Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: mechanisms of action in heart failure.

Diabetes is a key independent risk factor in the development of heart failure (HF) and a strong, adverse prognostic factor in HF patients. HF remains the primary cause of hospitalisation for diabetics and, as previous studies have shown, when HF occurs in these patients, intensive glycaemic control does not directly improve the prognosis. Recent clinical studies assessing a new class of antidiabetic drugs, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) showed some unexpected beneficial results. Patients treated with SGLT2is had a significant decrease in both cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality and less hospitalisations due to HF compared to those given a placebo. These significant clinical benefits occurred quickly after the drugs were administered and were not solely due to improved glycaemic control. These groundbreaking clinical trials' results have already changed clinical practice in the management of patients with diabetes at high CV risk. These trials have triggered numerous experimental studies aimed at explaining the mechanisms of action of this unique group of drugs. This article presents the current state of knowledge about the mechanisms of action of SGLT2is developed for the treatment of diabetes and which, thanks to their cardioprotective effects, may, in the future, become a treatment for patients with HF.

Various aspects of inflammation in heart failure.

Despite significant advances in the prevention and treatment of heart failure (HF), the prognosis in patients who have been hospitalised on at least one occasion due to exacerbation of HF is still poor. Therefore, a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of HF is crucial in order to achieve better results in the treatment of this clinical syndrome. One of the areas that, for years, has aroused the interest of researchers is the activation of the immune system and the elevated levels of biomarkers of inflammation in patients with both ischaemic and non-ischaemic HF. Additionally, it is intriguing that the level of circulating pro-inflammatory biomarkers correlates with the severity of the disease and prognosis in this group of patients. Unfortunately, clinical trials aimed at assessing interventions to modulate the inflammatory response in HF have been disappointing, and the modulation of the inflammatory response has had either no effect or even a negative effect on the HF prognosis. The article presents a summary of current knowledge on the role of immune system activation and inflammation in the pathogenesis of HF. Understanding the immunological mechanisms pathogenetically associated with left ventricular remodelling and progression of HF may open up new therapeutic possibilities for HF.

The differences in the consumption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the diet of pregnant women diagnosed with arterial hypertension or arterial hypertension and hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Excessive body weight induces the occurrence of arterial hypertension. The risk associated with irregularities during the perinatal period is increased in women with diagnosed hypothyroidism. Disorders of thyroid functions during pregnancy may cause higher body weight gains. The aim of this project was to determine the differences in the average daily intake of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in women with arterial hypertension and with hypothyroidism. METHODS: The control group (Group I) included healthy women. In this group, no complications during the course of pregnancy were observed and the delivery was on the due date. Group II was comprised of patients with arterial hypertension. Group III included patients with arterial hypertension, who were diagnosed with hypothyroidism before pregnancy. The women's eating habits and dietary composition were analyzed based on a dietary assessment. RESULTS: Women with arterial hypertension (Group II) consumed the highest number of calories per day, while women with a normal pregnancy consumed the lowest amount of calories. The daily consumption of vegetable protein was similar in all study groups. The average daily consumption of fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates was the highest among women with diagnosed arterial hypertension. Women with arterial hypertension and hypothyroidism more frequently gave birth before the 38th week of pregnancy. The average daily intake of Arginine, Lysine, Methionine and Tryptophan was lower in the group of women with a normal pregnancy than in the two other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive calorie intake causing significant body weight gain fostered the occurrence of arterial hypertension during pregnancy.

FT Raman spectroscopy in the evaluation of biomarkers of normal and pathological placenta tissue.

The basic precondition of proper intrauterine growth is appropriate supply of nutrients transported through placenta. Placenta capacity in the scope of transportation is dependent on transport systems and the structure of the basement membrane and syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane. The present pilot study demonstrates preliminary results of the analysis of placenta structure in the course of selected pathologies by FT Raman spectroscopy analysis. The observed changes of the molecular structure in the so-called average spectra, independent of methodical processing, may be an indicator of the efficiency of transportation controlled by syncytiotrophoblast. In particular, an increase in the intensity of dispersion and transfer within the frequency of 3425-3300 cm-1 demonstrate the dynamics of the interaction in the scope of hydrogen bonds in healthy tissues. Changes in the molecular structure within the frequency of 950-750 cm-1 and conformational changes within disulphide bonds differentiate the healthy tissue from the pathological one. Changes in the molecular structure observed in the FTR spectra are a spectroscopic image of placenta functions in the course of various pathologies. They also document a complex goal of our research that is finding spectroscopic biomarkers of regular and pathological placental tissue.

