Estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) gene polymorphism in patients from the Lodz region of Poland with sporadic endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Estrogens play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of endometrial cancer. The gene ER-alpha is polymorphic and gene variability could contribute to the level of protein biosynthesis. METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate PvuII and XbaI polymorphism of the ER-alpha gene in 120 postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer in DNA samples obtained from cancer tissue. The polymorphisms were determined by PCR-RFLP methods. RESULTS: The distribution of the genotypes of PvuII and XbaI polymorphism of ER-alpha in both controls and patients did not differ significantly from those predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg distribution. There were no significant differences in genotype distributions and allele frequencies between subgroups assigned to histological stage. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the PvuII polymorphism of ER-alpha gene as well as XbaI polymorphism may not be linked with appearance and development of endometrial cancer.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) and MLH1 and MSH2 protein expression analysis in postmenopausal women with sporadic endometrial cancer.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) seems to be important for the development of various human cancers including sporadic endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was evaluation of microsatellite instability in 60 postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer in DNA samples obtained from cancer tissue and blood of the same patients. Control DNA was obtained from normal endometrial tissue (n = 70). MSI was studied at five loci containing single- or dinucleotide repeat sequences and mapping to different chromosomal locations: BAT-25 (at locus 4q12), BAT-26 (2p16), D2S123 (2p16-p21), D5S346 (5q21-q22) and D17S250 (171q11.2-q12). No differences in the MSI frequencies between blood and cancer tissue obtained from patients were detected. The microsatellite instability status was significantly higher in endometrial cancer tissue [21/60 (35%)] compared to control [8/70 (11%)] (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between MSI presence in the subgroups assigned to the histological grades (p < 0.05). The lack of association between MLH1 and MSH2 protein expression and MSI in endometrial cancer samples was observed. The results suggest that the microsatellite instability seems to be important in the development of sporadic endometrial cancer.

An association between the Trp64Arg polymorphism in the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene and endometrial cancer and obesity.

Beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3AR) stimulates lipolysis in human fat cells, so its gene can constitute a candidate to explain a part of genetic predisposition to human obesity and related disorders. The Trp64Arg polymorphism in the beta3AR gene has been reported to be associated with insulin resistance, obesity and type 2 diabetes; little is known about its possible association with cancer. To check this association we determined the distribution of its genotypes and frequency of alleles in endometrial cancer patients with or without overweight/obesity as compared to appropriate controls. The Trp64Arg polymorphism was determined by PCR-based MspI restriction fragment length polymorphism in DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes. The study population consisted of 169 subjects, among them were 79 endometrial cancer patients and 90 controls without cancer. There were 34 obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) and 22 overweight (30 BMI > or = BMI > or = 27 kg/m2) individuals among endometrial cancer patients. There was a significant (p < 0.001) difference in genotype distribution and allele frequency between endometrial cancer patients and controls without cancer. The odds ratios for the Trp/Arg and Arg/Arg genotypes as well as for the Arg allele were considerably higher than 1. Analysis of the polymorphism in the cancer group patients due to BMI revealed that the distribution of genotypes and the frequency of alleles in obese/overweight patients differed significantly from those in patients with normal weight with an odds ratio for the Trp/Arg genotype and the Arg allele of about 4. The prevalence of the Arg allele of the Trp64Arg polymorphism in the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene may contribute to the susceptibility to endometrial cancer among obese/overweight individuals.

Hemostatic variables, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid profile in women with low body mass index.

