Diffuse Cutaneous Mastocytosis: A Current Understanding of a Rare Disease.

Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the expansion and accumulation of neoplastic mast cells in various tissues. Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare and most severe form of cutaneous mastocytosis, which typically occurs in childhood. There have been reports of a familial DCM with specific gene mutations, indicating both sporadic and hereditary factors involved in its pathogenesis. DCM is associated with severe MC mediator-related symptoms and an increased risk of anaphylaxis. The diagnosis is based on the appearance of skin lesions, which typically show generalized thickening, erythroderma, blistering dermographism, and a positive Darier's sign. Recognition, particularly in infants, is challenging due to DCMs resemblance to other bullous skin disorders. Therefore, in unclear cases, a skin biopsy is crucial. Treatment focuses on symptom management, mainly including antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. In extremely severe cases, systemic steroids, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, phototherapy, or omalizumab may be considered. Patients should be equipped with an adrenaline autoinjector. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive review of literature data on DCM since 1962, which could help to better understand both the management and prognosis of DCM, which depends on the severity of skin lesions, intensity of mediator-related symptoms, presence of anaphylaxis, and treatment response.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the characteristics of melanoma: a single-centre cohort study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had, in a broad sense, a negative impact on populational health and well-being. Countries around the world struggled to address a spike in demand for the management of viral pneumonia and, at the same time, to efficiently treat the conditions which deteriorate severely when the treatment is delayed. Several studies published so far have analysed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on skin cancer epidemiology and management, however the results have been inconsistent. Aim: To examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cutaneous melanoma epidemiology diagnosed in a tertiary referral centre in Northern Poland. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study that gathered the data on all the cutaneous melanoma cases treated in our facility during the official lockdown period in Poland and compared them to those diagnosed during the corresponding period from before the pandemic. Results: The number of cutaneous melanoma cases diagnosed during the pandemic decreased substantially. Interestingly, it was mostly due to a decrease in the number of patients with cutaneous melanoma localised on the trunk and early melanoma cases (melanoma in situ and pT1a stage). Conclusions: Our data suggest that, similarly to the reports emerging worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic impaired the capability of our healthcare system to diagnose and treat cutaneous melanoma in our region. The data are limited, and further research will be necessary to determine the whole extent of those changes, especially the long-term effects.

More than a hundred thousand respondents within 48 h: How the power of social media helped to understand pregnancy loss in Poland - A retrospective population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Miscarriage is defined as the loss of pregnancy before 20-24 weeks of gestation, and it is the most common complication of early pregnancy. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of spontaneous abortion in the population of Polish females to provide a reference for clinical work. METHODS: A cross-sectional self-administered on-line survey was distributed between 4th and 5th of October 2019 in the social media across Poland. A total of 100,026 recipients responded to the questionnaire and 93,636 valid respondents were included in the analyses. RESULTS: Among respondents who had ever been pregnant, 31.2% reported at least one spontaneous abortion. The prevalence of miscarriage varied based on age, parity, place of residence and the education level. The first symptom of miscarriage was a vaginal bleeding (56.2%) and abdominal cramps (25.8%), while 43% of respondents had no symptoms and found out during doctor's visit. No medical assistance was required after complete spontaneous abortion in 39.2% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy, but it is not yet fully understood. The goal of future medicine is to minimize the medicalization of spontaneous abortion and excessive medical intervention by raising awareness about natural miscarriage route.

Significance of Dermoscopy in Association with Clinical Features in Differentiation of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Benign Trichoblastic Tumours.