The dietary composition of women who delivered preterm and full-term infants.

OBJECTIVES: Literature data show that excess and primary deficiency in particular nutrients, vitamins and minerals may lead to pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertension and neural tube defects in the foetus. The aim of the study was to determine differences in average daily consumption of selected nutrients during pregnancy in women who did not supplement their diet and to evaluate the influence of dietary habits on the occurrence of pre-term delivery and hypertension in pregnant women. SAMPLE GROUP AND METHODS: Information on the course of pregnancy and the newborn's health status at birth was derived from the Charter of Pregnancy and documents recorded by the hospital. Women's eating habits and dietary composition were analyzed on the basis of a dietary questionnaire. The sample group was divided into four groups: women who delivered neonates appropriate for gestational age (AGA), women with gestosis who delivered AGA neonates by means of caesarean sections, women who delivered pre-term neonates (PTB) and women with gestosis who delivered PTB by means of caesarean sections. RESULTS: In the case of women with vaginal delivery at term the average intake of iodine was always higher than in other groups. Analysis of average daily intake of folates revealed a higher intake in the group of women who gave birth to full-term neonates with proper neonatal weight in comparison with the groups of women with pre-term delivery. P≤0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences in average daily intake of folates, iodine, retinol, magnesium and iron were observed between the group of women with vaginal delivery at term and the groups of women with diagnosed hypertension who delivered preterm. Correlation was demonstrated between average daily intake of iodine and vitamin D and the occurrence of arterial hypertension. Supplementation of the diet of women in the preconception and prenatal period with minerals and vitamins should be considered.

[Maternity after breast cancer treatment]. / Macierzynstwo po leczeniu raka piersi.

Recent years have seen a notable increase in the number of breast cancer diagnoses among women who have not fulfilled their maternity plans before the disease. Cytotoxic drugs (chemotherapy), used in the treatment of breast cancer patients, cause varying degrees of damage to the ovaries. The expected favorable effect of gonadoliberin analogues on the preservation of fertility has not been confirmed in clinical trials, and these drugs are currently not recommended for therapy. It is only the development of cryobiology and assisted reproduction techniques that make it possible to preserve the reproductive potential. The safety of the mother and the baby after breast cancer treatment is a separate issue. The available data indicate that both, pregnancy and breast-feeding are safe for the mother and the baby. However, the majority of findings come from retrospective studies covering small sample size and excluding the heterogeneity of both, cancer cells and patient clinical data.

Pregnant women's diet composition and transitional milk fatty acids: factor analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The variation in the nutrients contained in the milk is the result of changes to the breast metabolism, placenta metabolism and the diet of pregnant women. Various factors influence fatty acid composition which are one of the major components of woman's breast milk. In our research, we wanted to determine the relationship between the components of the diet of and the transitional milk fatty acid composition mothers who delivered healthy full-term babies, preterm and small for gestational age neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 95 healthy women who were divided into three sub-groups: mothers of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates (group A); mothers of preterm neonates (group B); and mothers who gave birth to small for gestational age (SGA) babies (Group C). The women's elements diet and the content of biochemical components were estimated based on the dietary questionnaire. The FAs in the mother's milk were analyzed using GCMS chromatography. The results of the studies of the dietary components and fatty acids of the milk underwent factor analysis. RESULTS: In group A, 10 correlations (5 positive and 5 negative) were found between the components of the mother's diet and the FAs in the milk (correlation varying from 0.285-0.366). In group B, only negative correlations were observed and these had higher absolute correlation values (0.354-0.500). The most correlations between dietary components and FAs in the milk were found in group C (0.537-0.800). CONCLUSION: Nature of the correlations between the variables examined in groups A, B and C are different.

