Blood rheological properties in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Inflammatory processes and psychological states may mutually enhance each other as well as contribute to haemorheological alterations. The objective of the recent study was to determine blood rheological profile in patients with AD at different clinical stages. Blood rheology, as estimated by blood viscosity as well as deformability (elongation index-EI) and aggregation of erythrocytes (aggregation half time (AT1/2)--expressing the kinetic aspects and syllectogram amplitude (AMP)--representing total aggregation extent) were measured in 25 female AD patients, who showed clinical features of mild to severe AD and in 14 healthy subjects. There were no significant differences in blood rheological properties between patients with mild AD and the controls. A significant decrease in erythrocytes AT1/2 and AMP as well as EI were observed in severe AD patients as compared to other groups. Whole blood and plasma viscosity were similar in all groups. Both erythrocytes deformability and aggregation may be affected by pathophysiological processes associated with AD. Only AD patients with severe skin changes showed increased aggregability and decreased deformability of erythrocytes, suggesting that the phenomenon might be related to the disease activity.

[Plasma oxysterols and vitamin E concentrations and lipid profile in morbidly obese women]. / Stezenie oksycholesteroli i witaminy E a profil lipidowy osocza u kobiet ze skrajna otyloscia.

Morbid obesity (BMI > or = 40 kg/m2) is accompanied by lipid disturbances which may be involved in the increased incidence of atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to assess concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), products of cholesterol peroxidation--oxysterols, and the major lipophilic antioxidant--vitamin E, in morbidly obese women without coexisting diseases. The study was performed in 11 morbidly obese women (BMI 42.21 +/- 2.21 kg/m2) and 11 healthy volunteers (BMI 23.0 +/- 2.31 kg/m2). Obese women demonstrated higher concentrations of TG (2.03 +/- 0.78 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.37 mmol/l; p < 0.05), 7-ketocholesterol (7-K) (89.85 +/- 63.03 vs. 41.90 +/- 17.33 ng/ml; p < 0.05) and 7-hydroxycholesterol (7-OH) (456.04 +/- 199.22 vs. 132.37 +/- 53.96 ng/ml; p < 0.05), and lower HDL-cholesterol level (0.74 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.30 +/- +/- 0.17 mmol/l; p < 0.05) compared to the control group, while there were no significant differences between the two groups in concentrations of TC, LDL-cholesterol and vitamin E. Plasma vitamin E/(TC + TG) ratio was lower in obese women (6.42 +/- 2.61 vs. 10.76 +/- 4.57 mumol/mmol; p < 0.05). Tocoferols concentration correlated positively with TG (r = 0.45; p < 0.05) and negatively with 7-OH (r = -0.44; p < 0.05) levels. Moreover, concentration of 7-K correlated positively with the level of HDL (r = 0.54; p < 0.05). In conclusion, despite normal TC and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, there are disturbances in cholesterol peroxidation processes, with the rise in oxysterol levels and the decrease in vitamin E concentration in lipoproteins, which may be involved in the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in morbidly obese women.

[The influence of chosen hormones on lipids and its correlation during normal pregnancy]. / Wplyw niektórych hormonów na lipidy oraz ich korelacja podczas przebiegu prawidlowej ciazy.

OBJECTIVES: Lipids and hormones levels in nonpregnant and pregnant with uneventful gestation (from I, II, III trimester) were estimated and its correlation was evaluated. METHODS: The study group consisted of 219 women: 49 nonpregnant and 170 pregnant women (35 in I trimester, 35 in II and 100 in III trimester of gestation). All subjects were healthy. Following parameters were measured in blood serum: total lipids, LDL total fraction, (beta-lipoproteids), cholesterol both total and free, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol. Percentage of free cholesterol contained on total cholesterol was evaluated. HPL and estrogens levels were estimated. RESULTS: Serum levels of total lipids, phosphlipids, triglicerides, total fraction of LDL and its contains of cholesterol increase with gestational age (p < 0.001). During pregnancy positive correlation between estrogens, HPL and triglycerides was also observed (p < 0.001). Additionally in II trimester positive correlation of total cholesterol, phospholipids and HPL was noted (respectively r = 0.469 p < 0.001 and r = 0.452 p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In case of women with uneventful pregnancy positive correlation between estrogens and total lipids, total fractions LDL and triglycerides was stated. Also positive correlation among lipids parameters and HPL concentration was noted. No correlation between HPL and free cholesterol, LDL, HDL cholesterol nor between estrogens and total cholesterol, free cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was found. Lipids status in case of nonpregnant women is multihormonaly influenced.