Background: Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can, in the majority of cases, be diagnosed based on clinical and dermoscopic assessment, a potential overlap with benign adnexal skin tumours seems to exist, including trichoblastic tumours (TT). Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical and dermoscopic features of benign TT and BCC cases was performed to develop a diagnostic algorithm with a potential utility in clinical practice. Results: In the study, 502 histopathologically confirmed BCC cases were compared with 61 TT (including 44 TB (72.13%), 10 TE (16.39%) and 7 DTE (11.48%]). Patients in the BCC group were statistically older (mean age was 71.4 vs. 64.4 years, respectively; p = 0.009). BCC presented generally as larger tumours (mean tumour size 11.0 vs. 8.2 mm for the TT group; p = 0.001) and was more frequently associated with clinically visible ulceration (59.4% vs. 19.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). Comparison of lesion morphology, clinically visible pigmentation, and anatomical location did not show significant differences between the analysed groups. Dermoscopically visible ulceration was significantly more common in the BCC group compared to the TT group (52.2% vs. 14.8%; p < 0.0001). Pigmented structures, specifically brown dots and brown globules, were significantly more prevalent in the TT group (32.8% vs. 11.4%; p = 0.0001 and 29.5% vs. 8.2%; p <0.0001). Similarly, TT more commonly than BCC showed the presence of cloudy/starry milia-like cysts (26.2% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.0031) and yellow globules (16.4% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.033). Conclusions: Despite differences in frequency of clinical and dermoscopic features between BCC and TT in the studied group, differential diagnosis based on these variables is not reliable. Histopathological examination remains a diagnostic gold standard in differentiation of BCC and TT.

Agminated blue nevi: a case series and updated dermoscopic review.

Blue nevi, usually presenting as solitary, bluish, asymptomatic macules or nodules, are formed by collections of dermal melanocytes that failed to complete their migration from the neural crest to the dermo-epidermal junction. The term "agminated blue nevi" refers to multiple lesions grouped, linear, or arranged in a blashkoid distribution. It is a relatively rare phenomenon with less than 35 cases reported in the literature, but only 14 cases with dermoscopic features. We report another 4 cases along with an updated dermoscopic review.

Evaluation of selected parameters of immune response to rubella virus, hepatitis B virus and varicella-zoster virus infections in children born to mothers after kidney or liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The immune status of children exposed prenatally to immunosuppressants is not fully understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center study evaluated possible differences in antibody levels between children prenatally exposed to immunosuppressants born to mothers after hepatic or kidney transplantation (study group) compared to children without prenatal exposure to immunosuppressants (control group). Children from the study and control group were age-matched at the time of the examination and gestational age-matched, so as to obtain similar stages of the vaccination schedule and to enable reliable comparison of the results. The selection of children was made in a 1:1 ratio. The study population, a total of 138 children, was divided according to the age of the children at the time of the study into three age groups: newborns, infants (from 29 days to 1 year) and children aged >1 year. Immunoenzymatic tests were used to analyze the titers of the chickenpox virus (VZV-IgG), rubella (RuV-IgG) and hepatitis B virus (HBV, HBsAb). The studied differences were compared depending on the age group and the immunosuppressive regimen used by the pregnant mother. RESULTS: In neonates born to mothers after liver transplantation, significant differences were found in HBsAb levels (>250 mIU/ml) compared to newborns without prenatal exposure to immunosuppressants taken by pregnant mothers (11/16, 69% vs. 4/14, 29%, respectively; p = .028). A similar difference in the level of HbsAb was no longer noted at later stages of children's lives. In infants, these values were 80% (4/5) vs. 33% (2/6), and in children over 1 year of age 15% (7/48) vs. 12% (6/49), respectively. No other significant differences were noted when compared the distribution of measured parameters of VZV and RuV in both analyzed groups (children of mothers after kidney or liver transplantation chronically treated with immunosuppression and children without prenatal exposure to immunosuppression). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to immunosuppressive therapy does not appear to affect VZV, RuV and HBV antibody levels in children of mothers who have had a kidney or liver transplant. Initially elevated HBSAb levels in newborns of mothers after liver transplantation are not observed in later stages of life.

Low Content of Cyclosporine A and Its Metabolites in the Colostrum of Post-Transplant Mothers.