[The level of job satisfaction and its relation to midwives' subjective quality of life]. / Analiza poziomu satysfakcji zawodowej oraz jej zwiazku z subiektywnie oceniana jakoscia zycia poloznych.

BACKGROUND: According to the so called Transactional Model of Quality of Life, job satisfaction is a part of subjective well-being. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between professional commitment, expressed as job satisfaction or dissatisfaction, consideration of leaving the profession or/and workplace, and subjective assessment of well-being among midwives working at hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a part of the international research project, coordinated by the University of Ostrava. The group of respondents consisted of 176 midwives working at selected hospitals in the Silesian region. The study was conducted using the method of diagnostic survey, questionnaire techniques and standardized research tools, such as McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS), Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A) and Subjective Emotional Habitual Wellbeing Scale (SEHP). RESULTS: The overall midwives' job satisfaction was found to be at a medium level. Respondents less satisfied with various aspects of work (interaction, co-workers, professional opportunities, praise/recognition, control/responsibility) and life (standard of living and achievements in life) were significantly more often considering changing their jobs. Dissatisfaction with the extrinsic rewards (salary, vacation, benefits package) had additionally influenced the frequency of considering changing the profession. The respondents were characterized by much lower sense of present and future security than that observed in Western countries, as well as by low satisfaction with standard of living and feeling part of the society. CONCLUSIONS: Job satisfaction and subjective well-being remain in strong relationship, and although it is difficult to determine the direction of these relationships, they seem to have a significant impact on each other.

Placental expression of Fatty Acid Desaturases 1, 2 and 3 in selected pregnancy pathologies.

Intrauterine development is a key period in human life. The foetal progress largely depends on the function of the placenta, whose responsibility is transportation and biosynthesis of fatty acids. Desaturation enzymes play a key role in placental fatty acid metabolism. Expression of genes coding for desaturases may be associated with pregnancy abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the transcriptional activity of the placental genes Fatty Acid Desaturases 1, 2 and 3 (FADS 1, 2 and 3) in women who gave birth to the infants appropriate for gestational age, large for gestational age, small for gestational age, with intrauterine growth restriction and born preterm. 34 pregnant women aged 21-37 years old participated in the study. The placental samples were taken from a site located 2-3 cm away from the umbilical cord attachment. The collected tissue sections were stored in RNAlater according to the manufacturer's protocol, until required for molecular analysis. The expression profiles of FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 were determined with RT-qPCR. There was no difference in FADS1 and FADS2 expression between the groups. However, the differences in the expression of the FADS3 were found. Analysis of the FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 transcription showed significant differences between most of the examined groups. Our findings suggest that the transcriptional activity of FADS genes changes with the severity of intrauterine disorders and is associated with foetal lipid disorders linked to a greater accumulation of fat in the foetal tissues.

Adiponectin to leptin index as a marker of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women with abnormal vaginal bleeding: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between endometrial cancer and adiponectin plasma concentration, leptin plasma concentration as well as adiponectin to leptin index in the population of postmenopausal women with abnormal vaginal bleeding. DESIGN: An observational study SETTINg: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Specialist Teaching Hospital in Tychy, Poland. Population. 99 women between 47 and 88 years old, in postmenopausal state. METHODS: The cases (54 women) were females hospitalized due to postmenopausal vaginal bleeding in whom dilation and curettage (D&C) was performed and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) was diagnosed in anathomopathology. Hysterectomy was then performed in all cases and the endometrial cancer diagnosis was confirmed. The controls (45 women) consists of females with no postmenopausal uterine bleeding in whom endometrial thickness in transvaginal ultrasound was greater than 5 mm. D&C was than performed and no endometrial neoplasia was detected in any of the subjects. Adiponectin and leptin plasma concentration was measured in both groups. Mein outcome measures. The area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity and cutoffs for adiponectin, leptin and adiponectin to leptin index. RESULTS: Adiponectin, leptin and adiponectin to leptin index were statistically correlated with the risk of endometrial cancer. At the suggested cutoffs, corresponding to the highest accuracy (minimal false-negative and false-positive results), adiponectin to leptin index resulted in the highest sensitivity and specificity compared to adiponectin and leptin alone. CONCLUSIONS: Adiponectin to leptin index due to the highest sensitivity and specificity may be used as a marker of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women with abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Open craniocerebral trauma in a patient at work: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Craniocerebral injuries belong to the category of bodily injuries which are characterised by high mortality and a high percentage of permanent effects in the form of disability. The likelihood of this injury exists in the workplace too. Performing works at a height or using high-pressure or mechanical machinery exposes employees to a higher risk of a craniocerebral injury. CASE REPORT: This case study deals with the topic of open craniocerebral trauma suffered by a 20-year-old man who was wearing no head protection at his place of work. It details the management of this trauma at the site of the accident, during transfer to the hospital and during hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: Fast transport, effective diagnostics and implementation of surgical treatment contributed to a good final result.

