Cryopreserved homograft and autologous deep vein replacement for infrarenal aorto and iliaco-femoral graft infection: early and late results.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the early and late results of aortic replacement using cryopreserved homografts and autologous deep veins for infected infrarenal prosthetic reconstructions and the influence of type of bacteria on the mortality. METHODS: Thirty-three patients were treated from 30 March 1994 to 01 September 2008 for aorto-femoral or iliaco-femoral graft infections with homografts (HG:19) or autologous deep veins (DV:14). The diagnosis was based on physical signs, bacteriological tests and computed tomography(CT) scans. We obtain cryopreserved homografts from our non-profit vessel bank, deep veins were harvested before the arterial reconstruction. Patients were followed by clinical examination and ultrasound. RESULTS: The infections occurred 47.78 ± 20 months after the primary operations; 45% of the infections were caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Treatment indications included seven aortoduodenal fistula (21.2%) and six septic para-anastomotic bleedings (18.2%). There were six in-hospital deaths (18.2%). All the deceased patients had Gram-negative bacteria in cultures and pluribacterial infections. No patient died with single staphylococcus, streptococcus or MRSA infection. At three years freedom from reinfection was 100% in DV group and 82% (CI:0.56-0.92) in the homograft group. Survival after three years was 71% (CI:0.48-0.88) in HG group and 79% (CI:0.49-0.94) in DV group. The difference is not significant. CONCLUSION: For infrarenal graft infection homograft replacement or deep vein implantation is durable method and eradicate late reinfection. The in-hospital mortality is significantly higher in patients with aortoduodenal fistulas with Gram-negative organisms regardless of the conduit used for aortic replacement.

[Depression and professional activity: results of the NEXTEP study]. / Dépression et activité professionnelle : résultats de l'observatoire NEXTEP.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most common diseases. It is associated with a significant psychosocial disability and many studies have shown that it results in numerous sick-leaves, with substantial economic burden. However, most of the studies have been conducted in Northern Europe and the situation in France remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To describe the management of depressive patients and assess the impact of treatment on professional activity and sick-leave. METHODS: An epidemiological observational longitudinal study (NEXTEP) performed by TNS Healthcare in private practice psychiatrists. RESULTS: Data of 2516 patients included by 771 psychiatrists were analyzed. Patients aged 20 to 60 years, with professional activity and presenting with major depression were eligible if they were prescribed an antidepressant drug for the first time by this psychiatrist on the day of consultation. Women represented 65% of the cohort. Mean MADRS score at baseline was 34±7.7/60 and 47% of patients had a severe depression; only 5% had mild depression. Professional activity was impaired in 95% of cases. A sick-leave certificate was granted to 35% of the patients at the end of the first visit (first sick-leave or renewal in 14% and 21% of cases, respectively), and 100% were prescribed a pharmacological treatment (antidepressant agent). After 2 months, MADRS scores had dramatically decreased (-21 points on average) and 50% of the patients were symptom free. Most patients (75%) perceived improvement in working capacity; only 13% of patients received a sick-leave certificate. Escitalopram was associated with a significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms, along with a significantly lower number and duration of sick-leave certificates. In multivariate analysis, predictors of depression improvement were decreased in anxiety, improved in self-esteem, and escitalopram treatment. DISCUSSION: Frequency and duration of sick-leave appear lower than in other studies, notably those conducted in Scandinavian countries. However, employment laws are different, which may influence the physicians' attitudes. CONCLUSION: This study is the first that accurately describes the management of depressive patients and the impact of treatment on professional activity and sick-leave in France. It suggests that an appropriate management of depressive patients results in a rapid improvement of symptoms and work resumption in most cases.

Functionalization of gold nanoparticles with amino acid, beta-amyloid peptides and fragment.

