Knowledge about folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy among female medical fields students

Pregnancy is a period when optimal supply of vitamins and micro and macro elements is necessary to ensure proper fetal development and maternal health. One of the substances that has been shown to have a positive effect on the fetus is folic acid. Deficiency of this compound is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. As a consequence, the awareness of women about the role of folic acid and necessity of its supplementation in the preconception period and during pregnancy is crucial. In order to obtain information on the knowledge of women regarding the need to take folic acid and the benefits associated with it, an anonymous questionnaire was carried out. The survey containing 28 original questions in an online form was sent to participants. The study showed deficiencies in the knowledge of female students of reproductive age regarding folic acid supplementation and the need to promote it. Therefore, it is necessary to include as many young women as possible to The Primary Prevention Program of Neural Tube Defects

Maternal serum concentration of placental growth factor (PlGF) and endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is one of the most frequent and dangerous complications of a pregnancy. In preeclamptic pregnancies the spiral arteries are not modified properly. Disturbed blood flow finally leads to hypoxia which is responsible for the dysfunction of the endothelium. Endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PIGF) play an important role in the angiogenesis and thus may participate in the pathomechanism of preeclampsia. Aim: The aim of our study was to estimate VEGF and PIGF level in serum of patients with preeclampsia. Materials and methods: The study comprised 25 gravidas with preeclampsia and a control group of 18 healthy gravidas. In 25 preeclamptic women the angiogenic factors levels were measured in the III trimester and in 7 of them in the II trimester. In the control group these parameters were assessed in both periods. Both factors were measured by commercial available ELISA KIT. Results: PIGF concentrations were significantly (

Knowledge about folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy among female medical fields students

Mroczek Anna, Bałabuszek Kamil, Pawlicka Marta, Semczuk-Sikora Anna. Knowledge about folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy among female medical fields students. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2018;8(9):1016-1027. eISNN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1419790 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/5996 https://pbn.nauka.gov.pl/sedno-webapp/works/877696 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part b item 1223 (26/01/2017). 1223 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eissn 2391-8306 7 © The Authors 2018; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 02.09.2018. Revised: 12.09.2018. Accepted: 15.09.2018. Knowledge about folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy among female medical fields students Anna Mroczek1, Kamil Bałabuszek2, Marta Pawlicka1, Anna Semczuk-Sikora3 1 Students' Research Circle at the Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Poland 2 Students' Research Circle at the Chair and Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Research Methodology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland 3 Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Poland ORCID ID Anna Mroczek https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0077-5343 Kamil Bałabuszek https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1352-153X Marta Pawlicka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6631-979X Anna Semczuk-Sikora https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9602-5904 Abstract: Pregnancy is a period when optimal supply of vitamins and micro and macro elements is necessary to ensure proper fetal development and maternal health. One of the substances that has been shown to have a positive effect on the fetus is folic acid. Deficiency of this compound is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. As a consequence, the awareness of women about the role of folic acid and necessity of its supplementation in the preconception period and during pregnancy is crucial. In order to obtain information on the knowledge of women regarding the need to take folic acid and the benefits associated with it, an anonymous questionnaire was carried out. The survey containing 28 original questions in an online form was sent to participants. The study showed deficiencies in the knowledge of female students of reproductive age regarding folic acid supplementation and the need to promote it. Therefore, it is necessary to include as many young women as possible to The Primary Prevention Program of Neural Tube Defects. Abstrakt: Ciąża to okres, w którym konieczna jest optymalna podaż witamin oraz mikro i makroelementów, aby zapewnić prawidłowy rozwój płodu i zdrowie matki. Jedną z substancji, której pozytywny wpływ na płód jednoznacznie udowodniono jest kwas foliowy. Niedobór tego związku wiążę się ze zwiększonym ryzykiem wystąpienia wad cewy nerwowej u płodu. Dlatego tak ważna jest wiedza kobiet na temat roli kwasu foliowego oraz jego suplementacja już w okresie przedkoncepcyjnym oraz w trakcie ciąży. W celu uzyskania informacji na temat wiedzy kobiet dotyczącej konieczności przyjmowania kwasu foliowego i korzyści z tego płynących przeprowadzono anonimowy kwestionariusz. Ankieta zawierała 28 oryginalnych pytań w formie elektronicznej i została przesłana uczestnikom. Badanie wykazało braki w wiedzy na temat suplementacji kwasu foliowego u studentek oraz konieczność jej propagowania. W tym celu należy objąć jak największą ilość młodych kobiet Programem Pierwotnej Profilaktyki Wad Cewy Nerwowej

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

The role of obstetricians and neonatologists in childcare in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous changes to the healthcare system, including care for the newborns. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to create a clear set of recommendations used in the care of a newborn during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. State of knowledge: Despite the low risk of infection of the newborn in utero or during vaginal delivery, in rare cases there is a possibility of vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Every newborn baby whose mother has been diagnosed with COVID-19 disease should be screened for infection. Suspected neonates should be isolated from healthy children and kept in quarantine until the test result is obtained. It is essential to constantly monitor your baby's health and be alert to any possible signs of infection. Medical personnel should ensure adequate protection when handling an infected newborn. A healthy infant whose mother is SARS-Cov-2 positive may be discharged home provided it is looked after by a healthy caregiver. Summary: New patterns of management in maternity and neonatal departments are associated with changes that may have a significant impact on the mother-child relationship. When making decisions aimed at reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is necessary to seek solutions taking into account the needs of this particular group of patients

