistically significant difference in rate of C-sections between dinoprostone and misoprostol cohorts, C-section due to birth asphyxia were insignificantly more frequent in PGE1 than in PGE2 cohort. Efficacy in the subgroup administered only dinoprostone was significantly higher in 40th than in 41th (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Intracervical dinoprostone seems to be safer, but less effective in labor induction than vaginal misoprostol. Following PGE2 by other methods increased efficacy of induction in this cohort.

Evaluation of the fetal palate at 11 to 13 (+6) weeks of gestation based on an analysis of static ultrasound images using modern IT techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new computer-based technique to isolate the shape of the fetal palate visible in the midsagittal plane from static ultrasound images routinely used to measure nuchal translucency. METHOD: This is a retrospective interpretation of images of the midsagittal view of the fetal face at 11 to 13 (+6) weeks of gestation in 7 cases of cleft lip and palate (CLP) and 7 normal controls. The images were subjected to pattern analysis. RESULTS: Proprietary software was applied and for each CLP case, and palatine bones with different forms from those of fetuses in the control group were recorded. In 4 cases, an image of a continuous palatine bone was observed at a threshold of 180, whereas the remaining 3 images were obtained at 128. A continuous palatine bone structure was not observed in any fetus from the CLP group, even at a level of 128, when the surrounding structures were visible. CONCLUSION: The application of pattern analysis to a 2D frozen image is a new approach for prenatal diagnostics. This technique may be a helpful tool for physicians and could assist in the diagnosis of cleft palate.

The significance of a prenatal diagnosis of right aortic arch.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze a population of fetuses with prenatally diagnosed right aortic arch (RAA). METHODS: Retrospective study of fetuses with RAA diagnosed prenatally between 2011 and 2015 in two referral centers. RESULTS: Right aortic arch was found in 4.4% (46/1036) of fetuses with cardiovascular abnormalities (CVA). As an isolated anomaly, RAA was present in 30.4% of cases; in 32.6%, other CVA were detected; in 23.9%, CVA and extracardiac anomalies; and in 13.1%, only extracardiac malformations. The most common noncardiac abnormalities were thymus hypoplasia/aplasia (7/17), of which six had deletion 22q.11.2. In another three fetuses, trisomy 21 was present. One intrauterine fetal death occurred at 41 weeks of pregnancy, and two fetuses died after birth. In six of 18 infants with known follow-up, symptoms of dysphagia were reported, of which four infants underwent surgical intervention. In 12 infants, an isolated RAA was clinically silent. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of RAA is an indication for a detailed examination of cardiac and noncardiac structures, including the thymus. It is advisable to consider genetic testing, together with the assessment of deletion 22q11.2, especially in the case of accompanying defects. The prognosis depends on underlying cardiac and extracardiac anomalies and possibly coexisting genetic defects. Isolated anomalies are asymptomatic. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Short cervix in twin pregnancies: current state of knowledge and the proposed scheme of treatment.

Short cervical length (SCL) should be defined as cervical length (CL) less than 25 mm between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. This definition of SCL is fully applicable for singleton pregnancies but is not entirely correct for twin pregnancies. So far there are no explicit guidelines on the treatment of twin pregnancy with SCL. The use of progesterone in the treatment of SCL and preterm birth (PTB) prophylaxis is one of the interventions recommended by the Polish Ministry of Health for cervical shortening in singleton pregnancies. In twin pregnancies attention should be paid to the potential benefits of using vaginal progesterone in reduction of neonatal mortality and incidence of neonatal complications in a group of patients with twin pregnancies and CL less than 25 mm or below the 10th percentile for the gestational age, measured between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. It is still difficult to identify the benefits of using pessaries in the prevention of PTB in twin pregnancies. The usage of pessaries appears to be beneficial only in selected subpopulations of patients with asymptomatic CL less than 25 mm or 10th percentile for gestational age. The use of cervical cerclage in PTB prevention in twin pregnancies is limited to cases where the external cervical dilation is >1 cm and.

Analysis of intravaginal misoprostol 0.2 mg versus intracervical dinoprostone 0.5 mg doses for labor induction at term pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: Labor-induction methods are used in about 23% of labors. Most commonly, pharmacological methods are used to pre-induct the labor with dinoprostone - a PGE2 analog, and misoprostol - a PGE1 analog. The aim of this study was to evaluate two pharmacological methods of labor induction with the use of prostaglandins applied via an intravagi-nal insert containing misoprostol at a dose of 0.2 mg and intracervical gel containing dinoprostone at a dose of 0.5 mg. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on a group of 50 adult patients qualified for the pre-induction of labor. Following data were recorded: the time from the drug administration to the beginning of regular contractile function, the time from administration to amniotic fluid rupture, the time from medicament administration to the vaginal labor or caesarean section, the duration of I, II and III stages of labor, the delivery method and in the event of caesarean section - the indications for surgery. RESULTS: In comparison to dinoprostone, the misoprostol application was found to shorten the time from drug administration to amniotic fluid rupture by 14.1 hours, the time to the beginning of the first stage of labor by 11.7 hours and from the drug administration to the delivery by 17.3 hours (p-value < 0.05). The duration of the first stage of labor in the misoprostol group was shorter by 1.2 hours than in dinoprostone group (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Application of intravaginal insert with misoprostol at a dose of 0.2 mg appears to be a more effective method of labor induction in comparison to intracervical gel with dinoprostone at a dose of 0.5mg. Thorough analysis of these methods requires further studies.

Polish Gynecological Society Recommendations for Labor Induction.

Labor induction involves artificial stimulation of childbirth before the natural, spontaneous onset of labor. It is one of the most common procedures in modern obstetrics. The frequency of labor induction has doubled in recent decades due to the development of perinatology and methods of monitoring fetal well-being in particular. Currently, one in five pregnant women and 30-40% of women delivering vaginally undergo this procedure. Reasons for induction include reduction of the perinatal mortality and morbidity of the fetus and newborn, as well as the reduction of maternal complications. However, as every medical intervention, labor induction is associated with a risk of complications.

Assessment of the implementation of the infectious diseases screening programmes among pregnant women in the Lesser Poland region and comparison with similar programmes conducted in other European Union countries.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the level of implementation of recommendations of the Ministry of Health regarding infectious disease screening during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 477 patients who were admitted to the delivery room between December 2015 and February 2016. Data on screening test results were collected based on medical records covering the period before the admission. RESULTS: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening was conducted in 410 (86%). 460 (96%) of patients were screened for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and 427 (89.5%) for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Syphilis screening covered 465 (97.5%) of patients. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) titer against Rubella Virus (RV) was assessed in 218 (45%) patients and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 319 (66.9%). Screening for Toxoplasma gondii based on assessment of IgM titer was conducted in 440 (92%) patients while IgG titter was assessed in 413 (86.6%). 343 (71.9%) patients had obtained vaginal swabs for Group B Streptococci (GBS) while the anal swabs were taken only from 268 (56.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Coverage of screening for syphilis and HBV was similar to the countries with highest prevalence of conducting such screening, on the other hand RV screening place as among countries with lowest prevalence. There is an increasing trend in conducting HIV screening. Screening for HCV and toxoplasmosis is at satisfactory level and Poland is one of a few European countries offering such screening. The screening for GBS is insufficient which result in excessive use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.