[Diagnostic values of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) examinations in the course of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy]. / Wartosc diagnostyczna oznaczenia aktywnosci dehydrogenazy mleczanowej (LDH), kinazy kreatynowej (CK) i gamma-glutamylotransferazy (g-GT) podczas wewnatrzwatrobowej cholestazy ciezarnych.

OBJECTIVE: The activity of LDH, CK and gamma-GT in blood serum of women with intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy was investigated. Diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis was based on anamnesis, clinical examination and laboratory tests. METHODS: 41 women with intrahepatic cholestasis (the study group) and 30 healthy women (the control group) entered the study. All women were in the third trimester of pregnancy. The prevalence rate of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy in our Department is 1%. All women of the study group presented an intensive pruritus and had negative hepatitis B antigen. They also presented negative results of laboratory tests, clinical examination and anamnesis concerning other hepatitis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean gestational age between study and control group (35.1 +/- 2.8 vs 36.0 +/- 3.0 weeks). The results of biochemical tests in study vs control group: 1) total bilirubin 33.3 +/- 18.8 vs 8.55 +/- 3.4 mumol/L; p < 0.001, 2) direct bilirubin 25.6 +/- 14.2 vs 1.7 +/- 1.7 mumol/L; p < 0.001, 3) indirect bilirubin 7.7 +/- 2.22 vs 8.5 +/- 3.4 mumol/L; NS, 4) alkaline phosphatase (AP) 168.4 +/- 61.2 vs 96.8 +/- 14.9 IU/L; p < 0.001, 5) heat-stable AP 99.8 +/- 38.7 vs 64.1 +/- 20.9 IU/L; p < 0.001, 6) bile acid 28.6 +/- 20.0 vs 4.5 +/- 1.5 mumol/L; p < 0.001, 7) AlAT 158 +/- 00 vs 5 +/- 3 IU/L; p < 0.001, 8) AspAT 97 +/- 31 vs 8 +/- 3 IU/L; p < 0.001, 9) de Ritis ratio AspAT/AlAT 0.61 +/- 0.31 vs 1.6 +/- 0.4; p < 0.001, 10) total protein 61.8 +/- 5.6 vs 66.0 +/- 6.0 G/L; p < 0.001, 11) albumine 450 +/- 34.8 vs 484.0 +/- 37.7 mumol/L, 12) Fe++ 26.0 +/- 3.8 vs 12.71 +/- 2.15 mumol/L; p < 0.001, 13) total cholesterol 8.81 +/- 1.87 vs 6.68 +/- 1.04 mmol/L; p < 0.001, total LDL 6.80 +/- 1.57 vs 4.80 +/- 0.81 G/L; p < 0.001, 15) LDH 211 +/- 48 vs 134 +/- 33 UI/L; p < 0.001, 16) CK 51.0 +/- 33 vs 45 +/- 14 UI/L; NS, 17) gamma-GT 49 +/- 22 vs 23 +/- 8 UI/L; p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: An increase of LDH is related to the significant impairment of hepatocytes. An increase of gamma-GT confirms the retention of bile in intrahepatic ducts. CK does not present prognostic value in intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy.

The biochemical functions of the renal tubules and glomeruli in the course of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy.

Biochemical functions of kidney glomeruli and tubules were estimated in pregnancy complicated by cholestasis. The investigated group consisted of 72 women with pregnancy complicated by cholestasis and 30 healthy pregnant patients as a control group. Biochemical assays were performed for the deamination of amino acids, carbonic acid dissociation and creatinine metabolism. Statistical analysis was carried out using the t-test and P<0.05 was considered to be significant. In diurnal urine samples collected from pregnant patients with cholestasis, decreased concentrations of NH4+ (42.0+/-8.9 versus 50.3+/-7.6 mmol/24 h), H+ (19.0+/-7.0 versus 25.0+/-5.0 mmol/24 h), creatinine (1.15+/-0.2 versus 1.43+/-0.3 mmol/24 h) as well as lower levels of creatinine clearance (89.0+/-23.0 versus 135.0+/-30.0 ml/min) and normal levels of potassium and sodium were observed. Serum creatinine and uric acid concentrations were elevated (86.6+/-7.07 versus 66.3+/-4.42 micromol/l and 32.1+/-8.3 versus 19.0+/-3.57 micromol/l). Diurnal urine volume was lower in patients with cholestasis than in the control group (995+/-313 versus 1264+/-426 ml/24 h). Disturbances of biochemical functions of kidney glomeruli and tubules, regarding creatinine metabolism and deamination of amino acids, and dissociation of carbonic acid, were seen in patients with cholestasis during pregnancy.