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were functionalized by cysteine (Cys), beta-amyloid peptides (Cys(0)Abeta(1-28), Cys(0)Abeta(1-40), Abeta(1-42)) and a pentapeptide fragment (Leu-Pro-Phe-Phe-Asp-OH (LPFFD-OH)). Optical absorption spectra of these systems were recorded and the plasmon resonance maximum values (lambda(max)) of the UV-vis spectra together with the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were also analysed. Both TEM images and the appearance of a new absorption band between approximately 720 and 750 nm in the visible spectra of the Au-cysteine and Au-LPFFD-OH systems most probably indicate that upon addition of these molecules to Au NPs-containing aqueous dispersions formation of aggregates is occurred. The wavelength shift between the two observed absorption bands in cysteine- and pentapeptide-modified Au NPs systems are Deltalambda=185 and 193 nm, respectively. These results suggest that the monodisperse spherical gold nanoparticles were arranged to chained structure due to the effect of these molecules. For confirmation of the binding of citrate and cysteine onto the plasmonic metal surface (1)H NMR measurements were also performed. (1)H NMR results may suggest that the citrate layer on the metal surface is replaced by cysteine leading to a formation of organic double layer structure. In the presence of beta-amyloid peptides the aggregation was not observed, especially in the Au-Cys(0)Abeta(1-40) and Au-Abeta(1-42) systems, however compared to the cysteine or LPFFD-OH-containing gold dispersion with Cys(0)Abeta(1-28) measurable less aggregation were occurred. The spectral parameters clearly suggest that Abeta(1-42) can attach or bind to the surface of gold nanoparticles via both the apolar and the N-donors containing side-chains of amino acids and no aggregation in the colloidal gold dispersion was observed.

The role of autologous antebrachial arteriovenous fistula in the strategy of access planning for chronic uremic patients on hemodialysis.

AIM: The number of arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation increases worldwide. Haemodialysis is more effective, patients live longer, and they need more access operations. The optimal strategy for the order and sequence of the different type and localization of AV fistulas remains obscure. Based on internationally acclaimed guidelines, autogenous access should be performed whenever possible and the first operation of choice is the radiocephalic fistula at the wrist, the second type is the elbow fistula. The area between the standard exposures means also good access area and its usage is not emphasized properly. Our aim was to study the short and long-term the results of autologous forearm fistulas. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2005 we performed 1018 AV shunts in an academic tertiary care centre. Ninety-seven autologous antebrachial AV shunts were performed. The average follow-up time was 31.3 months. We examined the patency rate and its connection with different variables such as diabetes mellitus, acute or chronic operative situations, indications for surgery, diameter and quality of the vein. RESULTS: The primary patency rates were 93%, 79.5% and 61.2% at the end of years 1, 2 and 6, respectively. The patency rate was not significantly affected by any of the examined variables mentioned above. CONCLUSION: The patency rate of the autologous antebrachial AV shunt is comparable to the wrist and elbow fistulas, so our results support the practice of performing fistula at this atypical localization. Proximal autologous fistulas and prosthetic graft implantation could be postponed, this way valuable time could be saved for the uremic patients.

Selection of methodology to assess food intake.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the EFCOSUM project was to develop a method to estimate both acute and usual consumption levels in European countries and for the sake of comparison, a common basic method for dietary assessment was needed. The method should allow a reliable comparison of the intake of relevant dietary indicators among large population groups. DESIGN AND RESULTS: The selection of methodology was based on the available literature and the expertise of the participants. To guide the selection process, decision trees containing all relevant moments of choice, alternatives and criteria for the selection of a method for food consumption measurement were developed. Considering that insight into average food and nutrient intake and their distribution in well-defined groups of individuals was important, it was decided that for the monitoring of the selected dietary indicators food consumption data should be collected at an individual level. Different methods were reviewed (24 h recall, dietary record, food frequency questionnaire, dietary history method). CONCLUSIONS: Since the 24 h recall method is applicable in large European populations of different ethnicity, has a relatively low respondent and interviewer burden, is open-ended and is cost-effective, this method can be considered as the best method for EFCOSUM to get population mean intakes and distributions for subjects aged 10 y and over in different European countries. Usual intake should be estimated by statistical modelling techniques, using two non-consecutive 24 h recalls and a food list to assess the proportion non-users for infrequently consumed foods.

The effects of hemodilution with Hemolink upon hemodynamics and blood flow distribution in anesthetized dogs.

