Association of the FCN2 Gene Promoter Region Polymorphisms with Very Low Birthweight in Preterm Neonates.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) localised to the promoter region of the FCN2 gene are known to influence the concentration of ficolin-2 in human serum and therefore potentially have clinical associations. We investigated the relationships between SNPs at positions −986 (A > G), −602 (G > A), −64 (A > C) and −4 (A > G) and clinical complications in 501 preterms. Major alleles at positions −986 and −64 and A/A homozygosity for both polymorphisms were less frequent among babies with very low birthweight (VLBW, ≤1500 g) compared with the reference group (OR = 0.24, p = 0.0029; and OR = 0.49, p = 0.024, respectively for A/A genotypes). A lower frequency of G/G homozygosity at position −4 was associated with gestational age <33 weeks and VLBW (OR = 0.38, p = 0.047; and OR = 0.07, p = 0.0034, respectively). The AGAG haplotype was protective for VLBW (OR = 0.6, p = 0.0369), whilst the GGCA haplotype had the opposite effect (OR = 2.95, p = 0.0249). The latter association was independent of gestational age. The AGAG/GGAA diplotype favoured both shorter gestational age and VLBW (OR = 1.82, p = 0.0234 and OR = 1.95, p = 0.0434, respectively). In contrast, AGAG homozygosity was protective for lower body mass (OR = 0.09, p = 0.0155). Our data demonstrate that some FCN2 variants associated with relatively low ficolin-2 increase the risk of VLBW and suggest that ficolin-2 is an important factor for fetal development/intrauterine growth.

Angiogenic factor screening in women with mild preeclampsia - New and significant proteins in plasma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyse a panel of 60 angiogenic factors (pro-angiogenic and antiangiogenic) in the plasma of women with mild preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 21 women between 25 and 40 weeks gestation with diagnosed mild preeclampsia into the study group and 27 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies of corresponding gestational age to that of the study to the control group. We used a quantitative protein macroarray method that allowed for analysis of 60 angiogenic proteins per sample simultaneously. RESULTS: We showed a statistically significant increase in the concentration of 8 proteins, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (IP-10), leptin and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), as well as a significant decrease in the concentration of 3 proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF) and follistatin, in the plasma of women with preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, it seems that protein factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and there are many proteins that have not been studied in PE to date. There are no previous studies assessing the LIF, follistatin, HGF, HB-EGF and PDGF-BB concentrations in the plasma of women with PE; therefore, our obtained results indicate that these proteins are new factors that can play an important role in the pathomechanisms of PE.

[The prophylactic operational model integrated with occupational healthcare - Prophylactic of some types of cancers among women]. / Model dzialan profilaktycznych zintegrowany z opieka profilaktyczna nad pracownikami ­ zapobieganie niektórym typom nowotworów wsród kobiet.

Periodical medical examinations are mandatory for employees in Poland. This rule makes a unique opportunity during occupational health services for implementation of prophylactic activities focused on early diagnosis of various diseases, including cancers. Epidemiological data about cancers is alarming and what is more, further increase in development of cancers is being predicted in population overall. The highest incidence of cancers in the case of Polish women belongs to breast cancer (21.7% of diagnosed cancers in general), while the morbidity rate for uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer amounts to 7.4%, 4.7% and 3.5%, respectively. The aim of this study was to elaborate an algorithm of prophylactic activities integrated with the occupational healthcare system, based on medical literature review and guidelines concerning prophylaxis of selected cancers. Polish cancers' prophylaxis programs related to risk factors were presented in this publication and practical indications for occupational healthcare physicians were worked out. Med Pr 2018;69(4):439-455.

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.

Rupture of the cervix during pregnancy after cervical pessary insertion for preventing preterm birth.

We present a rare case of a complication after pessary insertion during pregnancy due to short cervix. A woman in the 35th week of gestation was admitted to the Department of Perinatology due to preterm labor. The patient's history revealed cervical pessary insertion during the 29th week of pregnancy due to a cervix of 18 mm in length. Because of threatened preterm labor, the pessary was removed. After pessary removal, a rupture of the cervix was diagnosed. Because of active labor and cervical rupture, a cesarean section was performed and a healthy newborn was delivered. After cesarean section the cervical rupture was sutured. Five days after the operation, the patient underwent surgery again due to a necrotically changed part of the cervix. This part of the cervix was removed. We present this case to emphasize that cervical pessaries can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Clinicians should take this into consideration before qualifying patients for pessary insertion.

