Cesarean scar pregnancy - various methods of treatment.

Ectopic pregnancy constitutes 2% of all pregnancies. In the last decades, due to the rising amount of caesarean sections, new localization of ectopic pregnancy has been observed - caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Cesarean scar pregnancy is an iatrogenic disease and a life-threatening condition which frequency will systematically rise. Because of possible serious complications, CSP should be swiftly diagnosed and treated. The purpose of this retrospective study was to demonstrate different methods of CSP treatment performed between 2015-2018 in the Clinic of Endocrinological Gynaecology and Gynaecology Jagiellonian University Medical College in Cracow. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, various methods of treatment and clinical outcomes were analysed. Definitive algorithm of CSP treatment is still not established. Pharmacological and operative methods are approved while expectant observation is considered unsafe due to possible risk of complications for the patient, including death.

Challenging iatrogenic menopause. Oncofertility programme in Poland - a single-centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Menopause is defined as a 12-month period of time when menstruation permanently ceases. In some cases, menopause may be caused by external factors - for example gonadotoxic treatment that irreversibly damages ovarian tissue leading to loss of its hormonal and reproductive function. Oncofertility is a discipline that merges oncology and reproductive medicine, giving patients a chance to experience parenthood after gonadotoxic treatment is finished. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study is to present the implementation and first outcomes of the Oncofertility Programme in the University Clinic of Endocrinological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, University Hospital in Krakow, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients interested in fertility preservation have been consulted in the University Clinic of Endocrinological Gynaecology and Gynaecology in Krakow since April 2016. Preliminary qualification to one of the available methods (embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation) was conducted. Patients declaring a wish to join the programme were then referred to one of the three infertility treatment centres cooperating with the University Clinic, in order to undergo the chosen procedure. RESULTS: During a period of 24 months, 18 patients were consulted. The youngest consulted patient was 20 years old, the oldest 39. Two years after the first consultation, a telephone survey among consulted patients was carried out to verify whether the patients finally underwent oncofertility procedures, and to ask about their reproductive status. CONCLUSIONS: The problem of fertility issues being inadequately addressed results in low referral rates to oncofertility programmes. Attempts to raise awareness of oncofertility possibilities among oncologists should be undertaken because critically few patients are being referred to oncofertility centres.

Blood pressure in postmenopausal women with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder at reproductive age, affecting 6-10% of females in this group. The aetiology of this syndrome is not fully understood. Genetics, endocrinology factors, and the influence of the environment are possible causes of this syndrome. PCOS is characterised by menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenism, and abnormalities in ovarian morphology as well as metabolic disorders. PCOS increases the risk of overweight and obesity, diabetes, endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension along with all its long-term consequences. There are limited studies about cardiovascular disorders, especially hypertension, in postmenopausal women with a history of PCOS. The presented paper is an attempt to briefly summarise literature data concerning the influence of this disease on the incidence of hypertension and blood pressure control in postmenopausal women. Women with PCOS more often present features of metabolic syndrome and have increased cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is 2.5 times higher than in corresponding healthy peers. Furthermore, hyperandrogenaemia is associated with elevated blood pressure independent of the patient's age, insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidaemia. In view of this, these patients should be thoroughly screened for hypertensive disorders and educated about the lifestyle modifications that could prevent hypertension later in life.

Basal and metoclopramide induced prolactin secretion in lean PCOS women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well as hyperprolactinemia can cause infertility. In retrospective study the prolactin levels during the oral metoclopramide test among lean PCOS woman according to four phenotypes and free androgen index (FAI) were compared. The study population consisted of 314 lean PCOS women. The population was divided into four groups according to the FAI and menstrual cycle regularity. The group A consisted 126 women with FAI≥5 and irregular menstruation, the group B- 53 patients with FAI≥5 and regular menstruation. Group C- 70 patients with FAI<5 and irregular menstruation, group D - 65 patients with FAI<5 and regular menstruation. The ratio of prolactin value in 120th minute in the metoclopramide test to the basal prolactin value was higher in group D than in groups A and B. The prolactin basal concentration was higher in patients with FAI≥5 than in patients with FAI<5, (262.9 vs 228.9 µIU/ml; p<0.001). The ratio of prolactin in 60th minute (12.3 vs 16.7; p=0.006) and in the 120th minute (10.9 versus 13.3; p<0.001) of the metoclopramide test to the basal prolactin were lower in patients with FAI≥5. The prolactin secretion in lean PCOS women may be associated with their FAI.