The aim of this study was to evaluate hemostatic variables in women according to different body mass index (BMI) values, and then correlate them with some metabolic parameters - fasting insulin and glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides. Eighty-four female patients aged 18-39 years were recruited, and agreed to participate in the study. The study group was divided into three subgroups according to BMI: low BMI (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; n = 43), normal-weight (control) (BMI 18.5-24.99 kg/m2; n = 21) and overweight/obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2; n = 20). BMI was calculated, and the following measurements were taken: International Normalized Ratio, antithrombin III, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, t-PA-antigen, plasma fibrinogen level, factor VII, Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 activity and antigen and metabolic parameters: fasting insulin and glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. The results were statistically analyzed. In the low BMI group, a negative correlation between fasting insulin and PAI-1 activity, and a positive correlation between fasting glucose and PAI-1 antigen were observed. Also, a strong negative correlation between PAI-1 activity and insulin/glucose index was found. Plasma insulin levels were significantly lower in the low-BMI women than in the overweight/obese group (p < 0.001) and with no difference compared to the control group. We did not find any difference in fasting glucose level between all groups. HDL-cholesterol showed the highest levels in the normal BMI group and was significantly higher than in the low BMI and obese groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). PAI-1 activity in the low BMI women revealed increased activity in comparison to control and overweight/obese women (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Lower antigen levels were also shown as compared to both these groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similar results were obtained with t-PA antigen levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in activity of t-PA in all groups. Obese women showed significantly higher fibrinogen levels than other BMI groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Analysis of hemostatic variables in women with a low BMI testify to the impaired fibrinolysis in this group, also showing a strong correlation with carbohydrate metabolism.

DNA damage in human colonic mucosa cells evoked by nickel and protective action of quercetin - involvement of free radicals?

Nickel is a toxic and carcinogenic environmental and occupational pollutant and quercetin is a dietary flavonoid that is reported to modulate effects of many mutagens and carcinogens. We investigated the ability of nickel chloride to induce DNA damage in human colonic mucosa cells in the presence of quercetin, using the alkaline comet assay. Nickel chloride (5-250 micromol/L) evoked dose-dependent DNA damage and quercetin at 50 micromol/L decreased the extent of this damage. The cells exposed to nickel chloride progressively removed their DNA damage and the presence of 50 micromol/L quercetin in the repair-incubation medium did not affect the repair kinetics. Cells exposed to nickel and treated with endonuclease III, an enzyme recognizing oxidized bases, displayed a greater extent of DNA damage than those not treated with the enzyme. Quercetin did not exert a significant effect on the production of oxidized bases by nickel. Pretreatment of the cells with a nitrone spin trap, N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone, decreased the extent of DNA damage evoked by nickel. Quercetin caused a further decrease in the extent of the damage in the presence of the trap. The results obtained suggest that reactive oxygen species, including free radicals, might be involved in the formation of DNA lesions induced by nickel chloride in colonic mucosa cells and that quercetin may exert protective effects in these cells.

Similar PAI-1 expression in visceral and subcutaneous fat of postmenopausal women.

Recent studies showed that intraabdominal visceral fat located in the mesenterium and omentum may significantly influence the circulating plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). To substantiate this link, we performed analysis of PAI-1 expression in human visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in peri- and postmenopausal women. The samples of both visceral and subcutaneous fat from 28 generally healthy women (aged 45-69 years) with a wide range of body mass index (BMI; 22.30-38.67 kg/m2), who underwent surgical operation due to benign ovary and uterine tumours, were obtained. In these samples, expression of mRNAs for PAI-1, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS), and glucose transporter (GLUT-4) was analysed by relative quantitative RT PCR and correlated with plasma PAI-1 antigen. In addition, visceral fat area was measured with computer tomography. Both types of fat tissues contained similar quantities of PAI-1 mRNA, and there was no correlation between plasma PAI-1, measured both by antigen and activity, with either visceral or subcutaneous fat PAI-1 mRNA. Furthermore, there was no significant association between the expression of PAI-1 mRNA and TNFalpha mRNA in tested fat samples. PAI-1 mRNA in both fat tissues was significantly correlated with plasma levels of estradiol (positive correlation) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; negative correlation). Finally, the expression of PAI-1 mRNA was negatively correlated with mRNA of ACS present in both fat tissues. In summary, this study directly indicates that PAI-1 mRNA is similarly expressed in both subcutaneous and visceral fat of peri- and postmenopausal women and its expression strongly depends upon lipid metabolism.

[Studies on the incidence and clinical significance of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women in Lodz region]. / Wystepowanie schorzen z zespolu metabolicznego u kobiet w wieku pomenopauzalnym w regionie lódzkim.

