Expression of Osteoblast-Specific Factor 2 (OSF-2, Periostin) Is Associated with Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

One of the main obstacles to the effective treatment of ovarian cancer patients continues to be the drug resistance of cancer cells. Osteoblast-Specific Factor 2 (OSF-2, Periostin) is a secreted extracellular matrix protein (ECM) expressed in fibroblasts during bone and teeth development. Expression of OSF-2 has been also related to the progression and drug resistance of different tumors. The present study investigated the role of OSF-2 by evaluating its expression in the primary serous ovarian cancer cell line, sensitive (W1) and resistant to doxorubicin (DOX) (W1DR) and methotrexate (MTX) (W1MR). The OSF-2 transcript (real-time PCR analysis), protein expression in cell lysates and cell culture medium (western blot), and expression of the OSF-2 protein in cell lines (immunofluorescence) were investigated in this study. Increased expression of OSF-2 mRNA was observed in drug-resistant cells and followed by increased protein expression in cell culture media of drug-resistant cell lines. A subpopulation of ALDH1A1-positive cells was noted for W1DR and W1MR cell lines; however, no direct co-expression with OSF-2 was demonstrated. Both drugs induced OSF-2 expression after a short period of exposure of the drug-sensitive cell line to DOX and MTX. The obtained results indicate that OSF-2 expression might be associated with the development of DOX and MTX resistance in the primary serous W1 ovarian cancer cell line.

The Role of Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) Expression in Paclitaxel and Topotecan Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

The major cause of ovarian cancer treatment failure in cancer patients is inherent or acquired during treatment drug resistance of cancer. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a secreted, non-collagenous extracellular matrix protein involved in inhibition of tissue calcification. Recently, MGP expression was related to cellular differentiation and tumor progression. A detailed MGP expression analysis in sensitive (A2780) and resistant to paclitaxel (PAC) (A2780PR) and topotecan (TOP) (A2780TR) ovarian cancer cell lines and their corresponding media was performed. MGP mRNA level (real time PCR analysis) and protein expression in cell lysates and cell culture medium (Western blot analysis) and protein expression in cancer cells (immunofluorescence analysis) and cancer patient lesions (immunohistochemistry) were determined in this study. We observed increased expression of MGP in PAC and TOP resistant cell lines at both mRNA and protein level. MGP protein was also detected in the corresponding culture media. Finally, we detected expression of MGP protein in ovarian cancer lesions from different histological type of cancer. MGP is an important factor that might contribute to cancer resistance mechanism by augmenting the interaction of cells with ECM components leading to increased resistance of ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel and topotecan. Expression found in ovarian cancer tissue suggests its possible role in ovarian cancer pathogenesis.

Mutual Expression of ALDH1A1, LOX, and Collagens in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines as Combined CSCs- and ECM-Related Models of Drug Resistance Development.

A major contributor leading to treatment failure of ovarian cancer patients is the drug resistance of cancer cell. CSCs- (cancer stem cells) and ECM (extracellular matrix)-related models of drug resistance are described as independently occurring in cancer cells. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is another extracellular protein involved in collagen cross-linking and remodeling of extracellular matrix and has been correlated with tumor progression. The expression of LOX, COL1A2, COL3A1, and ALDH1A1 was performed in sensitive (A2780, W1) and resistant to paclitaxel (PAC) (A2780PR1 and W1PR2) and topotecan (TOP) (W1TR) cell lines at the mRNA (real-time PCR analysis) and protein level (Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis). The ALDH1A1 activity was measured with the ALDEFLUOR test and flow cytometry analysis. The protein expression in ovarian cancer tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. We observed an increased expression of LOX and collagens in PAC and TOP resistant cell lines. Subpopulations of ALDH1A1 positive and negative cells were also noted for examined cell lines. Additionally, the coexpression of LOX with ALDH1A1 and COL1A2 with ALDH1A1 was observed. The expression of LOX, collagens, and ALDH1A1 was also detected in ovarian cancer lesions. In our study LOX, ALDH1A1 and collagens were found to be coordinately expressed by cells resistant to PAC (LOX, ALDH1A1, and COL1A2) or to TOP (LOX and ALDH1A1). This represents the study where molecules related with CSCs (ALDH1A1) and ECM (LOX, collagens) models of drug resistance are described as occurring simultaneously in ovarian cancer cells treated with PAC and TOP.