The rate of post-transplant mothers who breastfeed while on immunosuppression is progressively increasing. Data on breastfeeding while on cyclosporine-based regimens are limited. Therefore, we assessed the amount of cyclosporine and its metabolites that might be ingested by a breastfed infant by measuring the concentration of cyclosporine and its metabolites in the colostrum of seven post-transplant mothers. The mean concentration of cyclosporine in the colostrum was 22.40 ± 9.43 mcg/L, and the estimated mean daily dose of the drug was 1049.22 ± 397.41 ng/kg/24 h. Only three metabolites (AM1, DHCsA, and THCsA) had mean colostrum amounts comparable to or higher than cyclosporine itself, with the daily doses being 468.51 ± 80.37, 2757.79 ± 1926.11, and 1044.76 ± 948.56 ng/kg/24 h, respectively. Our results indicate a low transfer of cyclosporine and its metabolites into the colostrum in the first two days postpartum and confirm the emerging change to the policy on breastfeeding among post-transplant mothers. A full assessment of the safety of immunosuppressant exposure via breastmilk will require further studies with long-term follow-ups of breastfed children.

Changes in Knowledge about Umbilical Cord Blood Banking and Genetic Tests among Pregnant Women from Polish Urban and Rural Areas between 2010-2012 and 2017.

The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge of umbilical cord blood (UBC) banking and prenatal genetic diagnosis among pregnant women from rural and urban areas, and how this knowledge changed within a five-year period. A survey by questionnaire was conducted between 2010 and 2012, and in 2017 in public hospitals; the study population comprised 6128 women, with 2797 patients from the years 2010-2012 and 3331 from the year 2017. 41% of the studied population declared that they were living in rural areas. In the 2010-2012 period, fewer women from rural areas knew about UBC banking. In 2017 that same relative difference in knowledge persisted, but the percentage of women who now knew about this procedure rose significantly in both studied groups. Prenatal diagnosis was more familiar for urban inhabitants both in 2010 and 2017 but as with the UBC data, a trend of growing awareness was also seen in pregnant women from rural areas. Knowledge of new techniques such as UBC banking and genetic tests has grown among pregnant women during the time frame of our study, but there is still a need to emphasize the benefits of these two possibilities to pregnant women, especially among rural inhabitants.

Selected Biochemical Parameters in Children of Mothers After Kidney Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The number of pregnant kidney graft recipients receiving immunosuppressive drugs is increasing yearly. All potentially nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic immunosuppressive drugs penetrate through the placenta, which raises questions about their long-term effects on offspring. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of immunosuppressive drugs used by pregnant women after kidney transplantation on the biochemical parameters of their children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children born to mothers after kidney transplantation (KTx) and 40 children of healthy mothers from the control group were included in the study. All graft-recipient mothers received immunosuppressive treatment during pregnancy. The study compared biochemical parameters, including urea, creatinine, potassium, and sodium, in both groups. RESULTS: Elevated creatinine level was observed in 1 newborn in the KTx group and none of the children from the control group (P = .500). All KTx children had normal urea levels, while in the control group, 2 newborns had an increased level of urea (P = .247). Elevated potassium levels were observed in 10% of children in the KTx group and 20% of children in the control group (χ2 = 0.881; P = .348). Elevated sodium levels were observed in 22.5% of children in the KTx group and 32.5% of children in the control group (χ2 = 1.001; P =.317). No child in the KTx group had hyponatremia; mild hyponatremia was observed in 5% of children in the control group (P = .247). CONCLUSION: There was no increased risk of an abnormal concentration of urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium in the offspring of mothers after kidney transplantation using immunosuppressive drugs during pregnancy.

Evaluation of Lipid Profile in Children Born to Female Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Being aware of the nephro- and hepatotoxic effects of most immunosuppressants, assessing their potential effects on the health of the offspring is an important aspect of deliberate family planning after organ transplantation. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of immunosuppressive drugs used by pregnant women after kidney or liver transplantation on the lipid profile of their children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one children born to mothers after kidney or liver transplantation (study group) and 91 children of healthy mothers from the control group (control group) were included in the study. Transplant donors received immunosuppressive treatment in monotherapy or combination regimens during pregnancy. The study compared lipidogram values including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. The lipidogram was analyzed depending on the following 3 most commonly used immunosuppressive regimens: study group 1: CI (calcineurin inhibitors); study group 2: CI + GCs (glucocorticosteroids); and study group 3: CI + GCs + AZA (azathioprine). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between study group and control group in mean total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels (P > .05). In each of the studied subgroups, at least 1 abnormal lipidogram fraction was noted. Frequency of these deviations in study group 1, study group 2, and study group 3 were 31%, 57%, and 26%, respectively. However, no statistically significant differences were found between these obtained results (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to immunosuppressants taken by the mother after liver or kidney transplantation does not appear to significantly affect the occurrence of lipid disorders in these children.