UNLABELLED: In menopausal period increased prevalence of lipid metabolism disorders, atherosclerosis, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, cardiovascular diseases is observed. AIM OF STUDY: Evaluation of prevalence of obesity, overweight, hypertension, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders in population of women aged 45-65, treated in Menopause Diagnostic and Treatment Center Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital--Research Institute in Lodz. 2081 women, aged 45-65 were studied. In all of them diseases history, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (twice), total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose levels were obtained. The highest percentage of obese women was noted in small villages (39%), whereas 21% of women from cities have BMI > or = 30 kg/m2. On the other side only 18.4% women living in cities have normal body weight, although in small villages there are 34.6% women from this group. Overweighted women percentage is similar among women living in small villages and cities. Hypertension prevalence did not depend on place of living, but obese women have hypertension more frequently. In study group diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 4.8% of women and impaired glucose tolerance in 7%. Almost 2/3 of diabetes mellitus cases was first time diagnosed. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) level > or = 125 mg/dl was noted in 62 women (3%), values 111-124 mg/dl in 124 (6%), and in other 1895 women (91%) FBG was < or = 110 mg/dl. FBG level over 124 mg/dl and diabetes mellitus was more frequent in obese women. Women with hypercholesterolemia mostly (63.2%) have BMI > 25 kg/m2. Our study revealed that hypercholesterolemia prevalence did not differ with no statistical significance between women living in cities, towns and small villages. Elevated triglycerides level over 2.26 mmol/l was noted in 14.5% studied women, whereas there was no correlation between triglycerides level and body weight and place of living. Main health problem of women in perimenopausal period is obesity and lipid metabolism disorders detected in significant number of studied patients. Most cases of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus indicate that complex evaluation of health status of women in perimenopausal period is obligatory procedure.

[Evaluation of selected X syndrome factors during hormonal replacement therapy]. / Zachowanie sie wybranych czynników zespolu X w czasie stosowania hormonalnej terapii zastepczej.

UNLABELLED: Estrogen deficiency after menopause leads to characteristics changes in the hormonal profile, which may influence lipid carbohydrate and calcium-phosphate metabolism and some elements of homeostasis. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the influence of hormone replacement therapy with 2 mg estradiol valerate and 0,15 mg levonorgestrel on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in women after menopause during 12 months of follow-up. We examined 101 women, mean age 52.9 +/- 4.6 years (range from 44 to 65). HRT was applied in 67 women whereas 34 women were without treatment. All of them had no carbohydrate disturbances. All women underwent clinical examination, and body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were obtained. At 1 and 2 hours after 75 g glucose challenge (75OGTT) glucose and insulin levels were obtained. During hormone replacement therapy all women noted release or significant decrease of climacteric symptoms. Total cholesterol level was decreased, whereas triglycerides did not change. After 12 months of treatment there was also a significant decrease of all factors relating to carbohydrate metabolism--fasting glucose and insulin, insulin/glucose ratio and area under glucose and insulin curves. In our study--after 6 months of follow-up fasting insulin level, area under glucose and insulin curves were increased whereas fasting blood glucose level remained unchanged. Among women without HRT there were no significant changes in selected lipid parameters and BMI. Triglyceride levels decreased (albeit insignificantly) but, total cholesterol levels did not change. After 12 months glucose level did not change, although other carbohydrate parameters were increased. 1) In the study group there was a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol levels whereas triglycerides remained unchanged. 2) HRT we significantly decreased of insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose levels as compared with non-group HRT. 3) The present results indicate HRT-induced improvement of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. 4) Long-term HRT is necessary to improve carbohydrate metabolism.

[Assessment of fat tissue distribution impact on selected prothrombin and fibrinolytic factors in pre- and postmenopausal women]. / Ocena wplywu typu rozmieszczenia tkanki tluszczowej na wybrane parametry ukladu krzepniecia i fibrynolizy u kobiet w okresie pre- i pomenopauzalnym.