The role of visfatin in pathogenesis of gestational diabetes (GDM).

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is defined as a glucose intolerance of varying severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Two major metabolic disorders: insulin resistance and ß-cells dysfunction, play currently major role in pathogenesis of GDM. Adipose tissue is an organ involved in production of adipokines, which have various influence on metabolism of glucose and lipids. Visfatin is an adipokine mainly produced and secreted by the fat tissue. It exerts an insulin-like effect by binding to the insulin receptor-1 and have hypoglycemic effect. Visfatin appears to be an important factor in the pathophysiology of GDM. The aim of this article is to review the literature concerning the relationship between the adipokine mentioned above and GDM, and to clarify its role in the pathophysiology of GDM.

An observational study of the risk of neonatal macrosomia, and early gestational diabetes associated with selected candidate genes for type 2 diabetes mellitus polymorphisms in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: 1) to analyse the prevalence of selected candidate genes for type 2 diabetes mellitus polymorphisms (IRS1 G972R; ENPP1 K121Q; ADRB3 W64R) among women with gestational diabetes; and 2) to investigate any association between variants of these genes and risk of neonatal macrosomia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of a group of women (N = 140) in singleton pregnancies who delivered at term. Characteristics of the study group at enrolment: age: 32.0 ± 4.9 years; GA: 26.6 ± 7.5 weeks; HbA1c: 5.6 ± 0.6%; fasting blood glucose: 102.3 ± 16.3 mg/dL; insulin treatment (G2DM): 65.7%; chronic hypertension: 11.4%; gestational hypertension: 17.9%; preeclampsia: 1.4%; birth weight: 3590 ± 540 g; birth weight ≥ 4000 g (macrosomia): 18.6%; caesarean section: 44.3%; and female newborns: 57.1%. RESULTS: The maternal metabolic characteristics at the time of booking did not differ between polymorphisms. Macrosomia was insignificantly more frequent in females (22.5%) than in males (13.3%) (p = 0.193). Only maternal height and body weight at the time of booking significantly predicted birth weight (R = 0.27, p = 0.007; R = 0.25, p = 0.005, respectively). IRS1 G972R GR and ENPP1 K121Q KQ polymorphisms were associated with an insignificantly increased risk for macrosomia. Carriers of the heterozygotic variant of the IRS 1 gene were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with GDM/DiP in the first trimester: OR 5.2, 95% CI: 1.4; 19.2; p = 0.014. CONCLUSIONS: 1) having similar metabolic characteristics, carriers of specific variants of T2DM candidate genes might be at increased risk of delivery of macrosomic newborns; 2) any association between genetic variants and macrosomia in this population might be gender-specific; and 3) allelic variation in the IRS1 gene is associated with early GDM/DiP.

Chorionic thickness and PlGF concentrations as early predictors of small-for-gestational age birth weight in a low risk population.

OBJECTIVES: SGA is associated with higher incidence of postnatal complications, including suboptimal neurodevelopment and increased cardiovascular risk. Screening for SGA, carried out at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks enables to reduce or completely eliminate the above mentioned complications. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between chorionic thickness, concentration of PIGF protein and foetal birth weight in a single low-risk pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 76 patients at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks, monitored throughout preg-nancy. Ultrasound examinations identified the location and thickness of the chorion by measuring it in its central part at its widest point in a sagittal section. Additionally, at each visit venous blood was collected to determine the level of PlGF, PAPP-A, and BhCG. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation (r = 0.37) was found between the foetal weight and chorionic thickness. This correlation was affected by the location of the chorion and a significant negative correlation was observed between the level of PLGF, FHR, weight and length of the newborn. Maternal early-pregnancy BMI did not affect neonatal weight and body length, FHR, chorionic thickness, and the levels of PlGF, PAPP-A, and BhCG. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary analysis indicates an association between chorionic thickness assessed during ultrasound at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks, PIGF levels assayed at the same time and birth weight. Increasing chorion thickness was accompanied by increasing foetal birth weight. PlGF level showed an inversely proportional effect on the foetal weight. This correlation was significant for the posterior location of the chorion.