Hemoglobin based oxygen-carrying solutions (HBOCs) as hemoglobin replacement therapeutics are being tested for clinical use. Some of these products are associated with elevations in both systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances but their effect on the distribution of blood flow to major organs in larger animals have not been extensively described. We tested two formulations of o-raffinose cross-linked human hemoglobin, Hemolink (frozen-Hemolink-1 and refrigerated Hemolink-2) and compared them to Pentaspan, a colloid volume expander in extensive clinical use. Cardiovascular measurements and the distribution of blood flow (radionuclide-labeled microspheres) to the major organs were determined in Beagle dogs (n = 5 per group). After baseline measurements, either Hemolink-1, Hemolink-2, or Pentaspan was exchange transfused in an isovolemic manner (resulting in hematocrit reduction to approximately 20-25%); measurements were made 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-exchange. There was no significant difference in cardiac output, mean arterial pressures and systemic or pulmonary vascular resistances after exchange in any of the three groups. Myocardial blood flow increased in all three groups post-exchange but the increase was more sustained in the Hemolink groups. Endocardial/epicardial flow ratios were also maintained after exchange in all groups. Thus, Hemolink is ideally suited for volume replacement when used in conjunction with acute normovolemic hemodilution because under these circumstances, the adverse hemodynamic effects are alleviated while extra hemoglobin is added to the blood.

[Cryopreserved homografts in arterial reconstructions]. / Homograft beültetéssel végzett artériás rekonstrukciók.

The use of cryopreserved homologous vessels (CHV) in arterial reconstructions is indicated in cases when no suitable autologous material is available and the use of prosthetic grafts is contraindicated. In the presentations authors overview their 4 years' experiences with homografts in case of aneurysms and lower limb obliterative arterial disease. Forty four CHV grafts were implanted in 41 patients from May 1997 to May 2001. Following explantation and preparation the grafts are treated in a special preservation solution containing 10% DMSO, antibiotic and antimycotic drugs. Using a cryostat the graft packages get deep frozen and are stored in fluid nitrogen, therefore these grafts are available even after years. Donor and patient data are recorded and processed following strict bacteriological examination. No postoperative immunosuppression therapy was administered. Twenty six greater saphenous veins, 12 superficial femoral arteries, 2 iliac arteries, 3 aortic bifurcations and one thoracic aorta segment were used as graft material--24 grafts were implanted in femoro-crural, 7 in distal femoro-popliteal, 2 in proximal femoro-popliteal, 2 in ilio-femoral, 2 in femoro-femoral crossover, one in aorto-femoral, 3 in bifemoral and one in aorto-aortic position. Successful redo surgery was performed in case of graft occlusion in 6 cases, 11 limbs were amputated because of failed thrombectomy. One patient underwent surgery due to a pseudoaneurysm at the diaphysis of a femoro-crural graft, this case is presented in details. The three year graft and limb patency were 23% and 64% subsequently following infrainguinal reconstructions, graft reocclusion occurred in 17 cases, 11 limbs were amputated. Eight patients died in 30 days following CHV implantations, the causes of death were septic bleeding in 4 cases, acute myocardial infarction in 2 cases and cardiorespiratory insufficiency in 2 cases. According to the authors' results and to the literature based on well defined indication use of cryopreserved homologues vessels are a good choice for vascular reconstruction in cases, when implantation of biologic material is essential for restoring circulation.

The effects of hemodilution with Hemolink upon hemodynamics and blood flow distribution in anesthetized dogs.