OBJECTIVES: Objective was to examine the relationship of obesity, body fat distribution fasting plasma insulin concentrations and triglycerides of pro-thrombotic and fibrinolitics factors in pre and postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed 24 (13 nonobese and 11 obese) postmenopausal and 44 (15 obese and 29 non obese) premenopausal women. Plasma concentration of PAI-1 ag,PAI-1 activity, fibrinogen, tPA-1 akt, tPA ag, von Willebrand factor, fasting plasma insulin, and the lipid pattern (cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL) was measured. The body fat distribution was assessed by waist-to-hip circumference measuring. RESULTS: Postmenopausal subjects had higher PAI-1 act. and PAI-1 ag (p < 0.05 and 0.001 respectively), vWf and lower ATIII. There was direct correlation between PAI-1 act., Fibrinogen and BMI in both groups of patients together and in premenopausal group PAI-1 act correlated directly and tPA ag/act. indirectly with plasma insulin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma concentrations of the pro-thrombotic factors are increased in obese and postmenopausal women and correlate directly with BMI and indirectly with plasma insulin concentrations. Plasma concentrations of anti thrombotic factors indirectly correlated with WHR and with plasma insulin concentrations.

[Evaluation of coagulation and fibrinolysis systems in women at peri- and postmenopausal age qualified for hormone replacement therapy]. / Ocena ukladu krzepniecia i fibrynolizy u kobiet w okresie okolo- i pomenopauzalnym kwalifikowanych do hormonoterapii zastepczej.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate coagulation and fibrinolysis systems in peri- and postmenopausal women who were qualified for hormone replacement therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In sixty eight peri- and postmenopausal women qualified for hormone replacement therapy under study some coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters were measured in serum--platelet count, prothrombin time, prothrombin ratio, INR, APTT, thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, D-dimers, TAT, factor VII, activity of antithrombin III, activity of protein C and protein S, PAI-1 and t-PA concentration. Controls were 26 healthy, reproductive women. RESULTS: Out of fifteen examined coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in six cases there were statistically significant differences between menopausal women and controls:--APTT and TT were shortened (but within normal range) in menopausal group than in controls;--concentration of fibrinogen in menopausal group (also within normal range) was higher than in controls;--activity of factor VII was risen (and outside normal range) in the examined group in comparison to the controls;--activity of protein S was lower in menopausal than in reproductive women;--also concentration of t-PA was lower in the examined group. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Differences in the values of coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters between the menopausal and reproductive groups of women may testify to the increased risk of thrombus formation in women at peri- and postmenopausal age. 2. Impaired fibrinolysis (low t-PA, high PAI-1) together with the rise in activity of factor VII can contribute to the development of ischaemic heart disease in menopausal women.

[Evaluation of the hormonal replace therapy (HRT) effect on generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) by neutrophil in peripheral blood of menopausal women]. / Ocena wplywu hormonalnej terapii zastepczej u kobiet w okresie menopauzalnym na zdolnosc generacji reaktywnych form tlenu przez neutrofile krwi obwodowej.

UNLABELLED: About 30% of women population in Poland is already in the perimenopausal age. HRT (hormonal replacement therapy) is the best way of diminishing the unfavorable symptoms of this state. AIM OF STUDY: The effect of HRT on ROI production by neutrophils before and after HRT, to determinate it's antioxidative influence on cells. MATERIAL: We have examined 40 women both from the Dept. of Menopausal Disease in the Research Institute Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital (RIPMMH) and Out Patient Menopausal Clinic of RIPMMH with average age of 49.8; between October 1997 and January 1998. METHODS: We determined ROI generation by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence, using standard stimuli like fLMP, PMA and OZ. We used Luminometer 1251, manufactured by Pharmacia-LKB. For statistic evaluation Fisher test, Kolmogorow-Smirnow test and T-student test were used. RESULTS: We found that estrogen-progestagen therapy had a suppressive effect on generation of ROI by neutrophils in vitro and in vivo after using receptor dependent and non-dependent stimuli. ROI generation by neutrophils of peripheral blood induced by PMA, a receptor dependent stimuli, is diminished, both, after HRT or as an effect of estrogen-progestagen action in vitro. The results suggest direct inhibition effect on the neutrophil ability to ROI generation.