Influence of Apa1 (rs7975232), Taq1 (rs731236) and Bsm1 (rs154410) polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor on preterm birth risk in the Polish population.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in the placenta and tissues related to the immune system occurrence of various variants of VDR may modify the effects of vitamin D on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the parturients' Apa1, Taq1, and Bsm1 polymorphisms of the VDR and their combinations and the risk of preterm birth in the Polish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Determination of polymorphism for VDR was assayed using the RT-PCR method. 199 Caucasian women at childbirth were qualified:100 patients who had a spontaneous preterm birth and 99 patients who had a term birth. RESULTS: Three separate genotypes of the Apa1, Taq1, and Bsm1 polymorphisms were detected. No significant differences in the frequency of particular genotypes in the compared groups were found. Some of the genotype combinations were significantly more frequent in the preterm group - the bb/AA/TT genotype (28.0% vs. 10.1%; p = 0.0013) and the BB/aa/tt genotype (14.0% vs. 4.04% p = 0.0277). The Bb/AA/Tt and the BB/Aa/tt genotypes were found only in the control group (16.1% and 7.0% of patients, respectively). The bb/aa/TT was significantly more frequent in the control group (2.0% vs. 11.1%; p = 0,0207). Two genotype combinations reduced the risk of preterm birth - the Bb/AA/Tt genotype by 94% (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.002-0.885, p = 0.041) and the BB/Aa/tt genotype by 98% (OR = 0.029, 95% CI: 0.001-0.838, p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Our result suggests that there may be a relationship between certain VDR genotype combinations and the risk of preterm birth. Further research is needed in order to substantiate this finding.

Wspólczesne metody monitorowania dobrostanu plodu w ciazy powiklanej wewnatrzmacicznym zahamowaniem wzrastania.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the most important problems in current perinatology. The number of complications such as intrauterine fetal hypoxia, preterm and operative labours, intrauterine demises and neonatal deaths are signifcantly higher among pregnant women with IUGR. The proper monitoring and assesement of the fetal well-being are crucial to make the right decision about optimal time and mode of delivery.

Costs of the use of carbetocin in the prevention of uterine atony following delivery of the infant by Caesarean section - retrospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the costs of using carbetocin in the prevention of uterine atony following delivery of the infant by Cesarean section (C-section) under epidural or spinal anesthesia with standard methods of prevention (SMP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study was based on data from three medical centers. A questionnaire was developed to gather patient records on consumption and costs of resources related to C-section, prevention of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) treatment. Six subpopulations were considered, depending on patient characteristics. The analysis covered two perspectives: that of the hospital and of the public payer. RESULTS: The subpopulations were homogenous, which was a premise for pooling the data. The use of carbetocin in the prevention of uterine atony following Cesarean section generates savings for hospital in comparison with SMP (oxytocin) in 5 of 6 subpopulations. The biggest savings were observed amongst patients who experienced severe PPH and reached 2.6-6.2 thousand PLN per patient. Costs of services related to C-section borne by the hospitals were higher than the refund received from a public payer. The greatest underestimation reached 12.1 thousand PLN per patient. Nevertheless, loss generated by this underfunding was lower in carbetocin versus oxytocin group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of carbetocin instead of SMP gives hospitals an opportunity to make savings as well as to reduce losses resulting from the underfunding of the services provided by the National Health Fund.

[Research-based assessment of antibiotic resistance of beta hemolytic group B streptococci]. / Ocena opornosci paciorkowców beta hemolizujacych grupy B na podstawie badan wlasnych.