Hemoglobin based oxygen-carrying solutions (HBOCs) as hemoglobin replacement therapeutics are being tested for clinical use. Some of these products are associated with elevations in both systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances but their effect on the distribution of blood flow to major organs in larger animals have not been extensively described. We tested two formulations of o-raffinose cross-linked human hemoglobin, Hemolink (frozen Hemolink-1 and refrigerated Hemolink-2) and compared them to Pentaspan, a colloid volume expander in extensive clinical use. Cardiovascular measurements and the distribution of blood flow (radionuclide-labeled microspheres) to the major organs were determined in Beagle dogs (n=5 per group). After baseline measurements, either Hemolink-1, or Hemolink-2, or Pentaspan was exchange transfused in an isovolemic manner (resulting in hematocrit reduction to approximately 20-25%); measurements were made 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-exchange. There was no significant difference in cardiac output, mean arterial pressures and systemic or pulmonary vascular resistance after exchange in any of the three groups. Myocardial blood flow increased in all three groups post-exchange but the increase was more sustained in the Hemolink groups. Endocardial/epicardial flow ratios were also maintained after exchange in all groups. Thus, Hemolink is ideally suited for volume replacement when used in conjunction with acute normovolemic hemodilution because under these circumstances, the adverse hemodynamic effects are alleviated while extra hemoglobin is added to the blood.

[Centenary of the Nobel Prize for medicine and physiology]. / Stogodisnjica dodele Nobelove nagrade za medicinu i fiziologiju.

A centenary of the first presentation of the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology has been the reason to make a survey of all those who had been given this prestigious award and their scientific contributions. The Nobel Foundation and the Nobel Museum with their Internet presentations have been the major source of information in this paper, providing a complete survey of anything related to the Nobel Prize. The following Internet address is a very useful source of information about all the laureates of the Nobel Prize for Medicine: www.almaz.comlnobe/medicine/medicine.

A phase I study of oxidized raffinose cross-linked human hemoglobin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of oxidized-raffinose cross-linked human hemoglobin, Hemolink, in normal healthy volunteers. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. SETTING: Clinical research facility of a contract research organization. PATIENTS: Forty-two healthy adult male volunteers of which 33 received Hemolink. INTERVENTIONS: Oxidized-raffinose cross-linked and polymerized hemoglobin as a 10% (w/v) solution, in doses of 0.025-0.6 g/kg or an equivalent volume of lactated Ringer's solution, was infused intravenously on day 1, and subjects were monitored for 3 days in the clinical facility with < or =6 wks follow-up. Major organ function was assessed pre- and postinfusion, by hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, pulmonary function, and clinical chemistry measurements. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Doses of 1.7-42 g of hemoglobin were administered with no serious adverse events noted. Abdominal pain of moderate to severe intensity was seen in some subjects at doses >0.4 g/kg and was alleviated with smooth muscle relaxants. There was a dose-dependent increase in mean arterial pressure with a plateau of approximately 14% above baseline at 0.1 g/kg. There was a concomitant reduction in heart rate, with no electrocardiographic abnormalities found. Respiratory function was not affected. There was a dose-dependent increase in serum bilirubin with values above the upper limit of normal at doses of > or =0.4 g/kg. Small increases in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were noted in some patients, whereas alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase remained in the normal range. Serum amylase concentrations were normal in 31 of 33 patients receiving Hemolink, whereas lipase was within the normal range in 21 of 33 patients. LDH was increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Two patients had increased creatine kinase concentrations, with a normal creatine kinase-MB mass fraction. All hematologic variables were within the normal range. The half-life of the oligomeric (>64 kDa) fraction of Hemolink was 18-20 hrs. CONCLUSION: Oxidized-raffinose cross-linked hemoglobin, Hemolink, at doses < or =0.6 g/kg were well tolerated in healthy volunteers with no evidence of organ dysfunction. Further investigation of its potential use in surgical and trauma settings appears warranted.

Haemodynamic response following a 10% topload infusion of HemolinkTM in conscious, anaesthetized and treated spontaneously hypertensive rats.

HemolinkTM (HLK), a haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC), is currently undergoing Phase II/III clinical trials in surgical patients. It causes some blood pressure rise in animal and human tests. This study was designed to investigate the systemic haemodynamic response to HemolinkTM in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR rats). Conscious or anaesthetized SHR rats and control Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY rats) received either HemolinkTM or homologous plasma as a 10% topload infusion. Some awake animals were pretreated with nifedipine and followed by HLK infusion. In the conscious animal study, HLK induced a greater pressure rise and less bradycardia in SHR rats than in WKY rats. In the anaesthetized animal experiment, HLK-induced pressure rise and bradycardia were similar in both strains and less pronounced than in the conscious animals. In the nifedipine pretreated SHR rats, HLK-induced pressure rise was significantly smaller than that observed in nontreated SHR rats and was not different from that of nontreated WKY rats. The HLK-induced bradycardia was significantly smaller in nifedipine-treated animals than in the nontreated SHR or WKY rats. This study suggests that the pressor effect of HemolinkTM can be attenuated in hypertensive animals with general anaesthesia or treatment with antihypertensive agents.