[The influence of hormone replacement therapy containing transdermal 17-beta estradiol and oral medroxyprogesterone acetate on coagulation and fibrinolysis]. / Wplyw hormonalnej terapii zastepczej pod postacia przezskórnego 17 beta-estradiolu wraz ze stosowanym doustnie octanem medroksyprogesteronu na uklad krzepniecia i fibrynolizy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate some coagulative and fibrinolytic changes in women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 29 women aged 45-64 years with osteoporosis and climacteric symptoms several fibrinolytic and coagulative parameters were measured. These measurements were performed three times in each women--before and after three and six months of HRT containing transdermal 17 beta-estradiol (50 mg per day) and oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg per day). RESULTS: PAI-1 (antigen) and factor VII (activity) were decreased significantly during the trial. No other significant modifications in the examined parameters (fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, thrombin-antithormbin III complexes, t-PA and D-dimers) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease thanks to decreased levels of PAI-1 and factor VII. No other changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis were observed during the treatment.

[The evaluation of blood flow in uterine arteries in girls with polycystic ovary syndrome by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography]. / Ocena przeplywu krwi w tetnicach macicznych u dziewczat z zespolem policystycznych jajników przy wykorzystaniu ultrasonografii przezpochwowej z "kolorowym" Dopplerem.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate of blood flow in uterine arteries in girls with PCOS and to determine whether uterine blood flow variations are associated with endocrine findings typical of PCOS. METHODS: Seventy two girls with clinical, endocrinologic and ultrasonographic features of PCOS (mean age 18.8 +/- 1.3 years) were examined. The control subject consisted of twenty girls with regular, ovulation cycles. None of these girls had received hormonal treatment for at least 6 months before the study. Pelvic ultrasound examination was made in each patient with Acuson 128 XP/10 with the 4/5/7 MHz transvaginal transducer. Examination was performed in early follicular phase. Blood flow was made in each patient in the ascending branches of uterine arteries. Index values pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were used for the purpose of better comparison of the data. Associations between values of PI and RI and hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone) were examined. RESULTS: No significant differences between PI and RI of the left and right uterine artery was observed. PI in PCOS girls was mean 3.19 +/- 0.52 ranged from 2.1 to 4.3, in control girls PI was mean 2.33 +/- 0.36 ranged from 1.6 to 3.1. The PI was positively correlated (r = 0.435, p < 0.01) with testosterone and PI was positively correlated (r = 0.450, p < 0.001) with LH. The RI in PCOS patients was mean 0.87 +/- 0.04 ranged from 0.74 to 0.93, in control girls 0.72-0.87, mean 0.80 +/- 0.04. The RI was positively correlated (r = 0.466, p < 0.001) with testosterone and RI was positively correlated (r = 0.492, p < 0.001) with LH. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated uterine artery resistance was observed in girls with PCOS.

[Clinical and histopathologic picture of lichen sclerosus treated with clobetasol propionate]. / Obraz kliniczny i histopatologiczny liszaja twardzinowego sromu w trakcie leczenia propionianem klobetazolu.

Effects of treating of the vulvar lichen scleroses by topical using of clobetasol propionate. The period of observation was 1 year. All patients showed clinical improvement or full regression depending on the period of disease. In all cases histopathologic examination was performed.

Parvovirus particles in a fetal-heart with myocarditis: ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.

We report on the occurrence of parvovirus particles and VP1 (84 kDa) and VP2 (58 kDa) viral antigens in the heart of a case of fatal myocarditis in a fetus of a 26 year old women. Numerous cells containing intranuclear inclusions were identified within the blood vessels of the heart in a close apposition to muscle fibers. These cells were characterized by plentiful mitochondria and were consistent with erythroblasts. Typically, inclusions consisted of electrondense marginated chromatin and granular and amorphous "cores". At higher magnification, parvovirus particles, approximately 23 nm in diameter, were visualized either as relatively small clusters or forming large paracrystalline arrays. Virus buds were never observed. In addition, unusual membrane proliferation was seen. These findings support a notion that parvovirus may invade the fetal heart.

[Analysis of the questionnaire for prenatal ultrasonography in women delivering at the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital in the year 1995]. / Analiza ankiet dotyczacych prenatalnych badan USG U kobiet rodzacych w CZMP w 1995 roku.

