Pregnant woman infected with SARS-COV-2 – diagnosis and treatment

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infection caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 virus. In pregnant women with COVID-19, compared to non-pregnant women, there is an increased risk of a severe course of the infection. Pregnant women are more often hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit and require mechanical ventilation. In the course of COVID-19 infection, pregnant women have a greater risk of miscarriage, premature birth or having a baby with low birth weight, compared to their healthy pregnancy peers. The aim of the study: To present, based on the available literature, the principles of management of a pregnant woman infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. State of knowledge: The evidence of infection is the detection of the virus in the clinical specimen confirmed by PCR. Chest computer tomography can be useful in diagnosis, especially when the PCR test result is negative. Particular attention should be paid to pharmacological treatment, which should be both effective and safe for the fetus. Certain antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as anticoagulants drugs are used in COVID-19 therapy. Oxygen and fluid therapy is also important. The condition of the fetus should be monitored regularly. It is recommended to measure the fetal heart rate, perform cardiotocography, pregnancy ultrasound and assess the volume of amniotic fluid. The decision about the time and method of delivery should be made individually on the basis of obstetric indications and the maternal-fetal condition. Summary: The therapy of a pregnant patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be adjusted individually depending on the woman's health condition. In therapeutic interventions, the welfare of both the mother and the fetus should be taken into account

Collagen supplementation - does it bring real benefits?

Collagen is a protein and one of the main building blocks of our skin. It is found in bones, tendons, ligaments, internal organs, blood vessels, and the lining of the intestines. In our body, collagen enables the cohesion of tissues and organs, affects hydration, resistance and elasticity of the skin, reduces the risk of developing degenerative joint diseases. Its production decreases with age. As a result, more and more people are taking collagen supplements. It has been proven that doing so can bring many benefits to the body. Taking collagen orally can be an effective way to improve the quality of the skin, increase hydration and delay the aging process. Collagen peptides are potential therapeutic agents for treating osteoarthritis and maintaining joint health. Collagen supplementation may be an element of preventive medicine in the field of cardiovascular diseases. as it significantly reduces fat mass and increases lean mass, it also leads to lower LDL concentrations. A beneficial effect was also noted on hair and nails, as well as on brain function

COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and lactating women

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the lifestyle of pregnant women. Pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to suffer from severe disease, as well as unfavorable pregnancy and childbirth. Currently, there is no causal treatment for this disease available, so attention should be paid to preventing infection with vaccines. Aim of the study: A review of the literature on the influence of COVID-19 vaccines on the course of pregnancy and summary of recommendations regarding the use of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  State of knwoledge: Three types of COVID-19 vaccines are most commonly used: mRNA vaccines, vector vaccines as well as subunit vaccines. In preclinical developmental and reproductive toxicity studies in animal models, there were no alarming safety signals, and observations of vaccinated pregnant women did not reveal any complications with respect to the course of pregnancy and development of the fetus. No cases of neonatal death have been reported in the first 28 days after birth. Most of the side effects following vaccination, such as injection site pain or tenderness, fatigue, fever or muscle pain, were moderate and resolved within 24 hours. The current research results confirm a positive immune response in pregnant women. Moreover, it is important that the presence of antibodies in the umbilical cord blood makes it possible to protect and reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection of the newborn. Summary: All pregnant women, irrespective of trimester, and breastfeeding mothers are advised to administer a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within an appropriate period of time after the primary vaccination schedule