The early years of life. Are they influenced by our microbiome?

Human microbiome contains the genetic pool of bacteria and other microbes such as Achaea, fungi and viruses inhabiting the human body. It holds an immense potential to affect both physiological and pathological processes. The microbiome’s composition can be defined in detail by analyzing ribosomal 16S rRNA and metagenomic tests. Recent increases in cesar- ean sections, the use of antibiotics during pregnancy, the increasing amount of prematurely born children and changes in infant nutrition have an impact on the microbiome forming process. A correlation between the bowel microbiome’s com- position and the occurrence of certain diseases, especially inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), asthma and type 1 diabetes has been demonstrated. The influence on the development of cognitive functions and behaviour has also been displayed. This correlation justifies attempts to restore the beneficial the composition of the microbiome through the use of probiotics, vaginal microflora transfer in case of cesarean section and encouraging breastfeeding. Development of multiple studies on the topic of the human microbiome and its impact on the human body is necessary in order to reach final conclusions. The aim of this article is to summarize recent findings regarding the development of the human microbiome from the first days of life and the influence of changes in its composition on human health

The analysis of risk factors for fetal macrosomia and the complications in the course of pregnancy and delivery of macrosomic baby

Newborns weighing 4000g or heavier, are defined as macrosomic. Objectives: The puprose of this study was to present the risk factors of macrosomia, the course of pregnancy and the frequency of maternal outcomes associated with the delivery of macrosomic fetuses. Materials and Methods: The retrospective analysis included 670 gravidas hospitalized at The Department of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Medical University of Wroclaw, between 1999 and 2004, who delivered babies weighing at least 4000g. Results: The majority of macrosomic neonates (80%) were given birth to by women over the age of 25, who gained over 15 kilos in the course of the pregnancy. Macrosomy tends to affect primiparas most frequently. The medium duration of macrosomic pregnancy was 40,61 +/-1,15 weeks. The percentage of deliveries by cesarean section amounts to 38,5%. Vaginal deliveries are burdened with significant risk of maternal complications. Conclusions: Women over 30, medium height or tall, who gain over 15 kilos during the pregnancy, tend to deliver macrosomic babies. Multiparas who had given birth to the marosomic babies once before, are predisposed to deliver macrosomic neonate in the following pregnacy. On the basis of our studies, we have determined 4kg as a borderline birth weight for increased frequency of parturient canal injuries

Suplementacja witamin i składników mineralnych podczas ciąży

Kwas foliowy, DHA, witaminy D3, A, E, jod, magnez, żelazo i wapń to podstawowe składniki odżywcze niezbędnedo prawidłowego przebiegu ciąży i rozwoju płodu. Suplementacja witamin i składników odżywczych wśród kobietciężarnych jest niezbędna do pokrycia zwiększonego zapotrzebowania organizmu w okresie ciąży. Ma ona znaczeniepopulacyjne — zmniejsza ryzyko wystąpienia wad wrodzonych, patologii w przebiegu ciąży oraz rozwoju choróbprzewlekłych w wieku dorosłym

Is polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance associated with abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents?

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine if adolescents with juvenile bleeding had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance.  Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 43 females aged 12–18 years, diagnosed with juvenile menorrhagia, and 37 healthy female adolescents aged 12–18 years. The study was conducted during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycle disturbances, acne and hirsutism were recorded. Ultrasound scan determining the condition of the ovaries was conducted. Laboratory tests of the glucose level, cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides fraction, DHEAS, FSH, LH, insulin, SHGB, total testosterone, androstenedione, and free testosterone have been established.  Results: The occurrence of regular menstrual cycles (30.23%, p = 0.006) was significantly lower in the juvenile bleeding group. Also, secondary amenorrhea was significantly more likely to be recognized in this group of females (p = 0.03). The concentration of FSH was considerably lower (p = 0.0002) in the group of adolescents with AUB.  Conclusions: Adolescents with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) are often diagnosed with secondary amenorrhea, and PCOS. The group with a diagnosis of juvenile bleeding was also diagnosed with higher rates of insulin resistance.

Recommendations of procedures to follow in the case of ovarian lesions in girls

This study presents current recommendations of the Polish Association of Pediatric Surgeons (PTChD) regarding diagnostics and treatment of ovarian lesions in girls. They are based on many years of the authors’ clinical experience as well as a review of international literature and include practical clinical guidelines. The recommendations were formulated in cooperation with the Polish Association of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (PTOHD), Polish Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PTG) and Polish Pediatric Section of the Polish Society of Radiology (PLTR). Only better understanding of prepubertal ovarian biology and natural history of its pathology may help to introduce efficient and safe diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for girls. The prepared document has been supplemented with treatment algorithms.

Folic acid – role in the body, recommendations and clinical significance

Introduction. Folic acid is a compound classified as B group vitamins. In the body it is subject to processes that transfer its inactive form into a form responsible for biological effects of folic acid, i.e. 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). It is, in particular, responsible for processes of the correct biosynthesis of purine and pyridine bases present in the formation of DNA and RNA molecules. Humans do not synthesize the endogenous form of folic acid; therefore, it is vital to supplement this vitamin in its natural form or multivitamin preparations. The most folic acid is found in the green leafy vegetables (spinach, peas, asparagus) and in offal (liver). An adequate supply of folic acid is especially indicated in pregnant women with a reduced amount of folic acid due to its use by an intensively developing foetus. The recommended dose of folic acid during this period is 0.4 mg/24h and this dose varies depending on the patient’s and her family’s medical history. The updated state of knowledge on the role of vitamin B9 in the body has been presented. The importance of its supplementation in specific clinical cases was analyzed