Second trimester calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis in women with threatened preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of threatened preterm delivery on calcium, phosphorus, magnesium homeostasis in the second trimester of pregnancy was investigated. METHODS: Serum concentrations of total and ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, total protein, albumin, total estrogens and human placental lactogen were determined in women with threatened preterm delivery at 23-28 weeks of gestation (the studied group) and in women with uncomplicated pregnancy of the same duration (the control group). Additionally activities of total alkaline phosphatase and heat-stable alkaline phosphatase fraction were measured. RESULTS: Patients of the studied group compared to the control group showed decreased concentration of total calcium (2.15 +/- 0.073 vs. 2.25 +/- 0.11 mmol/l, P < 0.001), inorganic phosphorus (1.21 +/- 0.26 vs. 1.34 +/- 0.22 mmol/l, P < 0.01) and magnesium (0.63 +/- 0.053 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.12 mmol/l, P < 0.001), total protein (64.0 +/- 5.4 vs. 68.6 + 1.0 g/l, P < 0.001), albumin (546.3 +/- 55.1 vs. 579.6 +/- 49.3 micromol/l, P < 0.003) and placental lactogen (3664 +/- 1806 vs. 4651 +/- 1858 ng/ml, P < 0.02); they also demonstrated decreased activity of total alkaline phosphatase (42.17 +/- 16.99 vs. 50.66 +/- 6.56 IU/l, P < 0.001) and its heat stable fraction (22.65 +/- 7.89 vs. 31.89 +/- 9.09 IU/l, P < 0.001). Patients of the studied group showed normal values of ionized calcium and total estrogens. CONCLUSIONS: Premature uterine contractility in women in the second trimester is accompanied by lowered serum concentrations of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, total protein and albumin. There is also decreased activity of total alkaline phosphatase, its heat-stable fraction and placental lactogen which may have diagnostic value. Premature uterine contractility in women in the second trimester may be related to the disturbances of calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis and calcium supplementation should be considered.

Calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis in women with threatened preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of threatened preterm delivery on calcium, phosphorus, magnesium homeostasis in the third trimester of pregnancy was investigated. METHODS: Serum concentrations of total and ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, total protein, albumin, total estrogens and human placental lactogen were determined in women with threatened preterm delivery at 29-36 weeks of gestation (the studied group) and in women with uncomplicated pregnancy of the same duration (the control group). Additionally, activities of total alkaline phosphatase and heat-stable alkaline phosphatase fraction were measured. RESULTS: Patients of the studied group compared to the control group showed decreased concentration of total calcium (2.17 +/- 0.09 vs. 2.28 +/- 0.13 mmol/l, P < 0.0005), inorganic phosphorus (1.13 /- 0.27 vs. 1.32 +/- 0.23 mmol/l, P < 0.001) and magnesium (0.64 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.70 +/- 0.10 mmol/l, P < 0.003); they also demonstrated decreased activity of total alkaline phosphatase (70.8 +/- 23.2 vs. 81.9 +/- 14.9 IU/l, P < 0.01) and its heat-stable fraction (30.2 +/- 15.6 vs. 59.6 +/- 14.9 IU/l, P < 0.001). In the studied group no difference was found in concentrations of investigated ions and enzymes between women who delivered at term and women who delivered prematurely. Patients with threatened preterm delivery showed serum deficiency of total calcium, phosphorus and magnesium which might be related to premature uterine contractility but does not predict premature labor by week 36 of gestation (66% of patients delivered at term). CONCLUSION: The deficiency of minerals and lowered activity of total alkaline phosphatase is observed in women with threatened preterm delivery. Laboratory tests of calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostatsis have limited predictive value in regard to the term of delivery in women with threatened preterm delivery.