Chronic and gestational metabolic disorders have a different impact on late-pregnancy endothelial function in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated how maternal endothelial function is affected by pregestational (Type 1) diabetes mellitus (PGDM) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and/or chronic hypertension (chHT) or gestational hypertension (PIH). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study involving 78 participants with GDM, PGDM and/or hypertension (PIH-16, GDM + PIH-14, PGDM + chHT-8, PGDM-20, GDM-20) in the third trimester of a singleton viable pregnancy. Twenty healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies matched for gestational age served as controls. We analysed maternal data, disease history and serum concentrations of E-selectin and Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1). RESULTS: Only the maternal serum concentration of sVCAM-1 differed significantly among the subgroups (p< 0.0001), with the highest levels evident in women with PIH or GDM + PIH and the lowest in women with PGDM alone or PGDM + chHT. CONCLUSIONS: Pregestational or pregnancy associated disorders, although sharing similar clinical symptoms, have a different impact on endothelial function in pregnant women.

Ballantyne Syndrome (Mirror Syndrome) associated with severe non-immune fetal hydrops--a case report.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to present a case of rapidly progressing non-immune fetal hydrops (NIHF) of unknown etiology in a normal-karyotype fetus, accompanied by severe maternal edema, anemia, and hypoproteinemia. After the differential diagnosis, Ballantyne Syndrome (BS, Mirror Syndrome) was diagnosed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a case of a 31-year-old multipara at 22/24 weeks of pregnancy presenting severe symptoms of non-immune fetal hydrops: subcutaneous edema, hydrothorax, ascites and placental edema associated with maternal edema, anemia and hypoproteinemia. After cardiovascular infectious, immune and morphological causes were excluded, amniocentesis was performed and confirmed normal female 46, XX karyotype. Since 22 weeks of pregnancy increasing maternal edema and anemia were observed. No hematological, cardiac or nephrological causes of this condition were found. RESULTS: At 24 weeks of pregnancy intrauterine fetal demise was diagnosed and surgical evacuation (cesarean section) of the fetus was performed. Resolution of maternal edema, anemia, and hypoproteinemia was observed shortly after the delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, it seems safe to conclude that BS may develop in pregnancy complicated by NIHF of unknown origin.

[The impact of metabolic control on uteroplacental circulation parameters in pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension and/or preeclampsia in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes]. / Wplyw wyrównania metabolicznego na parametry krazenia maciczno-lozyskowego w ciazy powiklanej nadcisnieniem ciazowym i stanem przedrzucawkowym u ciezarnych z cukrzyca przedciazowa.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluated the impact of metabolic control in pregnant women with PGDM on uteroplacental circulation parameters during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 141 pregnant women divided into 3 subgroups: PE + GH group (n = 16)--woman suffering from PGDM, with superimposed PE or GH, the PGDM group (n = 84)--women suffering from PGDM without hypertension, and the control group--41 healthy women in uncomplicated pregnancy. All participants were monitored for metabolic control and uteroplacental circulation parameters during pregnancy. The survey was completed after the data from the perinatal period were collected. RESULTS: The differences between the uterine artery pulsatility index (Pi UtA) in the first trimester of pregnancy expressed as a multiple of the median (MoM), were not statistically significant between the groups (p ≥ 0.42). Also, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups Pi UtA in the second (p ≥ 0.33) and third trimester of pregnancy (p = 1.0). The rate of fetal growth was comparable in all groups. Infant birth weight percentile in the study groups did not differ statistically (p ≥ 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Tight metabolic control during pregnancy in women suffering from PGDM allows to obtain blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation which is comparable to their healthy pregnant peers.

Self-directed learning in high-quality antenatal screening.

OBJECTIVES: To compare first-trimester scan results between audited (AS), according to the Fetal Medicine Foundation criteria, and non-audited sonographers (NAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of N = 629 and N = 1290 NT and CRL measurements done by AS and NAS, respectively. RESULTS: For similar examined populations (similar CRL and maternal age at examination) NT values were significantly lower in NAS with NT of 1.0 mm or less in 26.9% of measurements taken by NAS (vs. 0.3% in AS). NT differed significantly between NAS and AS in all maternal age groups, except for patients below 24 years of age and in all CRL categories. CONCLUSIONS: Training of sonographic skills in fetal medicine needs to be complemented by a regular audit to ensure adequate quality of the measurements.