[Awareness of cervical cancer prevention among patients of gynecological outpatient clinic]. / Swiadomosc profilaktyki raka szyjki macicy wsród kobiet zglaszajacych sie do poradni K.

INTRODUCTION: Improvement of cervical cancer statistics in Poland is believed to be one of the main goals of all medical services. Cervical cancer is an easily preventable neoplasm thus effective strategies for its prophylaxis should be proposed and introduced to the whole population of Polish citizens. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to measure the extent of knowledge of females about cervical cancer and its prevention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 250 female patients of gynecological clinic at the Medical Centre in Krakow, Poland, aged 18-60, were included into the retrospective study The research was based on an original questionnaire designed by the authors containing questions concerning general socio-epidemiological status, as well as cervical cancer epidemiology and HPV infection prevention methods. RESULTS: The majority of respondents (68%) rated their knowledge on cervical cancer prevention strategies as medium. The main sources of information on that prophylaxis were: women's magazines (59% of respondents), media (47%) and Internet (38%). Additionally only one in three women acquired that information from gynecologist The main reason for performing the Pap smear test was the request of the respondent (43% of cases). Only 3% of them attended the test as a result of a personal invitation sent by National Health Service. The main reasons for not attending Pap smear test were: fear of pain (39%), lack of any symptoms (18%), carelessness (15%) and embarrassment (12%). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Knowledge on HPV infections and cervical cancer prevention among women attending gynecological outpatient clinic is insufficient. 2. Education, especially in the field of cervical cancer main risk factors as well as the course of pap smear collection, seems to be necessary in order to reduce the cervical cancer morbidity and the fear of performing pap smear tests.

Patient knowledge at the Respiratory Ward of the Railway Hospital in Wilkowice-Bystra about preventive treatments to combat house dust mites and alleviate allergy symptoms.

House dust mite allergy is a serious problem that affects about six million people in Poland and if left untreated could be the reason for the development of bronchial asthma. The main purpose of this study was to analyse how aware the patients in the respiratory ward were about the prevention of allergic diseases caused by house dust mites and the prophylactic measures that can be taken. The study took place between September 2018 and November 2018 and involved 109 patients, hospitalised in the Respiratory Ward of the Railway Hospital in Wilkowic-Bystra, who had been diagnosed with asthma and house dust mite allergy. People between 51 and 60 years of age comprised the largest group of respondents. A diagnostic survey method was utilised for the study, whereby the survey data was collected by way of a questionnaire completed by the participants. Most people (45.0%) experience an increase in allergy symptoms when cleaning the house and when sleeping at night (35.0%). Over half of the respondents (59.0%) believe, that the main places in which dust mites are found in the home are rugs, blankets and bedding. According to respondents (40.0%), prophylactic treatments against dust mite allergy at home are effective in alleviating the symptoms. Most respondents use preventive measures to combat house dust mites and relieve allergy symptoms. The main source of information about the prevention of allergic diseases is a doctor.

Analysis of the antibacterial properties of polycaprolactone modified with graphene, bioglass and zinc-doped bioglass.