[Evaluation of the intrauterine fetus in hypertension--biochemical assessment of amniotic fluid. IV. Ions]. / Ocena stanu wewnatrzmacicznego plodu w nadcisnieniu tetniczym krwi--poprzez badania biochemiczne plynu owodniowego. IV. Jony.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid, collected by ultrasound guided amniocentesis, were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with). Both investigated and control groups consisted of pregnant women with the same gestational age of 37 +/- 2 weeks (34-40 weeks). The following ions were measured: NH4+, K+, Na+, Cl-, Mg++, total Ca, Ca++ and inorganic phosphorus (Pi). The ionic composition of amniotic fluid deriving from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension was normal. The regular concentration of NH4+ ions in amniotic fluids of a studied group may suggest kidneys of the fetuses in pregnancy complicated by hypertension were as mature as in the normal pregnancy within the same gestational age.

[Calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis in women with threatened abortion]. / Homeostaza wapniowo-fosforanowo-magnezowa u kobiet z poronieniem zagrazajacym.

One hundred twenty eight women were submitted to research including: 38 healthy not pregnant women, 40 healthy women in the first trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy (6-15 weeks) and 50 pregnant women with symptoms of threatened abortion (6-15 weeks). The following parameters were measured in serum: total Ca, Ca++, ionised inorganic phosphorus (Pi), magnesium (Mg), total protein and albumin and also total alkaline phosphatase activity (APt). Micromethods generally accepted in clinical laboratories were used. The study showed symptoms of threatened abortion are related to decreased concentrations of Pi, Mg, total protein and albumin and reduced activity of APt. Women who did not underwent miscarriage showed significantly higher Pi concentration compared to those who lost pregnancy, what might be of prognostic value. Threatened abortion was not considered to alter calcium homeostasis.

[Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in pregnant women with primary hypertension]. / Wapn, forsfor i magnez u kobeit ciezarnych z nadcisnienien tetniczym krwi pierwotnym.

Sixty five women were in the third trimester of pregnancy (29-40 weeks of gestation) submitted to the study including 35 with primary hypertension (the studied group) and 30 healthy (control group). The following parameters were measured in blood serum and urine from 24 hrs, collection: total Ca and Ca++, inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and magnesium. Generally accepted micromethods were used; Ca++ was measured using AVL type 9140 analyser. Women of the studied group presented mean blood pressure 164 +/- 14/106 +/- 9.7 mm Hg and did not have proteinuria and oedema. They presented decreased concentrations of total Ca (p < 0.004) and ionised Ca++ (p < 0.004), and an increase of Pi (p < 0.002) in blood serum. No differences in magnesium concentrations were found. Distinct decrease of calcium excretion in urine was found in hypertensive women (4.50 +/- 2.76 vs 6.60 +/- 3.4 mmol/24 hrs, p < 0.024). No alterations in phosphorus and magnesium urine excretion were observed in women with hypertension (women of both groups had the same volume of 24 urine). Our study concludes the main alterations in calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis in pregnant women with primary hypertension are the calcium homeostasis alterations. Phosphorus homeostasis is less affected while magnesium distribution does not change. Hypocalciuria might be related to impaired glomerular filtration in this pathology in pregnancy. Hypocalciuria and lowered serum concentrations of total Ca and ionised Ca++ might prove general deficiency of this element in pregnancy complicated by primary hypertension.

[Evaluation of fetal condition in pregnancy complicated by hypertension--biochemical assessment of amniotic fluid. I. Protein and lipid components and kidney maturation]. / Ocena stanu wewnatrzmacicznego plodu w nadcisnieniu tetniczym krwi--poprzez badania biochemiczne plynu owodniowego. I. Skladniki bialkowe, lipidowe i dojrzalosci nerek.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group with mean blood pressure 165 +/- 15/95 +/- 5 mmHg) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with mean blood pressure 118 +/- 10/74 +/- +/- 9 mmHg). In the studied group pregnancy induced hypertension, primary hypertension and nephrogenic hypertension scored 58%, 32% and 10% of cases respectively. Both investigated and control groups consisted of pregnant women with the same gestational age of 37 +/- 2 weeks (34-40 weeks). The following parameters of amniotic fluid were measured: 1) total protein, 2) albumin, 3) beta-lipoprotein, 4) cholesterol, 5) uric acid, 6) urea, 7) creatinine. Micromethods were used. Amniotic fluid deriving from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension showed decreased concentrations of total protein, albumin and beta-lipoprotein. In pregnancy complicated by hypertension kidneys of the fetuses were estimated to be as mature as in the normal pregnancy within the same gestational age.