Maternal serum placental growth factor and fetal SGA in pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To analyze the role of maternal placental growth factor (PlGF) in the prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) birth weight in pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: A prospective observational study on 59 normotensive T1DM pregnant women, assessing maternal PlGF concentrations between the 10th-14th and 22nd-25th weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Number of SGA vs. non-SGA newborns was 11 (18.6%) vs. 48 (81.4%), respectively. First trimester PlGF serum concentrations (pg/mL) were similar between SGA vs. non-SGA groups [data given as median (interquartile range)]: 65.5 (35.58-159.20) vs. 68.23 (11.59-150.03), respectively; P=0.44. A trend for lower PlGF concentrations was observed in the second trimester in the SGA vs. non-SGA group: 63.34 (12.79-119.16) vs. 116.75 (33.93-235.82); P=0.07. In the SGA group, PlGF concentrations did not differ between the first and the second trimester: 65.5 (35.58-159.20) vs. 63.34 (12.79-119.16), respectively; P=0.36. In the non-SGA group, PlGF concentrations were significantly higher at the gestational age of 22-25 weeks compared to 10-14 weeks [116.75 (33.93-235.82) vs. 68.23 (11.59-150.03); P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased PlGF serum concentration in mid-pregnancy, as well as a lack of physiological increase in PlGF levels between early and mid-gestation, may precede development of SGA in women with T1DM.

[The influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiotensin-converting enzyme on the course of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes]. / Wplyw polimorfizmów pojedynczych nukleotydów (SNP) sródblonkowej syntazy tlenku azotu (eNOS) oraz konwertazy angiotensyny (ACE) na przebieg ciazy powiklanej cukrzyca typu 1.

AIM: to study the frequency of genetic variants of eNOS and ACE polimorphism and their possible influence on the course of diabetic pregnancy and perinatal outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 107 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Women's Diseases between 2008-2011, were enrolled into the study. Ninety six (90%) of the patients delivered at term. All women were treated with intensive insulin therapy Glucose control was performed by means of self-monitoring with glucometers. The target fasting glucose levels were below 90 mg/dl (5.0 mmol/l) and postprandial below 120 mg/dl (6.7 mmol/I). DNA for the analysis of polimorphisms was extracted from the leukocytes. Afterwards, the number of specific eNOS and ACE genotypes was calculated and the subgroups of alleles of these two genes were created. RESULTS: Subjects with heterozygote genotype eNOS GT and ACE ID constituted the largest group of patients (24/22%); the smallest group presented eNOS TT (ACE II, ID, DD) genotype (8/8% of the whole studied group). Next, selected genotypes were analyzed in relation to the metabolic status, duration of diabetes and perinatal outcome. RESULTS: Our results enabled us to conclude that, despite identical treatment of all gravidas, diabetic patients with eNOS TT polimorphism presented with the highest body weight, and the strongest lipid and glucose disturbances, what probably resulted in marosomic neonatal weight. CONCLUSIONS: The eNOS and ACE genetic variants may affect the course of a diabetic pregnancy in terms of metabolic control and perinatal outcome.

Ultrasound measurements of umbilical cord transverse area in normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: A voluminous umbilical cord has been described in diabetic pregnancies. The aim of this studywas to see if measurements of cord diameters might be of value in the evaluation of diabetic pregnancies and especially those suspected of a large for gestational age (LGA) fetus. METHODS: In an observational, prospective study umbilical cord areas and vessel diameters were measured between gestational age of 22 and 40 weeks in transverse ultrasound images of the central part of the cord in 141 normal and 135 diabetic pregnancies of which 30 were suspected of being LGA. Wharton's jelly area was calculated by subtracting the vessel area from the total transverse cord area. Normal reference curves were constructed for gestational age. RESULTS: Umbilical cord and Wharton's jelly areas increased with gestation. The vessel area leveled out at 32-33 weeks of gestation and the umbilical vein area decreased after 36 weeks of gestation. The umbilical cord parameters in diabetic pregnancies did not differ from controls. Cord areas were enlarged in 1/3 of the LGA fetuses. CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord area measurements are of limited value for the evaluation of diabetic pregnancies suspected having a LGA-fetus.