[Metformin­new potential medicine in pain treatment?]

Metformin, a drug of biguanide class, is now one of the most widely used drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and through AMPK activation, inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Recent literature has explored metformin as an option in pain management, given its role in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and its ability to modulate pain in animal models. Based on a variety of preclinical pain models, it is now clear that mTOR signaling plays a major role in the sensitization of the nervous system in chronic pain conditions. The activation of AMPK with metformin has led to decreased pain in neuropathic and postsurgical pain models, suggesting that these drugs and this mechanism of actin might be effective in humans. Despite the strong preclinical rationale, there are only very few data considered the utility of metformin as a potential pan therapeutic in humans. Further, randomized studies were needed to identify the role of metformin in pain perception and chronic pain conditions in humans.

Dysgerminoma and gonadoblastoma in the course of Swyer syndrome.

We present a case of a woman with primary amenorrhea. Ultrasound imaging showed a uterus of normal size but bands of connective tissues at the site of ovaries. A genetic test was done which revealed the XY karyotype. Swyer syndrome was diagnosed. The patient did not report for the follow-up visits. Three years later, the woman reported back because of increasing abdominal circumference. The patient underwent an operation. Radical hysterectomy was performed. Histopathological examination showed dysgerminoma and gonadoblastoma on the left gonad and dysgerminoma on the right one. This case report presents the natural history of Swyer syndrome.

[The ovarian origin of hiperandrogenism in the postmenopausal woman the adrenal adenoma--a case report]. / Hiperandrogenemia pochodzenia jajnikowego u kobiety po menopauzie z towarzyszacym gruczolakiem nadnercza--opis przypadku.

Hyperandrogenism is a clinical condition characterized by excessive secretion of male sex hormones. An excess amount of androgens in women is manifested by symptoms of defeminization and masculinization. Hormonally active adrenal and ovarian tumors and non-tumor causes must be considered in the differential diagnosis. The authors describe the case of a 77-year-old patient who had hirsutism and reduction of the timbre of the voice. At the beginning she was suspected to have adrenal hyperandrogenism because of the tumor in the adrenal gland. Then adrenalectomy was conducted but it did not lead to alleviate symptoms. A MRI of the pelvis revealed a change of appendages projection and the patient underwent the total hysterectomy. The normalization of testosterone levels as well as reduction of the symptoms was observed after the operation. Finally, the ovary etiology of hyperandrogenism was confirmed. This case report is an example of difficulties in recognition the etiology of hyperandrogenism.

[Cyclic Cushing's Syndrome - rare or rarely recognized]. / Cykliczny zespól Cushinga - rzadki czy rzadko rozpoznawany?

Cyclic Cushing's syndrome is a type of Cushing's disease which is characterized by alternating periods of increasing and decreasing levels of cortisol in the blood. The diagnostic criteria for cyclic Cushing's syndrome are at least three periods of hypercortisolism alternating with at least two episodes of normal levels of serum cortisol concentration. The epidemiology, signs, symptoms, pathogenesis and treatment of cyclic Cushing's syndrome have been discussed.

[The disturbances of the thyroid hormone homeostasis caused by chemical substances occurring in natural environment]. / Wielopoziomowe zaklócenia homeostazy hormonów tarczycy spowodowane przez substancje chemiczne wystepujace w srodowisku naturalnym.

The thyroid is an endocrine gland synthesizing, storaging and secreting thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Currently, there are more and more reports and evidences that various chemical contaminants present in the environment, mainly polychlorinated biphenyls, interfere with stages of regulation, synthesis, secretion, transport of thyroid hormones. That can have a significant negative impact on the human body's endocrine homeostasis.