UNLABELLED: Since the 1950s, beta hemolytic streptococcus group B have constituted the major etiological factor of perinatal infections. GBS colonization of the genital tract among pregnant women is diagnosed between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, and is associated with approximately 25% risk of neonatal early-onset infections (EOD). The infection is severe among 1-3% of the newborns, and usually results in sepsis or pneumonia. beta-lactam antibiotics are drugs of choice to prevent vertical infection of group B streptococcus. In case of hypersensitivity to penicillin among pregnant women, second line drugs are macrolides and lincosamides. OBJECTIVE: In light of numerous reports on the decreasing susceptibility of GBS, the aim of this study was to characterize the isolated strains of Streptococcus agalactiae in terms of their resistance to antibiotics. MATERIAL: The study included 395 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy hospitalized in the Department of Perinatology and Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, between 02.2010 -02.2012. METHODS: Vagino-rectal swabs were collected from all pregnant women. We recovered 121 GBS positive isolates. Identification was based on the streptococcal agglutination test. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method. RESULTS: A positive result for GBS colonization was found among 89 patients, representing 22.5% of the studied population. Inducible MLSB resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was 23.1% and 10.7% of the isolated strains, respectively Constitutive MLSB resistance was detected in 14.9% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results confirm that all GBS isolates are sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics and prove that phenotypes resistant to macrolides and clindamycin are becoming more widespread. This leads to the conclusion that regular supervision of drug sensitivity of Streptococcus agalactiae is necessary

An assessment of the relationship between urethral hypermobility as measured by ultrasound and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum.

Aim: The aim of the study was to estimate the relationship between bladder neck hypermobility as assessed by ultrasound and the occurrence of stress urinary incontinence as measured with the UDI-6 questionnaire in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum. Materials and methods: The study included 100 women 9-18 months after their first delivery, 19% of whom (study group) presented with urethral hypermobility. Ultrasound was used to determine the position and mobility of the bladder neck in order to assess the urethral hypermobility. A vector of ≥15 mm was defined as urethral hypermobility. Symptoms of stress urinary incontinence were assessed using question 3 of the UDI-6 questionnaire, in which the presence of symptoms was defined as a response rated from 1 to 4. Results: We demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between urethral hypermobility and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence with a statistical significance level of p <0.002. Conclusions: Stress urinary incontinence is a common disorder in women, the pathophysiology of which is not fully understood. It has adverse effects on the quality of life, perception of one's own body and sexual function. Impairment of urethral fixation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this common form of urinary incontinence. The study showed that urethral hypermobility, as assessed by ultrasound, contributes to stress urinary incontinence, as measured with the UDI-6 score. Although stress urinary incontinence is a multifactorial disorder influenced by anatomical changes and congenital anatomical features, it is easily diagnosed. Suburethral slings are an effective surgical technique; however, the incidence of postoperative voiding dysfunction or recurrent stress urinary incontinence is 10-20%. Therefore, an assessment of anatomical changes in stress urinary incontinence may help individualize the surgical strategy.

Is There Still a Place for Forceps Delivery in Modern Obstetrics?

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, we are witnessing a decrease of vaginal instrumental deliveries and continuous increase of caesarean section rate. However, proper identification of possibility of execution, indications for instrumental delivery and their skilful use may improve the broadly understood maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study is to present prevalence, risk factors, indications and outcomes of forceps deliveries among the patients at Department of Perinatology, Lodz. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Perinatology, Medical University of Lodz. The study included forceps deliveries carried out between January 2019 and December 2022. Total number of 147 cases were analysed in terms of indications for forceps delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes such as vaginal - or cervical - laceration, postpartum haemorrhage, perineal tear, newborn injuries, Apgar score, umbilical cord blood gas analysis, NICU admission and cranial ultrasound scans. RESULTS: The prevalence of forceps delivery was 2.2%. The most common indication for forceps delivery was foetal distress (81.6%). Among mothers, the most frequent complication was vaginal laceration (40.1%). Third-and fourth-degree perineal tears were not noted. Regarding neonatal outcomes, Apgar score ≥ 8 after 1st and 5th minute of life received accordingly 91.2% and 98% of newborns. Only 8.8% experienced severe birth injuries (subperiosteal haematoma, clavicle fracture). CONCLUSIONS: Although foetal distress is the most common indication for forceps delivery, the vast majority of newborns were born in good condition and did not require admission to NICU. Taking into consideration high efficacy and low risk of neonatal and maternal complications, forceps should remain in modern obstetrics.

Guidelines of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, the Polish Society for Vaccinology, and the Polish Society for Family Medicine on vaccinating women with reproductive plans and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The following Guidelines present the most up-to-date treatment and management recommendations, which may be modified and altered after detailed analysis of a specific clinical situation, which in turn might lead to future modifications and updates.