Unintended pregnancies and family planning among women after kidney or liver transplantation.

Background: To evaluate the incidence of unplanned pregnancies in female organ transplant recipients.Methods: In a single-center cross-sectional study 252 women aged 18-45 years who underwent kidney or liver transplantation were asked to fill in a survey form.Results: 217 (86%) women were enrolled in the study. Fifty-three percent of women declared 181 pregnancies, of which 30% (54/181) were unplanned. Women more frequently consulted their conception with a doctor post-transplantation (74 versus 88%, p = .064). The number of unplanned pregnancies decreased post-transplantation (34 versus 20%, p = .051). The mean time elapsed from an organ transplant to unintended conception was 27.0 ± 12.5 (3.0-63.0) months. Women with longer (>24 months) rather than shorter (≤24 months) time elapsed from the transplant became pregnant less frequently (38 versus 15%, p = .060). In 70% (38/54) of unplanned pregnancies women did not use any birth control. All cases of conceptions within the post-transplant year were unintentional. Every third woman, who underwent the transplantation up to 1 year before the study enrolment, was unaware of the necessity to prevent the pregnancy.Conclusions: Although unwanted pregnancies occur more frequently in the early post-transplant period, it seems that women after kidney or liver transplantation seem to plan their pregnancies more carefully.

Dermoscopic Features of Giant Molluscum Contagiosum in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Giant molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a peculiar variant of the disease with the presence of multiple or single lesions larger than 5 mm. In contrast to typical molluscum contagiosum, dermoscopic features of giant lesions have been poorly described, and none of the reports included multiple giant lesions in an immunocompromised patient. We present a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosed with multiple giant molluscum contagiosum along with the dermoscopic features of this entity. We examined a 40-year-old patient who had been diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) two months earlier. The disease defining AIDS was cerebral toxoplasmosis (initially presenting as a brain tumor several months earlier). Laboratory investigation showed a decreased CD4 cell count of 11 cells/mm3 and HIV viral load of 252 472 copies/mL. The patient was referred to the Department of Dermatology due to multiple flesh-colored, asymptomatic nodules with superficial telangiectasia that had been observed on the face for several weeks (Figure 1, a). Dermoscopy of larger (>5 mm) skin lesions showed yellowish globules of different size and random distribution, separated by smaller, oval-shape white globules and polymorphic vessels (Figure 1, b-d). Dermoscopy of smaller skin lesions showed the presence of a central yellow globule and white structureless area with irregular linear vessels of radial arrangement at the periphery (Figure 1, e). Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum (MC); special staining showed the details of the lesion (Figure 2, a-c). Antiretroviral therapy with Triumeq® (dolutegravir + abacavir + lamivudine) was initiated. After discussing MC treatment options with the patient, we decided to delay the treatment and wait for the effect of antiretroviral therapy. Partial regression of MC lesions was observed after 5 months; laboratory investigations showed a CD4 cell count of 99 cells/mm3 and a HIV viral load of 56 copies/mL. Along with continuation of antiretroviral therapy, the patient received treatment with topical imiquimod (Aldara®) for 12 weeks. Subsequently, a few lesions resistant to previous treatment were treated with cryosurgery and the patient was instructed to apply imiquimod only to new-onset/regrowing lesions. Clinical evaluation after 2 months revealed a good clinical and aesthetic effect (Figure 3). MC is a viral disease caused by a DNA virus of the Poxviridae family (MCV-1 or MCV-2). The infection most commonly affects children and sexually active adults, and may be diagnosed based on physical examination in the majority of cases. Typical clinical presentation includes single to multiple, 2-5 mm, flesh-colored, asymptomatic nodules with central umbilication. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows skin examination with magnification, therefore improving the accuracy of dermatological diagnosis. It was primarily developed to detect melanoma, but in recent years the role of this method in general dermatology has been constantly increasing. There have been several published reports that demonstrated the utility of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of MC. Most commonly observed structures include a central orifice and blood vessels arranged in punctiform, radial or mixed flower pattern (1). Giant molluscum contagiosum is an atypical variant of the disease, with the presence of multiple or single lesions larger than 5 mm (2). The diagnosis of giant MC usually indicates immunodeficiency and has been mainly described in HIV-positive patients, but also in coexistence with