After delivery at the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital, Lódz Poland (PMMH), 1658 women were asked to fulfill the questionnaire regarding US studies during their pregnancy. At least one US study had 94% (1559) of pregnant women, 6% (99) had none. Three-US studies (the optimal number recommended by the authors) had 26%, 2-US studies had 33%, 1-US studies had 22%. Our data confirm that the series of 3-US studies during the low risk pregnancy, as it is recommended in most European countries needs further promotion and implementation in Poland. In our center, in the majority of cases, 4 or more US studies were performed in high risk pregnancies.

Fetal echocardiography guidelines to predict survival of fetuses with ascites.

In a retrospective analysis of the standard protocols for fetal echocardiographic examination, 27 fetuses (mean gestational age 29 +/- 5.4 weeks) with ascites were evaluated. Fetal cardiomegaly (increased heart area/chest area ratio), the presence or absence of atrioventricular valve regurgitation, inferior vena cava and ductus venosus Doppler flow velocity and umbilical vein pulsation were evaluated quantitatively in a group of survivors and non-survivors. A statistically significant difference between the two groups was found for the presence of atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p = 0.003), and for cardiomegaly (p = 0.009). There was no statistical difference for the presence of abnormal venous flow and umbilical pulsation (p > 0.05). Abnormal venous Doppler flow velocities in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus were observed more frequently than umbilical vein pulsation. The mean heart area/chest area ratios in the group of survivors and in the group of non-survivors were 0.34 +/- 0.09 and 0.48 +/- 0.08, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean gestational ages at the time of diagnosis of ascites in the groups of survivors and non-survivors were 33 +/- 3.3 weeks and 28 +/- 5.1 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05); the mean gestational ages at the time of delivery were 35.6 +/- 2.3 weeks and 33.3 +/- 4.9 weeks, respectively (p = 0.33). In terms of different echocardiographic features as well as the gestational age of the unborn patient with ascites, there is apparently no single indicator of a poor prognosis. Our results suggest that the prognosis is usually poor in a fetus with ascites, when cardiomegaly is detected, as well as the presence of tricuspid and mitral valve regurgitation. This is regardless of the type of venous flow and regardless of the etiology of the ascites.

[Infection with parvovirus B19 in pregnant women]. / Infekcje parvowirusem B19 u kobiet ciezarnych.

The viral infection caused by Parvovirus B19 which occurs at pregnant women may be reason of many different kinds of complications during pregnancy. Until this time it is not known the frequency of the Parvovirus infections at pregnant women in Poland. We have based our studies on a group of 78 pregnant women with symptoms of a abortion, a premature imminent labour, premature labor and intrauterine death of foetus. In 10 cases (12.8%) we have confirmed a presence of antibodies IgM class antiparvovirus B19 at patients serum. It seems that the Parvovirus infection is one of most often reasons of unsuccessful pregnant.

[Ultrasonographic evaluation of pelvis minor and lower extremity veins during pregnancy and puerperium]. / Ocena ultrasonograficzna naczyn zylnych miednicy mniejszej i konczyn dolnych w okresie ciazy i pologu.

Thrombophlebitis of iliac and lower extremity veins is still an actual diagnosis problem in obstetrics and gynaecology. Classical ultrasonography and color doppler usefulness were compared. High efficacy of both methods in early diagnosis was concluded. The color doppler method is more effective in postphlebitic syndrome recognition. Spread out of veins ultrasonography with compression test gives a possibility of early diagnosis of thrombophlebitis in the course of pregnancy and puerperium.

[Evaluation of the value of clinical doppler sonography and sonographic contrast media for assessment of tubal patency]. / Ocena wartosci klinicznej sonografii dopplerowskiej i sonograficznego srodka kontrastowego w badaniu droznosci jajowodów.

The tubal factor still remains one the most often reason of female infertility. The applying of colour Doppler sonography and up-to-date constant medium (Echovist-Schering) make possible the comparison of clinical value between colour Doppler imaging and others presently used diagnostic methods. The aim of this study was the comparison of results obtained by means of hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy and hysterosalpingosonography (HSSG) directly observing tubal flow as an estimation of tubal patency.