Association of low ficolin-2 concentration in cord serum with respiratory distress syndrome in preterm newborns.

Introduction: Ficolin-2 is a serum pattern recognition molecule, involved in complement activation via the lectin pathway. This study aimed to investigate the association of ficolin-2 concentration in cord blood serum with complications related to premature birth. Methods: 546 premature neonates were included. The concentration of ficolin-2 in cord blood serum was determined by a sandwich TRIFMA method. FCN2 genetic variants were analysed with RFLP-PCR, allele-specific PCR, Sanger sequencing or allelic discrimination using TaqMan probes method. Findings: Cord blood serum ficolin-2 concentration correlated positively with Apgar score and inversely with the length of hospitalisation and stay at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that low ficolin-2 increased the possibility of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) diagnosis [OR=2.05, 95% CI (1.24-3.37), p=0.005]. Median ficolin-2 concentration was significantly lower in neonates with RDS than in premature babies without this complication, irrespective of FCN2 gene polymorphisms localised to promoter and 3'untranslated regions: for patients born <33 GA: 1471 ng/ml vs. 2115 ng/ml (p=0.0003), and for patients born ≥33 GA 1610 ng/ml vs. 2081 ng/ml (p=0.012). Ficolin-2 level was also significantly lower in neonates requiring intubation in the delivery room (1461 ng/ml vs. 1938 ng/ml, p=0.023) and inversely correlated weakly with the duration of respiratory support (R=-0.154, p<0.001). Interestingly, in the neonates born at GA <33, ficolin-2 concentration permitted differentiation of those with/without RDS [AUC=0.712, 95% CI (0.612-0.817), p<0.001] and effective separation of babies with mild RDS from those with moderate/severe form of the disease [AUC=0.807, 95% CI (0.644-0.97), p=0.0002]. Conclusion: Low cord serum ficolin-2 concentration (especially in neonates born at GA <33 weeks) is associated with a higher risk of developing moderate/severe RDS, requiring respiratory support and intensive care.

[Analysis of delivery types in women after previous cesarean section]. / Analiza sposobu zakonczenia ciazy u kobiet po przebytym cieciu cesarskim.

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to analyze the course of pregnancy and delivery in women after previous cesarean section. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 1272 pregnant women after one cesarean section, who delivered at the 1st Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2010. RESULTS: Among patients after previous cesarean section, the most numerous group constituted women whose pregnancy was resolved with an elective repeat cesarean section, without the attempt to deliver vaginally - 58,96% whereas the remaining 41,04% of the women were qualified to make an attempt at vaginal delivery 48,28% of them succeeded to gave birth vaginally and 51,72% underwent repeat cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: Proper qualification of patients after previous caesarean section for a natural vaginal birth allows a successful vaginal delivery. A critical analysis of the indications for surgical delivery needs to be performed in order to lower the rate of cesarean sections.

Hyperglycemia in pregnancy - prevalence and perinatal outcomes. A retrospective multicenter cohort study in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Recently adopted new criteria for the diagnosis of HIP as well as the greater prevalence of risk factors could have a significant impact on HIP prevalence. The objective of the study was to assess the rates of HIP and the associated complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of clinical records from pregnant women who delivered in eight tertiary hospitals in Poland in 2016. RESULTS: The number of pregnant women with hyperglycemia totaled 1280 (7.25%), including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in 1169 (6.62%) women and pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) in 111 (0.63%). In addition to dietary modifications, 477 (41% of the GDM group) women received medical treatment (GDMG2). In women with PGDM multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) were used in 53 (47.7%) cases, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSII) in 57 (51.3%) cases and one woman was treated with metformin. The rate of cesarean sections was 69.4% and 62.9% for PGDM and GDM, respectively. Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants accounted for 38% and 21% of births in the PGDM and GDM groups, respectively. Of note are high rates of hyperbilirubinemia in infants born to mothers treated with insulin (13.5% for PGDM and 14.4% for GDMG2) vs infants born to mothers with diet (GDMG1) (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, the prevalence of HIP has nearly doubled in the past twenty years. Even with appropriate management, HIP is a significant risk factor for a cesarean section delivery, bearing an LGA infant and adverse neonatal outcomes.

The Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Guideline for the diagnostic assessment and management of multiple-gestation pregnancy complicated by fetal growth restriction.

The aim of the Guideline is to unify the diagnostic-therapeutic management of multiple-gestation pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction in at least one fetus.

[Pregnancy of a 47-year old woman treated by in vitro fertilization using oocyte from a donor (IVF-OD)]. / Ciaza u 47-letniej kobiety poddanej zabiegowi pozaustrojowego zaplodnienia z zastosowaniem komórki jajowej pobranej od dawczyni (IVF-OD).

The paper presents a case of pregnancy childbirth and postpartum of a 47-year-old woman with secondary infertility and obstetric history. In vitro fertilization with oocyte derived from a 21-year donor (IVF-OD) was performed due to premature ovarian failure and age of the patient. The treatment resulted in unifetal pregnancy complicated by among others: hypertension, cardiac problems, varicose veins in the lower limbs, elevated concentration of bile acids and anxiety neurosis. A healthy newborn was delivered at 37 hbd by cesarean section. Due to the development of techniques of assisted reproduction, pregnancies of perimenopausal women will pose a growing problem in modern obstetrics.

The association between imbalances in vaginal microflora and duration of pregnancy as well as selected maternal and neonatal parameters.

OBJECTIVES: Abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) is a result of excessive growth of some aerobic bacteria and fungi in relation to the scarce presence of Lactobacillus spp. It has been suggested that AVF is responsible for preterm birth and such neonatal conditions as infections or sepsis. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of excessive vaginal colonization with aerobic bacteria and fungi on the selected postnatal parameters of newborns, duration of pregnancy and length of hospitalisation of neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data of all 1057 patients who delivered between 01.2019 and 06.2019 in the Department of Perinatology of Medical University of Lodz was analyzed. Eight hundred nine patients were included in this retrospective study. The study group consisted of 396 patients with abundant growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi obtained between 26 and 42 weeks of gestation, while 413 patients with physiologic vaginal biocenosis constituted the control group. Two hundred forty-eight patients (23.46%) were excluded from the study due to incomplete data. RESULTS: Patients with abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) gave birth prematurely (9.09%) more often than patients with balanced microflora (5.31%), p = 0.038. Newborns of mothers with AVF obtained an Apgar score under four more frequently (1.21% vs 0%; p = 0.024). Eutrophic neonates were born less frequently in the study group (82.08% vs 88.65%; p = 0.025). Hospitalisation period was longer for children of mothers with AVF (mean of 6.30 ± 9.87 days) than those of mothers from the control group (mean of 5.06 ± 5.30), p = 0.025. Newborns of mothers with AVF developed perinatal infections more often (23.97% vs 15.94%; p = 0.004). Four infants died in the study group whereas no deaths were recorded in the control group (p = 0.045). The most prevalent pathogens were: Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) 57.32%, Candida spp. 39.64%, Klebsiella spp. 9.85%, Staphylococcus aureus 7.32%. Signs of infection were more frequently recorded in newborns of mothers infected with Klebsiella spp. (35.90% vs 19.16%; p = 0.011). Premature birth was more prevalent in GBS carriers (11.81% vs 6.28%; p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Abundant growth of aerobic bacteria in the 3rd trimester of gestation contributes to preterm birth, causes the development of infection signs in newborns, increases their mortality rate and prolongs hospitalisation period.

COVID-19 impact on perinatal care: risk factors, clinical manifestation and prophylaxis. Polish experts' opinion for December 2020.

Rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coranovirus-2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) caused the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). Clinical course of the disease presents symptoms mainly from the respiratory system such as: cough, dyspnea and fever, and among some patients, can deteriorate even further to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), eventually leading to death. This outbreak, as well as previous ones (SARS, MERS) pose a significant challenge for health care managers, epidemiologists and physicians. Below we are presenting the clinical profile of the COVID-19 among special group of patients; pregnant women and newborns, who require special clinical management during hospitalization. In the summary of this manuscript, we present practical guidelines for managing pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, labor and care of the newborn of a positive mother, as well as practical guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations. It is important to stress, that this manuscript is based on information available as of December 2020.