PURPOSE: Innovative biomedical filaments for 3D printing in the form of short and biodegradable composite sticks modified with various additives were used to prepare biomaterials for further nasal implants. As the respiratory tract is considered to be potentially exposed to contamination during the implantation procedure there is a need to modify the implant with an antibacterial additives. The purpose of this work was to analyze the effect of biodegradable polymer - polycaprolactone (PCL) modification with various additives on its antibacterial properties. METHODS: PCL filament modified with graphene (0.5, 5, 10% wt.), bioglass (0.4% wt.) and zinc-doped bioglass (0.4% wt.) were used to print spatial biomaterials using FDM 3D printer. Pure polymer biomaterials without additives were used as reference samples. The key task was to assess the antimicrobial impact of the prepared biomaterials against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans ATCC 10231. RESULTS: The research results point to a significant antibacterial efficacy of the tested materials against S. aureus and C. albicans, which, however, seems to decrease with increasing graphene content in the filaments. A complete lack of antibacterial efficacy against E. coli was determined. CONCLUSIONS: The tested biomaterials have important antibacterial properties, especially against C. albicans. The obtained results showed that biomaterials made of modified filaments can be successfully used in implantology, where a need to create temporary tissue scaffolds occurs.

Stabilized Ortho-Silicic Acid as a Modifier of Tissue-Preliminary Comparative Biomaterial Studies.

The ortho-silicic acid (H4SiO4) plays an essential role in delivering silicon to body cells and the monomeric ortho-silicic acid is the most bioavailable source of silicon for humans. This study reveals that the ortho-silicic acid (OSA) modifies the tissue of a healthy and pathological hypotrophic amnion, thermal burn skin and, additionally, the OSA-incubated serum. Changes in the tissue modified by the ortho-silicic acid were traced on the molecular level with the use of FTIR spectroscopy. The most interesting area of tissue modification with the use of OSA acid solutions is the appearance of the 1085 cm-1 Si-O-Si band which is optimal for the 1:6000 OSA concentration. Microbiological studies aiming at anticipating anti-inflammatory and antibacterial bioactivity revealed that the skin samples and amniotic samples were characterised by good resistance to the following bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (medium growth inhibition zone: 0.5-4 mm). The present study determined the concentration and the composition of the solutions to be used in the future to create innovative modifiers (active dressings or new dietary supplements) enhancing tissue regeneration.

[Pregnancy and delivery course in overweight and obese women]. / Przebieg ciazy i porodu u ciezarnych z nadmierna masa ciala.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy and delivery in case of overweight women require special care. The main means of preventing obstetrical complications is promoting healthy lifestyle and pregnancy weight gain control among females planning the pregnancy as well as prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy/delivery course monitoring. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the pregnancy and delivery course in overweight and obese pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on a retrospective analysis of medical files of 132 pregnant women delivering in Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic in Tychy, Poland. The investigated group was divided into subgroups based on pre-pregnancy body mass index according to World Health Organization Criteria for obesity. The comparative analysis was then performed between the subgroups. RESULTS: The prevalence of bleedings in pregnancy pregnancy induced hypertension, diabetes and urinary tract infections was statistically higher in obese pregnant females. Similarly the rate of shoulder dystocia was statistically higher in the obese and overweight subgroups of women. There were no significant differences between subgroups in mean neonate body length or mean Apgar scores. However the highest neonate body weight was observer in subgroup of overweight females and those with pre-pregnancy normal BMI who gained more than 16 kilograms during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Excessive weight gain in pregnancy is associated with higher risk of pregnancy and delivery complications. 2. Both excessive pre-pregnancy body weight and excessive weight gain in pregnancy increase the risk of perinatal complications.