Multiple daily injections of insulin versus continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: The aim was to evaluate the outcome of pregnancies with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) treated from the first trimester with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI). METHODS: In a retrospective, observational study, we matched 64 CSII patients for age, age at onset and duration of diabetes and HbA1c in the first trimester with 64 MDI pregnancies. We analysed carbohydrate metabolism, insulin requirements, development of PIH, progression of retinopathy and fetal outcome. RESULTS: In CSII group, we found a significantly smaller insulin requirement both at the beginning of pregnancy and before delivery, significant decrease in HbA1c levels and significantly smaller number of hypoglycaemic episodes in the second trimester and significantly more hyperglycaemic episodes in the first trimester. In both groups, maternal, fetal and perinatal outcomes were similar and the number of hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes decreased throughout pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) treatment in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes is associated with a reduced number of hypoglycaemia and decreased insulin requirement. We noted no difference in perinatal outcome comparing women on multiple insulin injections with those on continuous insulin infusion.

Double diabetes as an effect modifier for adverse perinatal outcome in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus - a retrospective multicenter cohort study.

Introduction: Double diabetes (DDiab) is defined as T1DM coexisting with insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and/or obesity. Little evidence is available regarding how frequent DDiab is among T1DM pregnancies and whether it affects the perinatal outcome in this population. Aims of the study: To explore the prevalence of DDiab in early pregnancy in the cohort of pregnant women with T1DM and to examine the association between an early-pregnancy DDiab status and fetomaternal complications characteristic for T1DM in pregnancy. Material and methods: A retrospective data analysis of the multicenter cohort of N=495 pregnant women in singleton pregnancy complicated with T1DM followed from early pregnancy until delivery in three tertiary referral centers. DDiab status was defined as T1DM plus pre-pregnancy obesity defined as BMI≥30 kg/m2 measured at the first antenatal visit (DDiabOb), or T1DM plus pre-pregnancy IR defined as eGDR (estimated Glucose Disposal Rate) below the 25th centile for the cohort measured at the first antenatal visit (DDiabIR). Proportions of the adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared between DDiabOb and Non-DDiabOb and between DDiabIR and Non-DDiabIR patients. Characteristics of the study group: (data presented as mean(SD) or percentage): age: 30.0(5.1) years; age when T1DM diagnosed: 17.5(8.5) years; T1DM duration: 12.0(7,9) years; microvascular complications (White classes R,F,RF): 11.9%, pre-pregnancy counselling: 26.6%, baseline gestational age: 10.5(4.3) weeks, pre-pregnancy BMI: 23.7(4.3) kg/m2; chronic hypertension: 9.1%, gestational hypertension (PIH) 10.7%, preeclampsia (PET): 3.2%; nulliparity 53.8%, smoking in pregnancy: 4.8%, eGWG: 22.4%, DDiabOB: 10.1%; DdiabIR: 25.2%; LGA: 44.0%, and NICU admission: 20.8%. Results: (data from the univariate analysis given as OR(95%CI)): both DDiabOB and DDiabIR status increased the risk for eGWG [23.15 (10.82; 55.59); 3.03 (1.80; 5.08), respectively]. DDiabIR status increased the risk for PET [4.79 (1.68;14.6)], preterm delivery [1.84 (1.13; 3.21)], congenital malformation [2.15 (1.07;4.25)], and NICU hospitalization [2.2 (1.20;4.01)]. Both DDiabOB and DDiabIR accurately ruled out PET (NPV 97.3%/98.3%, accuracy: 88.3%/75.6%, respectively), congenital malformation (NPV 85.6%/88.4%, accuracy: 78.9/69.8, respectively), and perinatal mortality (NPV 98.7%/99.2%, accuracy: 88.8%/74.5%, respectively). Conclusions: Double diabetes became a frequent complication in T1DM pregnant population. Double diabetes diagnosed in early pregnancy allows for further stratification of the T1DM pregnant population for additional maternal risk.

[Modern methods of early screening for preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension--a review]. / Wspólczesne metody wczesnej diagnostyki stanu przedrzucawkowego i nadcisnienia indukowanego ciaza.