[Evaluation of fetal condition in pregnancy complicated by hypertension--biochemical assessment of amniotic fluid. II. Enzymes]. / Ocena stanu wewnatrzmacicznego plodu w nadcisnieniu tetniczym krwi--poprzez badania biochemiczne plynu owodniowego. II. Enzymy.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group with blood pressure -65 +/- 15/95 +/- 5 mm Hg) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with mean blood pressure 118 +/- 10/74 +/- +/- 9 mm Hg). The following parameters of amniotic fluid were measured: 1) aminotransferases: alanine AlAT and aspartate AspAT, 2) alkaline phosphatase (APt) and its thermostable isoenzyme (APh), 3) ceruloplasmin (Crlp), 4) alpha-amylase (alpha-Amy). The study showed pregnancy complicated by hypertension is related to fetal salivary gland's immaturity presenting decreased activity of alpha amylase in amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluids deriving from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension showed normal activities of AlAT, AspAT, APt, APh and Crlp.

[Evaluation of fetal condition in pregnancy complicated by hypertension--biochemical assessment of amniotic fluid. III. Acid-base balance]. / Ocena stanu wewnatrzmacicznego plodu w nadcisnieniu tetniczym krwi--poprzez badania biochemiczne plynu owodniowego. III. Równowaga kwasowo-zasadowa.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid, collected by ultrasound guided amniocentesis, were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with). The following parameters of acid-base balance were measured in amniotic fluids of both groups: pH, pCO2, base deficiency, standard HCO3 and total CO2. Corning device type 168 was used. Distinct metabolic-respiratory acidosis was present in amniotic fluids of studied group showing the decrease of a pH, pO2, standard HCO3 values and an increase of CO2 values and base deficiency. Authors believe in pregnancy complicated by hypertension biochemical environment of intrauterine fetal development with regard to acid-base balance is highly unfavourable.

[Homeostasis of calcium-phosphorus-magnesium in women with pregnancy induced hypertension]. / Homeostaza wapniowo-fosforanowo-magnezowa u kobiet z nadcisnieniem tetniczym krwi indukowanym przez ciaze.

Study group consisted of 63 women in the III trimester of pregnancy (gestational age 29-40 weeks). 32 subjects with PIH (investigated group) were compared to control group consisted of 30 healthy patients with uneventful course of gestation. Women with PIH had no proteinuria nor oedema, their mean blood pressure remained at the level of 161 +/- 16.7/98 +/- 12.8 mm Hg. Concentration of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in serum blood and urine were determined. It was stated that due to renal impairment observed during PIH, calcium urine excretion and calcium concentration in blood serum are decreased while serum inorganic phosphorus levels are increased. No changes in magnesium and ionised calcium homeostasis were seen in the course of PIH.

[Lipid metabolism in women with threatened abortion]. / Metabolizm lipidów u kobiet z poronieniem zagrazajacym.

The study group consisted of 130 subjects: 50 healthy nonpregnant, 35 healthy women in the I trimester of gestation (gestational age 6-15 weeks) and 45 patients with symptoms of threatened abortion (the same gestational age). In the latter group pain and bleeding ceased after hormonal treatment and spasmolytic drugs. Serum blood concentration of following compounds were determined: total lipids, LDL fraction, total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol fractions. Threatened abortion had changed lipids profile; diminished concentrations of LDL fraction, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol fraction and phospholipids were observed. Levels of total lipids, phospholipids and triglycerides++ in blood serum of healthy pregnant women in the I trimester of gestation were higher than in nonpregnant women.

[The effect of total estrogens and lactogen hormone on lipid metabolism in women during normal pregnancy]. / Wplyw estrogenów calkowitych i hormonu laktogennego na metabolizm lipidów u kobiet w prawidlowej ciazy.