Quality of life in women with urinary stress incontinence and evaluation of tension-free vaginal tape treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of quality of life in women stress urinary incontinence (USI) and evaluation of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research included a group of 112 women aged 33-78 years. Before as well as 3 and 6 months after the TVT operation, patients were asked to fill in quality of life questionnaires. RESULTS: After 3 months 87.25% of the women reported full regression of USI symptoms, 7.8% an insignificant improvement, and 4.9% did not observe any change. After 6 months 85.71% reported full regression, 9.18% an insignificant improvement, and 5.1% did not observe any change. USI is responsible for a decrease in physical activity. The most uncomfortable symptom is involuntary urine leakage occurring mainly during an effort or sleep. After the TVT procedure, the majority of women confirmed a significant improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The TVT procedure is an effective method of treating USI in women: it significantly improves quality of life, with a recovery rate of 85-87%, and a low rate of complications.

Surface structure changes of pathological placenta tissue observed using scanning electron microscopy - a pilot study.

Structural changes within the placenta are observed in the course of pathological pregnancy. The aim of the study was to perform initial assessment of morphological features of placenta. The analysis was conducted by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Samples of placenta of women who delivered neonates appropriate for gestational age were characterized by a homogenous surface texture with natural corrugation. The surface of IUGR placenta from the group of mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension was definitely heterogeneous - noticeable swelling of tissue surface was observed. Samples from LGA group also demonstrated a number of surface bulges and heterogeneities which were, nonetheless, characterized by a certain repeatability.

Physical efficiency and activity energy expenditure in term pregnancy females measured during cardiopulmonary exercise tests with a supine cycle ergometer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate physical efficiency and activity energy expenditure (AEE) in term pregnancy females during cardiopulmonary exercise tests with a supine cycle ergometer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 22 healthy full-term pregnancy women with uncomplicated pregnancies hospitalized in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Specialist Teaching Hospital in Tychy, Poland. All subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) on a supine cycle ergometer. The 12-min, three-stage, progressive, symptom-limited submaximal test protocol (up to 80% HRmax) was used. Pulsometry was used to record HR on a beat-to-beat analysis and to calculate AEE. Respiratory responses were measured by ergospirometer and a computer system on a breath-by-breath basis at rest, during exercise and at restitution. RESULTS: In the studied population, VO2max was established at the level of 2.19 ± 0.33 L/min in ergospirometry and 2.04 ± 025 L/min in pulsometry. Physical efficiency calculated for sub-maximal exercise by use of the Davis equation was 30.52 ± 0.12%. AEE, based on VO2 in various phases of the CPET, was 0.47, 0.71 and 0.88 L/min for phases 25, 50 and 75 W. Based on ergospirometer readouts, AEE was 10.60, 16.11 and 20.94 kJ/min for phases 25, 50 and 75 W. Overall mean AEE (determined by pulsometry) was 10.59 kJ/min. CPET testing did not have any negative effect upon the health or life of the neonates involved in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Submaximal CPET up to 80% HRmax with a supine cycle ergometer is a safe and precise method for assessing work efficiency in term pregnancy women.

The Dietary Composition of Women Who Delivered Healthy Full-Term Infants, Preterm Infants, and Full-Term Infants Who Were Small for Gestational Age.

The impact of diet on the health of pregnant women remains an unresolved clinical issue. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the dietary intake of mothers who gave birth to full-term infants whose sizes were appropriate for gestational age (AGA), preterm birth (PTB) infants, and full-term infants who were small for gestational age (SGA). Of the 103 women who participated, 50 gave birth to AGA infants, 30 gave birth to PTB infants, and 23 gave birth to SGA infants. The composition of each woman's diet was analyzed using a questionnaire completed 3 days post-childbirth. Findings revealed a number of differences between the groups. The percentage of energy obtained from fat and the calcium and lactose intake was all highest in Group AGA. The largest number of differences in intake of fatty acids (FAs) was observed among short- and medium-chain FAs. Lower levels of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, and C14:0 were observed in the diets of women in Group PTB than in Group AGA. C18:0 intake was also lower in Group PTB than in Group AGA. The reduced short-, medium-, and long-chain FA intake by women in Group PTB also affected the total saturated FA intake, which was lowest in that group. These findings suggest that, even in mothers giving birth to children with only slight deviations from normal birth weight or normal gestational duration, differences in diet can be identified, particularly regarding FA content, which may affect the health of the newborn.