Preeclampsia remains to be a serious perinatal complication and early screening for this disease to identify the high risk population before the first symptoms develop constitutes a considerable clinical challenge. Modern methods of screening for preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension include patients history biochemical serum markers and foetal DNA and RNA in maternal serum. They aid the process of developing an optimal protocol to initiate treatment in early pregnancy and to reduce the rate of complications. Our review presents an overview of the novel methods and techniques used for early screening for preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Most of the research focuses on 11-13 weeks of gestation due to the fact that the first prenatal examination is performed at that time. The most important information seems to be: weight, mass, mean blood pressure, history of pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia at previous pregnancies as well as the ethnic origin. During an ultrasound scan, pulsatility index of the uterine arteries is measured. Blood samples are obtained during the last part of the examination. At the moment only a few markers seem to be strong predictors of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy: pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), placental growth factor (PIGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). Also, fetal DNA and RNA in maternal plasma are helpful in the prediction of preeclampsia as they are markers of the trophoblast apoptosis. Researchers aim at identifying the population at high risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia in order to offer appropriate antenatal care to these women. At the moment many drugs and diet supplements are investigated to reduce the prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. These medications are usually administrated in early gestation (up to 16 week of gestation) before the first clinical symptoms present. Low doses of aspirin were found to decrease the risk of preeclampsia in high-risk groups. Moreover, according to some recent research, also essential omega-3 fatty acids reduce the incidence of preeclampsia. None of the other investigated diet supplements or antioxidants were proven to successfully reduce incidents of hypertensive disorders. So far, there is available evidence on the lack of any effect for vitamines C, D or E. Further studies are necessary to define clinical useful markers of gestational hypertension.

Appendicitis in diabetic pregnancy--case report.

We present a case report of a 22-year-old pregnant patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnosed with an appendicitis at 21st week of gestation, who underwent laparotomy and appendectomy. In later pregnancy she required treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections and nephrolithiasis. Despite having several risk factors for an unfavorable perinatal outcome, she had caesarean section performed at term and delivered a healthy full-term newborn. In this patient, we also discuss clinical conundrum of pregnancy complicated with several conditions that may manifest with acute abdominal symptoms and perioperative care for a pregnant woman with type 1 diabetes..

Pregnancy in diabetic woman with coexisting hypothyroidism, coronary artery disease and with early onset nephrotic syndrome--a case report.

We present a case of pregnancy in 28-years old nulliparous woman with an over 20-years long history of diabetes, hypothyroidism, diabetic nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome, retinopathy and coronary artery disease treated with PCA prior the pregnancy (class H diabetes, according to White classification).

[Recommendations of Polish Gynecological Society concerning perinatal care in obese pregnant women]. / Standardy Polskiego Towarzystwa Ginekologicznego "Opieka poloznicza nad ciezarna otyla".

Maternal obesity (defined as prepregnancy maternal BMI> or = 30 kg/m2) is a risk factor strongly associated with serious perinatal complications and its prevalence has increased rapidly in a general population during the last decades. Therefore, following international approach to regulate perinatal care in this population, Group of Experts of Polish Gynecological Society developed these new guidelines concerning perinatal care in obese pregnant women, including women after bariatric surgery. The recommendations cover detailed information on specific needs and risks associated with obesity in women of reproductive age, pregnancy planning, antenatal care, screening, prophylaxis and treatment for other pregnancy complications characteristic for maternal obesity fetal surveillance, intrapartum care and post-partum follow-up. Pregnancy planning in these patients should involve dietary recommendations aiming at well balanced diet and daily caloric uptake below 2000 kcal and modest but regular physical activity with sessions every two days starting from 15 min and increased gradually to 40 min. Laboratory work-up should include tests recommended in general population plus fasting glycemia and oral glucose tolerance if necessary thyroid function, lipidprofile, blood pressure and ECG. Patients after bariatric surgery should allow at least one year before they conceive and have their diet fortified with iron, folic acid, calcium and vit. B12. Antenatal care should include monitoring body weight gain with a target increase in body weight less than 7 kg, thromboprophylaxis, strict monitoring of blood pressure and diagnostic for gestational diabetes in early pregnancy. Fetal ultrasonic scans should be arranged following protocols recommended by US section of Polish Gynaecological Society with additional scan assessing fetal growth performed within 7 days before delivery and aiming at assessing a risk for shoulder dystocia in a patient. Intrapartum care should be delivered in referral centers where fetal and maternal intrapartum complications can be addressed, preferably equipped with a proper medical equipment necessary to deal safely with extremely heavy individuals. Medical staff taking intrapartum care for obese parturient should be also aware of reduced reliability of methods used for intrapartum fetal surveillance, increased risk for intrapartum fetal death, maternal injuries, postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, thrombophlebitis and infection. Pediatrician should be also available due to increased neonatal morbidity mainly due to meconium aspiration syndrome, hypoglycemia, and respiratory distress syndrome. In puerperium, medical staff should be prepared to deal with breastfeeding disturbances and increased maternal mortality.