[Septic shock in pregnancy on the basis of an acute pyelonephritis]. / Septický sok v tehotenství na podklade akutní pyelonefritidy.

OBJECTIVE: According to the World Health Organisation, sepsis is one of the four main causes of pregnancy-related mortality worldwide, together with hemorrhage, hypertensive disease and abortion. The main goal of this paper is an analysis of one case of septic shock in pregnancy. DESIGN: A case report. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the First Faculty of Medicine and General Teaching Hospital, Prague. METHODS AND RESULTS: Authors would like to draw attention to the pitfalls of diagnosis and treatment of septic shock which developed in 25th week of pregnancy on the basis of pyelonephritis due to E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of sepsis and an interdisciplinary co-operation are the main prerequisities for successful treatment.

Steroid hormones in the development of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression affects 10-15 % women after childbirth. There is no currently generally accepted theory about the causes and mechanisms of postpartum mental disorders. The principal hypothesis concerns the association with sudden changes in the production of hormones affecting the nervous system of the mother and, on the other hand, with the ability of receptor systems to adapt to these changes. We observed changes in steroidogenesis in the period around spontaneous delivery. We collected three samples of maternal blood. The first sampling was 4 weeks prior to term; the second sampling was after the onset of uterine contractions (the beginning of spontaneous labour); the third sampling was during the third stage of labour (immediately after childbirth). Additionally, we collected mixed umbilical cord blood. The almost complete steroid metabolome was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry followed by RIA for some steroids. Mental changes in women in the peripartum period were observed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The local Ethics Committee approved the study. We found already the changes in androgens levels correlating with postpartum mood disorders four weeks prior to childbirth. The strongest correlations between steroid and postpartum mood change were found in venous blood samples collected from mothers after childbirth and from umbilical cord blood. The main role played testosterone, possibly of maternal origin, and estrogens originating from the fetal compartment. These results suggest that changes in both maternal and fetal steroidogenesis are involved in the development of mental changes in the postpartum period. Descriptions of changes in steroidogenesis in relation to postpartum depression could help clarify the causes of this disease, and changes in some steroid hormones are a promising marker of mental changes in the postpartum period.

Steroid metabolome in the umbilical cord: is it necessary to differentiate between arterial and venous blood?

Steroids are important markers in pregnancy. Although estimating their levels separately in umbilical arterial (UA) and venous blood (UV) enable more precise insights into the functioning fetoplacental unit compared to using mixed umbilical blood (UM), selective aspiration of UA and UV is technically more demanding than collecting UM. We measured the levels of 67 unconjugated steroids and steroid polar conjugates in UA and UV using GC-MS in 80 women giving birth within weeks 28 to 42 of gestation. The samples were sorted into three groups: women entering labor within weeks 28-32 (group A, n=19), weeks 33-37 (group B, n=19), and weeks 38-42 (group C, n=42) of gestation, respectively. The preterm labors were due to pathologies unrelated to steroid status. Most unconjugated steroids exhibited pronounced arteriovenous differences (AVD). The AVD were less distinct in more stable steroid conjugates. Most steroids positively correlate with gestational age, but unconjugated 5beta-reduced pregnanes show negative correlations, as do testosterone and androstenediol, substrates for the placental synthesis of estrogens. Tight correlations between steroids in UA and UV indicate that steroid measurements in UA, UV and UM can be accurately derived from each other, which is important for the diagnostics of steroid related diseases in newborns.

[Progesterone neuroactive metabolites in human pregnancy]. / Progesteron a jeho neuroaktivní metabolity v mechanismu porodu.

OBJECTIVE: Review of the physiological role of neuroactive and neuroprotective steroids in human pregnancy. DESIGN: A review article. SETTING: Gynecological-Obstetrical Clinic, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University and General Hospital, Prague. CONCLUSION: Human parturition is a multi-factorial process. Various mechanisms related to the onset of labor were suggested. Estrogens show accelerating increase in late pregnancy, which probably reflect the increasing activity of fetal zone of the fetal adrenal. This zone is stimulated by progressive increase of placental CRH resulting in excessive production of conjugated 3beta-hydroxy-5-en-steroids, which are transported by circulation to placenta and further metabolized to active hormones. Some progesterone metabolites probably participate in pregnancy sustaining via modulation of ligand-gated ion channels in the CNS and periphery. In this review, the question was addressed whether the catabolism of pregnancy sustaining progesterone metabolites accelerate like the estrogen formation.

Is maternal progesterone actually independent of the fetal steroids?