leukemia, sarcoidosis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, selective immunoglobulin M deficiency, atopic dermatitis, and after splenectomy, bone marrow transplantation, and during immunosuppressive therapy (3). Giant MC may mimic other benign or malignant dermatoses, and the final diagnosis is usually based on histopathological examination. The list of differential diagnoses is long and includes basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, viral wart, varicella, intradermal nevi, pyogenic granuloma, lichen planus, atypical mycobacterial infection, pneumocystosis, cutaneous cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis (3). In contrast to typical MC, dermoscopic features of giant MC have been poorly described, and none of the reports included multiple lesions in immunocompromised patient. Mun et al. described a pattern of multiple shiny white clods in giant MC observed in a 2-year-old girl in the perianal area (4). A different dermoscopic image - with prominent arborizing vessels and polylobular white structureless areas - was reported by Uzuncakmak et al., who described giant MC on the eyelid in a 25-year-old woman (2). Similar dermoscopic features of atypical MC (5 mm in size) were described by Zaballos et. al. (5). The course and treatment of MC differ in immunocompetent and in immunocompromised individuals. While the infection is usually mild and self-limiting in the former group, in the latter it may be extensive, symptomatic, and resistant to therapy. Treatment methods commonly applied in immunocompetent patients such as cryotherapy, curettage, and electrocautery are not generally recommended in patients with severe immunodeficiency as they pose a risk of secondary infection or autoinoculation (6). Additionally, such treatment of multiple lesions is connected with pain and higher risk of postinflammatory changes/scarring (7). According to the literature, treatment with local immunomodulators - including imiquimod cream, interferon-a (IFN-a) injections and cidofovir - appears to be effective (6). Topical 5% imiquimod was most commonly used, and although not licensed for this indication it was shown to be effective in HIV-positive individuals, including treatment of giant MC lesions (7). Regardless of the topical treatment, previous reports documented a correlation between immunity status and the extension of MC lesions. Therefore, effective antiretroviral therapy may itself lead to resolution of MC [8]. To sum up, the presented report introduced additional observations into the dermoscopic spectrum of giant MC. The observed dermoscopically large yellowish globules seem to correspond with the crypts and the surrounding white structures with the areas of lobulated, endophytic epidermal hyperplasia. The presence of vascular structures in dermoscopy corresponds with the blood vessels tightly surrounding inverted hyperplastic epidermal lobules (Figure 2, b). Dermoscopic features od giant MC are different than those observed in small lesions. Interestingly, the dermoscopic appearance of smaller lesions observed in our patient seemed to be similar to MC eruptions described in immunocompetent patients (1). In case of clinical suspicion giant MC coexisting with smaller lesions, dermoscopic assessment of the latter may serve as a clue to diagnosis.

Evaluation of the body mass index (BMI) in children born to organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are one of the most serious clinical health problems. Until now, the long-term development of children born to mothers after transplantation is unknown. In this study, we attempted to present the analysis of the prevalence of overweight in the population of mothers after kidney or liver transplants. METHODS: A comparison of body mass index (BMI) measurements performed in 61 children of kidney transplant women (study group) and 64 children born to healthy mothers (control group). The children from both groups were born at a similar gestational age and in the similar time period from 12/1996 to 11/2010. BMI was measured once on one of the follow-up visits in the time period from 07/2010 to 11/2013. BMI was assessed in infants older than one month as well as in toddlers or children in the preschool or school age. The results obtained in the study group of children born to transplanted mothers were compared with control group results and with the theoretical population data. RESULTS: There were no differences in the incidence of underweight and overweight, when BMI values of children born to transplanted mothers were compared to those of children of healthy mothers. There was a trend towards a greater incidence of obesity in children of studied group compared to controls (16 versus 6%, p = .072). Among analysed factors, it was noted that prenatal exposure to tacrolimus was associated with a 2.8-fold increased risk of developing a higher BMI in later follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity among children of mothers after kidney or liver transplants seems to be more frequently observed. This observation may be an important factor in the further paediatric care, especially in children born to transplanted mothers treated chronically with tacrolimus.