Lipids parameters and total oestrogen and HPL levels were estimated in blood serum. Investigated group consisted of 45 women with uneventful course of pregnancy. All pregnant women were in the gestational age between 29 and 40 weeks. This is positive correlation increased concentration of total lipids, LDL fraction, phospholipids, triglycerids and raising of total oestrogens. High concentration of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol fraction and phospholipids were observed at the same time as increased levels of HPL. We suggest that multivariative hormonal changes during uncomplicated course of gestation could be the cause of modificated lipids profile.

[Bile acids in blood serum of women during normal pregnancy, early puerperium and in the neonate]. / Kwasy zólciowe w surowicy krwi kobiet w przebiegu prawidlowej ciazy, u poloznic oraz u noworodków.

Total bile acids in serum blood samples from 325 subjects were estimated. Study group consisted of 50 nonpregnant women, 40-in the I trimester, 50-in the II and 100-in the III trimester of gestation, 55 patients in the third day of puerperium and 30 newborn infants (cord serum). All women were healthy, their age varied between 20 and 36 years. Children were mature, born in good condition (Apgar score > 8 points). Bile acids concentration were determined using enzymatic method with reagent kits by Nycomed Pharme, Norway. In the course of pregnancy continuous increase of investigated compounds was observed. The concentration of bile acids in puerperium was lower than in the III trimester of pregnancy and equal to that determined in cord serum. Authors conclude that during normal, uneventful course of gestation symptomless, benign intrahepatic cholestasis occurs.

[Fetal metabolism in post term pregnancy based on biochemical investigations of amniotic fluid. IV. Ion composition]. / Metabolizm plodu w ciazy przeterminowanej--na podstawie badan biochemicznych plynu owodniowego. IV. Sklad jonowy.

Concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium, calcium (total and ionised) and inorganic phosphorus were determined in amniotic fluid. Samples were taken from patients between 42-43 week of gestation (investigated group) and between 38 and 40 week (control group). Micro-methods, generally acknowledged in laboratories of clinical biochemistry were used. In the protracted pregnancies increase of magnesium levels and decrease of sodium levels were observed. No differences in concentrations of calcium, calcium (total and ionised) and inorganic phosphorus between investigated and control group were noted. Independently of the duration of pregnancy, near term or post term, ionised calcium constituted 90% of total calcium in amniotic fluid.

[Fetal metabolism in post-term pregnancy based on biochemical examinations of amniotic fluid. V. Glucose, bilirubin, H+ ions, hormones and tests of lung maturation]. / Metabolizm plodu w ciazy przeterminowanej--na podstawie badan biochemicznych plynu owodniowego. V. Glukoza, bilirubina, jony H+, hormony i testy dojrzalosci pluc.

Concentrations of glucose, bilirubin, H+ ions, estriol, HPL were determined in the samples of amniotic fluid from post term and near term pregnancies. Investigated group consisted of samples taken between 42-43 week of gestation, control group between 38-40 week. In both groups biochemical tests of pulmonary maturation--Lectin/Sphingomyelin ratio, foam test, 650 nm absorbance were carried out. In the diagnosis of post term pregnancy glucose concentrations, oestrogens, HPL, 650 nm adsorption, foam test and L/S ratio had proper diagnostic value. No differences were observed in bilirubin concentrations.

[Concentration of lipids and lipoproteins in serum of pregnant women with primary hypertension]. / Stezenia lipidów i lipoprotein w surowicy kobiet ciezarnych z nadcisnieniem tetniczym krwi pierwotnym.

The tests have been conducted on 44 women in 3rd trimester of pregnancy. 30 of them were the women with a normal course of pregnancy, and 14 were the ones with the primary hypertension. The blood serum has been tested for the concentration of triglycerides, phospholipids, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL- cholesterol, alpha, beta and pre-beta lipoprotein fractions. The results have been calculated statistically. It has been found that the increase in the concentration of triglycerides (p < 0.001), and the beta lipoprotein fraction (p < 0.004) was essentially higher in the women with the primary hypertension in 3rd trimester of complicated pregnancy in comparison to those values observed in the healthy pregnant women. At the same time a lower concentration of alpha lipoproteins (p < 0.02) has been observed in the group of the pregnant with the primary hypertension. Differences between the concentration of other parameters have not obtained statistical significance.