[Primary leiomyosarcoma of vascular origin in the groin causing lower extremity venous compression]. / Alsó végtagi vénás kompressziós tüneteket okozó éreredetú leiomyosarcoma az inguinális régióban.

A soft tissue tumor causing left lower extremity swelling in a 43 years old female was detected in the left inguinal region and resection was performed at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest. Histologic examination revealed primary leiomyosarcoma of vascular origin. On the base of this case attention is called to this rare disease, which has poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and complete resection plays key role in the treatment of leiomyosarcoma and may improve survival.

[Dr. Quiz: a program of medical question-data bank with access to Internet]. / Dr. Quiz: Internet-kapcsolattal rendelkezö orvosi tudásellenörzö programrendszer.

The authors' aim was to develop a programme of medical question-databank which could be used for self-assessment of knowledge. The programme incorporates computer-network technology utilising the Internet. The duration of Internet connection of users is merely limited to the time of selecting and downloading a group of questions. The series of multiple choice questions follows the decision making process of physicians from the description of the medical case to establishing the diagnosis and the therapy. The series of questions can be branched depending on the level of knowledge and the answers are evaluated with different number of scores emphasising the medical significance of the concrete question. Detailed explanations are attached to all possible responses and the general summary of the case can be read after completing the task. The addresses of the authors creating the different cases are also saved and in this way there is a chance of the direct communication between the authors and the users. Special feature of the programme is that when the users want to download a new group of questions, their previous answers are fed back to the server in order to get the possibility of improving the quality of the question-databank by means of an appropriate statistical analysis. At present, the programme is at the stage of checking and complementing.

A novel, selective synthetic acetamide containing culture medium for isolating Pseudomonas aeruginosa from milk.

A selective synthetic medium has been developed both in liquid (Z-broth) and solid (Z-agar) forms for selective isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from foods. The simple, easy to prepare peptone-free synthetic medium contained acetamide that is metabolized to ammonia and acetic acid providing nitrogen and carbon supply. The medium contained no inhibitors. Selectivity of the liquid medium was tested by inoculation of pure cultures of different bacteria belonging to the groups Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus. It was found that the selectivity of the medium was complete for the examined range of bacteria. However, a similar result was obtained when nitrofurantoin broth was used. Applicability of the synthetic agar medium was also tested by a nation-wide inter-laboratory test using two milk samples containing 10(3)/ml (sample I) and 10(5)/ml (sample II) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to this test, no microbiologically relevant differences were found between the results obtained by Z-agar and cetrimide-agar a frequently used selective agar in case of sample II. However, a relevant and statistically significant difference was found in the results of sample I in favour of the Z-agar, that could indicate the presence of a low number of bacteria. Concerning repeatability and reproducibility, Z-agar proved to be superior to cetrimide agar.

Iron status in a healthy population of Hungarian secondary school boys and girls.

Iron status was assessed in a sample of 103 male and 282 female students aged from 15 to 18 years attending secondary schools in Budapest. Using a ferritin model, in boys the prevalence of iron depletion, iron-deficient erythropoiesis and iron-deficient anemia was 3.9, 2.9 and 1.0%, respectively. In girls these values were 9.6, 8.2 and 2.8%, respectively. Males had better eating habits than females. Data for nutrients intake connected with iron status are discussed. The authors recommend the improvement of iron status by dietary means and oppose the indiscriminate iron supplementation.

Lipid status in adolescents born with low birth weight.