Neurological development of children born to mothers after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies after kidney transplantation are at high risk of complications such as preterm birth and foetal growth restriction. Until now, the impact of these factors on neurological development of children born to transplant mothers has not been established. AIMS: A comparison of neurological examinations performed in 36 children of kidney transplant women (study group) and 36 children born to healthy mothers (control group). The children from both groups were born at a similar gestational age and in the similar time period from 12/1996 to 09/2012. Neurological examinations were performed from 07/2010 to 11/2013. Each examination was adjusted to the patient's age and performed after the neonatal period. Three years later children were re-consulted, if they presented neurological deviations or were less than 12 months old at the time of the first examination. RESULTS: Normal neurological development was found in 86% of children in both groups (p = .999). Mild neurological deviations were observed in four (11%) children born to kidney transplant mothers and in five (14%) children born to healthy mothers (p = .999). Moderate deviations were diagnosed in one premature child born to transplant mother, whose pregnancy was complicated with a severe preeclampsia and foetal growth restriction. In the study population, no severe neurological disorders were found. Almost all (8/10) children with neurological deviations were born prematurely in good general conditions. The neurological deviations observed in the first year of life were mild and transient. In children over 1 year of age, deviations were more pronounced and continued to maintain. CONCLUSIONS: The neurological development of children of kidney transplant women is similar to that of the general population and possible deviations seem to be the result of intrauterine hypotrophy and prematurity. Therefore, in clinical practice, it is necessary to plan post-transplant pregnancies especially in women at high risk of these complications.

Reproductive life planning in women after kidney or liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: To estimate reproductive life planning in post-transplant women and to identify factors affecting their pregnancy intentions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey study on reproductive life planning was conducted in 217 women of childbearing age who underwent kidney or liver transplantation. The results were compared with data obtained from 816 healthy women surveyed by the Polish Centre for Public Opinion Research. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Post-transplant women express a similar desire to have a child as women in the general population (42% vs 40%, respectively; P = 0.638). A comparable majority of childless women would like to give birth (65% vs 77%, P = 0.350). More post-transplant women who have one child give up on future procreation plans (80% vs 46%, P < 0.001). The main factors affecting post-transplant reproductive life planning were age (OR:0.79; 95% CI: 0.73-0.85), number of live births (OR:0.22; 95% CI: 0.11-0.43), and use of drugs contraindicated in pregnancy (OR:0.27; 95% CI: 0.11-0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Women after kidney or liver transplantation, especially childless, have a similar willingness to become mothers as those in the general population. For post-transplant women who have already given birth, it is worth considering contraceptive counseling because these women more often choose to not attempt another pregnancy.

Low Transfer of Tacrolimus and Its Metabolites into Colostrum of Graft Recipient Mothers.

Currently, the majority of neonates born to organ recipient mothers on chronic immunosuppressive therapy are formula fed. However, over the past few years, evidence has grown, suggesting that breastfeeding might be possible and beneficial. We designed a study assessing the transfer of tacrolimus into the colostrum of posttransplant mothers. We assessed the amount of tacrolimus and its metabolites, M-1 and M-3, that would be ingested by the breastfed neonates. Concentrations of tacrolimus and its metabolites were measured in colostrum from 14 posttransplant mothers as well as in venous cord blood and venous blood of the neonates. Test material analysis was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The amount of ingested formula was registered, which allowed for estimation of the amount of tacrolimus and its metabolites that would be ingested by breastfed infants. The mean amount of tacrolimus that would be ingested by the neonates in maternal milk was 151.4 ng/kg/24 h (standard deviation SD ± 74.39); metabolite M-1: 23.80 ng/kg/24 h (SD ± 14.53); and metabolite M-3: 13.25 ng/kg/24 h (SD ± 9.05). The peak level of tacrolimus and metabolite M-1 in colostrum was noted 8 h after an oral dose (3.219 ng/mL SD ± 2.22 and 0.56 ng/mL SD ± 0.60, respectively) and metabolite M-3 after 6 h (0.29 ng/mL SD ± 0.22). Low concentrations of tacrolimus and its metabolites, M-1 and M-3, in colostrum show that neonates will ingest trace amounts of the drug. Further studies are required to fully assess the safety of breastfeeding by posttransplant mothers.