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

Wstrząs septyczny po poronieniu 21-tygodniowej ciąży – opis przypadku

Septic shock is a rare but dramatic complication in obstetrics with a high mortality rate. In the course of thiscondition, cardiovascular failure, severe hypotension and multiorgan dysfunction are observed. Usually, septicshock is also associated with disturbed coagulation. In our report, we present a case of septic shock caused byEscherichia coli after spontaneous abortion in the 21st gestational week of pregnancy in a 40-year-old woman.During intensive care, besides broad-spectrum antibiotics, hysterectomy was performed and activated protein Cwas administered. In our opinion, this treatment modality significantly improved the outcome in our patient

Ovarian endometrioma – a possible finding in adolescent girls and young women: a mini-review

Abstract Young girls before menarche or menstruating adolescent women may experience long-term drug-resistant chronic pelvic pain, as well as other symptoms associated with pelvic mass. In such cases, it is of great importance to consider ovarian endometrioma in the differential diagnosis. In general, endometrioma is recognized as an ovarian cyst. However, in most cases, the pathology represents pseudocyst with a partial or complete endometrial-like lining with extraovarian adhesions and endometriotic implants which are likely to occur at the sites of ovarian adhesions and at the ceiling of the ovarian fossa. Ovarian endometriomas occur in 17–44% patients with endometriosis and account for 35% of all benign ovarian cysts. The time span from the onset of menarche to the time of endometrioma formation, which requires surgical intervention, has been evaluated to be a minimum of 4 years. The pathogenesis of early-life endometrioma may be different from other types of endometriosis. Diagnosis is often delayed, especially in adolescents, who tend to wait too long before seeking professional help. The three specific aims of treatment in adolescents with endometriosis and endometriomas are control of symptoms, prevention of further progression of the disease as well as preservation of fertility. Increasing evidence demonstrates association between ovarian endometriosis and ovarian cancer. In the present mini-review, we draw the particular attention of clinicians to such a possibility, even if relatively infrequently reported

Cytokeratin expression pattern in human endometrial carcinomas and lymph nodes micrometastasis: a mini-review

Cytokeratins (CKs) are the largest subgroup of intermediate filament proteins, preferentially expressed in epithelial tissues. CKs play a critical role in determining epithelial structural integrity under stressful conditions in addition to their various fundamental functions in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, migration, adherence and molecular signaling. Immunohistochemical CKs staining could be evaluated with a proper comprehension of their task limitations and their association with the normal morphology to avoid misdiagnosis. Herein, we critically review the CKs expression patterns in ECs in relation to clinicopathological features and patients’ outcome. We also briefly discussed the recent advantage of CKs immunohistochemical staining in the detection of EC micrometastasis

Ocena łozyskowych czynników angiogennych (PIGF, VEGF, VEGF R1) oraz objetości łozyska w ciazach powikłanych opóźnieniem wzrastania wewnatrzmacicznego płodu (IUGR).

INTRODUCTION: Pathomechanism of intrauterine growth restriction is a complex issue, involving many different factors, and is still undergoing an investigation. Improper placental angiogenesis, resulting in placental pathology, is considered to be one of the most important causes of IUGR. Placental vascular growth factors--placental growth factor (PIGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR-1), are involved in the mechanism of placental vascular development and maternal endothelial function during the pregnancy. AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the maternal serum concentration of vascular growth factors (PIGF, VEGF) and their receptor (VEGFR-1), as well as the placental volume in pregnancies complicated by IUGR, and to compare the results with healthy control groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients with intrauterine growth restriction and 18 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Their blood serum samples were assayed for the placental growth factor (PIGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their receptor (VEGFR-1). These placental factors were measured with the ELISA- method (R@D Systems Kits. In all cases the placental volume was assessed with an ultrasound (Voluson V730 GE) with VOCAL (Virtual Organ Komputer-aided AnaLysis). RESULTS: Our investigation revealed significantly lower maternal serum concentrations of PIGF in pregnancies with IUGR, comparing to the controls in the third trimester. In most cases, VEGF concentrations were undetectable in the maternal serum both, in the second as well as in the third trimester. In the 2nd trimester VEGFR-1 concentrations were statistically higher in the investigated group. In the 3rd trimester the concentrations of VEGFR-1 were higher in the investigated group, but the difference has not achieved the level of statistical importance. The mean placental volume was lower in the investigated group but with not statistical gnificance. CONCLUSIONS: Presented and documented dependencies may indicate the involvement of angiogenic factors in a pathomechanism of intrauterine growth restriction process. It seems that the measurement of placental volume may be useful in IUGR diagnosis. However, it should be a complementary examination only, due to technical limitations