The study compared anthropometric parameters and lipid status of adolescent boys and girls (14-16 y) born with LBW or ABW. Values for body weight and height of LBW adolescents were lower than those for ABW's. BMI differed significantly between LBW and ABW boys. In LBW boys, serum LDL-C level was somewhat lower, and the ApoA1 concentration was higher than in ABW's. Other lipid parameters did not differ among the corresponding groups. These data suggest that hypercholesterolemia, which is seen in LBW adults, must develop in older ages, and the irregular lifestyle including improper nutritional habits may promote its occurrence in this vulnerable group.

[Cardiovascular disease-related serum lipid parameters in a Hungarian subpopulation]. / A szív- és érrendszeri megbetegedésekkel összefüggö szérumlipid-paraméterek egy magyar szubpopulációban.

The blood samples of 229 volunteers (100 men, aged 35-59 y and 129 women, aged 35-54 y) were randomly selected and analysed for serum lipids (triglyceride, total, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol), apolipoproteins (apolipoprotein A1, A2 and B) and Lp(a). The mean serum level of triglyceride was in the high risk category in males (2.50 +/- 2.27 mmol/L) and in normal range in females (1.31 +/- 0.82 mmol/L). Concentrations of total cholesterol (male: 5.93 +/- 1.16, female: 5.66 +/- 0.99 mmol/L) and LDL-cholesterol (male: 3.72 +/- 0.94, female: 3.55 +/- 0.81 mmol/L) were in the borderline risk category, and up to the 75th percentiles both total cholesterol (male: > 6.71, female: > 6.25 mmol/L) and LDL-cholesterol (male: > 4.38, female: > 4.10 mmol/L) were in the high risk categories. The mean values of HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1, A2 and B were in the desirable range in both sexes, but apolipoprotein B in males and females (male: > 1.3, female: > 1.29 g/dl) were in the high risk category up to the 75th and 90th percentiles, respectively. The mean levels of serum Lp(a) were 19.5 +/- 25.0 and 21.0 +/- 25.2 mg/dl for men and women, respectively, and up to the 75th percentiles were in the high risk category (> 30 mg/dl) both in males and females.

Proximal bleeding control obtained by a balloon catheter in the surgical repair of a left supraclavicular traumatic arteriovenous fistula.

Endovascular procedures offer various methods for the treatment of posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas. We report the treatment of a posttraumatic arteriovenous fistula between the left subclavian artery and internal jugular vein combined with a large subclavian false aneurysm. To avoid left thoracotomy we attained control of arterial bleeding by means of a transfemorally introduced balloon catheter advanced into the left subclavian artery. We found that the combination of endovascular procedures with classical surgery can reduce the risks in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas.

Nutritional survey of pregnant women in Hungary.

A nutritional survey of a Hungarian group of pregnant women was carried out. One hundred and twenty nine women aged 25.9 years, entered the study, but only 70 completed all the protocol. Average body weight gain was 12.4 kg and the mean birth weight of the newborns was 3,386 g. Mean energy and nutrient intakes of pregnant women showed similar patterns as in Hungarian non-pregnant women of the same age. The mean energy intake was high (11 MJ), being 10% higher than for non-pregnant women. The mean protein and lipid intakes were also high, 91.9 g and 108.4 g, respectively, exceeding by 7% and 6% the intakes of the non-pregnant women. Dietary intakes of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were close to 12% of energy, and the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was 7.6% of total energy. Palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1 n-9) and linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) made the greatest contribution to the total peak area of SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, respectively. The ratio of P/S (polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids) was appropriate: 0.65; however, the ratio of linoleic acid (18:2 n-6), to linolenic acid (18:3 n-3) was high: 16. The cholesterol intake was somewhat lower in pregnant than in non-pregnant women. Complex carbohydrate intake was low (245 g) but it was still by 75% higher than in non-pregnant women. The excess sodium intake (6.3 g) was very similar to that of non-pregnant women. Mean values for retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, cobalamin and copper intakes were higher than the Hungarian Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, calcium, iron and zinc intakes were insufficient. Data showed an imbalance in the energy and nutrient intakes of Hungarian pregnant women, and this could be harmful for both the mother and pregnancy outcome.