Depression, sexual satisfaction, and other psychological issues in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of depression, poor quality of life, and low sexual satisfaction of women. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of these disorders and to assess the need for psychological consultation at the time of PCOS diagnosis. A case-control single-center study of 250 women who were diagnosed with PCOS voluntarily filled in an anonymous, interactive questionnaire. The inquiry form included 27 questions covering the woman's characteristics, satisfaction with their outer appearance and sexual life, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Based on the BDI, 52% (130/250) of studied women presented depressive symptoms. This group had significantly higher body mass index (29.5 ± 8.1 vs. 24.6 ± 5.8; p<.001) and a lower level of self-attractiveness than other studied women (3.3 ± 2.2 vs. 5.4 ± 2.3; p<.001). Forty two percent (106/250) of women viewed themselves as unattractive. A correlation between reduced sexual satisfaction and a sense of low attractiveness was noted (r = 0.465, p<.001). Sixty four percent (160/250) of women believed that psychological consultation should be offered to all PCOS women. Treatment of PCOS women should be multidisciplinary and include psychological counseling, especially in obese PCOS women with inadequate family support and dissatisfied with their sexual life.

The comparison of intelligence levels of children born to kidney or liver transplant women with children of healthy mothers.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy after transplantation is associated with high risk of complications and prenatal exposure to immunosuppressants. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the intellectual development of children born to women after organ transplantation. AIMS: A comparison of intelligence levels in 78 children of kidney or liver transplant women of 78 children born to healthy mothers. The assessment of intellectual level in children was conducted by psychologists and evaluated using age-adjusted intelligence tests (Psyche Cattell Infant Intelligence Scale, Terman-Merril Intelligence Scale or the Scales of Raven's Progressive Matrices). RESULTS: No significant differences in the distribution of the quotient of intelligence between children born to kidney and liver transplant women were noted (Chi2 = 5.037; p = .284). Also no differences in the distribution of intelligence levels were noted between the children of transplanted and healthy mothers in infants and toddlers (Chi2 = 3.125; p = .537); preschool (Chi2 = 1.440; p = .692), and school age children (Chi2 = 4.079; p = .395). CONCLUSIONS: The intellectual development of children of post-transplant women is similar to the general population. These results provide information on the low risk of intellectual disability in children of transplanted mothers and may improve counseling on the planning of pregnancy in this group of women.

Transfer of Everolimus into Colostrum of a Kidney Transplant Mother.

BACKGROUND Transplanted women are increasingly expressing their desire to breast-feed. Due to the unknown effects that might occur in newborns of everolimus-treated mothers, it is now recommended to inhibit lactation. This report discusses the assessment of everolimus levels in maternal, umbilical, and neonatal blood, and colostrum of a kidney transplant mother. CASE REPORT A 28-year-old white primipara after second kidney transplant, treated with everolimus, conceived unintentionally. Due to the high risk of recurrence of primary disease, the immunosuppressive treatment remained unchanged. At 37 weeks of gestation, due to mild preeclampsia, the woman was qualified for induction of labor and vaginally delivered a healthy infant. The highest concentration of everolimus in the colostrum was observed 4 h after drug administration and was 0.066 ng/ml. The estimated maximal dose of everolimus in colostrum was 0.38% of the mother's dose. CONCLUSIONS Breast-feeding in transplanted women treated with everolimus seems possible, particularly in mothers who are willing to breast-feed, especially in the first days after labor, when levels of immunoglobulins in colostrum are high and the concentrations of everolimus are low.

Favourable pregnancy outcome in a woman with secondary pulmonary hypertension complicating mitral stenosis.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare condition with a high incidence of maternal and perinatal mortality (30-56% and 10-13%, respectively). Pulmonary hypertension is a contraindication to pregnancy because of high risk of maternal death, therefore the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises to discuss a termination in the event of pregnancy with women suffering from PH.