Progesterone and estradiol are the foremost steroid hormones in human pregnancy. However, the origin of maternal progesterone has still not been satisfactorily explained, despite the generally accepted opinion that maternal LDL-cholesterol is a single substrate for placental synthesis of maternal progesterone. The question remains why the levels of progesterone are substantially higher in fetal as opposed to maternal blood. Hence, the role of the fetal zone of fetal adrenal (FZFA) in the synthesis of progesterone precursors was addressed. The FZFA may be directly regulated by placental CRH inducing an excessive production of sulfated 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids such as sulfates of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and pregnenolone (PregS). Due to their excellent solubility in plasma these conjugates are easily transported in excessive amounts to the placenta for further conversion to the sex hormones. While the significance of C19 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroid sulfates originating in FZFA for placental estrogen formation is mostly recognized, the question "Which maternal and/or fetal functions may be served by excessive production of PregS in the FZFA?" - still remains open. Our hypothesis is that, besides the necessity to synthesize de novo all the maternal progesterone from cholesterol, it may be more convenient to utilize the fetal PregS. The activities of sulfatase and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) are substantially higher than the activity of cytochrome P450scc, which is rate-limiting for the placental progesterone synthesis from LDL-cholesterol. However, as in the case of progesterone synthesis from maternal LDL-cholesterol, the relative independence of progesterone levels on FZFA activity may be a consequence of substrate saturation of enzymes converting PregS to progesterone. Some of the literature along with our current data (showing no correlation between fetal and maternal progesterone but significant partial correlations between fetal and maternal 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone (Prog20alpha) and between Prog20alpha and progesterone within the maternal blood) indicate that the localization of individual types of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is responsible for a higher proportion of estrone and progesterone in the fetus, but also a higher proportion of estradiol and Prog20alpha in maternal blood. Type 2 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD2), which oxidizes estradiol to estrone and Prog20alpha to progesterone, is highly expressed in placental endothelial cells lining the fetal compartment. Alternatively, syncytium, which is directly in contact with maternal blood, produces high amounts of estradiol and Prog20alpha due to the effects of type 1, 5 and 7 17?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17HSD1, 17HSD5, and 17HSD7, respectively). The proposed mechanisms may serve the following functions: 1) providing substances which may influence the placental production of progesterone and synthesis of neuroprotective steroids in the fetus; and 2) creating hormonal milieu enabling control of the onset of labor.

[Prenatal intracranial hemorrhagie--diagnosis and follow-up]. / Prenatálne vzniklé intrakraniální krváicení--diagnostika a sledování.

AIM: We present a case of difficult prenatal diagnosis and follow-up of severe fetal intracranial hemorrhage. With an analysis of the available literature that is related to this topic, we would like to bring attention to the necessity of accurate evaluation of fetal brain morphology even during routine ultrasound examination in the late third trimester. TYPE OF STUDY: Case report. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four cases of prenatal intracranial hemorrhage are presented. All cases were diagnosed during ultrasound examination during the third trimester of pregnancy and the findings were clarified using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The etiology of the hemorrhage was determined in only two cases. Postnatal follow-up of the affected children over a range of one to two years of age shows a very severe prognosis of the described hemorrhagic conditions. CONCLUSION: Prenatally diagnosed fetal intracranial hemorrhage is a rare but severe complication in pregnancy associated with fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A detailed description and precise image documentation of the damaged fetal structures have a fundamental forensic significance. Postnatal estimation of the time of hemorrhage using analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and ultrasound findings (echogenicity of the lesions) is not always unified.

[Intrapartal fetal monitoring, sensitivity and specificity of methods]. / Intrapartální fetální monitoring, senzitivita a specificita metod.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated sensitivity and specificity of presently used methods for intrapartal monitoring (CTG, FpO2 a STAN S-21) and their mutual comparison. TYPE OF STUDY: A prospective study. SETTING: Gynecological-Obstetrical Clinic, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University and general Teaching Hospital, Prague. METHOD: In 114 pregnant women with high-risk or pathological course of pregnancy the authors evaluated the capability of individual methods to predict intrapartal hypoxia, determined on the basis of postnatal evaluation of parameters observed (Apgar score in 1st minute, pH from umbilical artery, lactate levels in fetal blood, base excess (BE) and postpartum condition of fetus evaluated by a neonatologist). Each method was categorized according to its importance. The quality of individual methods was evaluated by means of their sensitivity and specificity as well as by the area under ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic), i.e. AUC (Area under Curve). A similar or different prediction of the condition of the newborn by these individual methods was evaluated by the McNamara test of symmetry. In 50 deliveries performed by Cesarean section and 24 forceps deliveries the authors evaluated postnatal pH from umbilical artery and evaluation by Chi-square test. The women in childbed were infused with a tocolytic drug (hexoprenalin) before Cesarean section. All tests were performed at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Low level of Apgar score in the 1st minute and less) always indicated CTG, but also a large proportion of normal newborns. STAN, in contrast, well indicates all newborns with a normal point evaluation. The best balanced evaluation of the newborns is provided by FpO2 and there was a significant difference between CTG and FpO2. In evaluating pH from the umbilical artery (pH < 7.20), TCG proved to be most sensitive again but displayed low specificity. STAN was the best predictor of newborns with normal pH. In evaluating high levels of lactate (> 3.7mmol/L) and BE (> -10) and related demonstration of metabolic acidosis STAN proved to be the best predictor. The condition of the newborn evaluated by a neonatologist immediately after birth (medium or heavy depression) was best predicted by FpO2. In deliveries performed by Cesarean section and after the administration of tocolysis the postnatal pH was higher then in forceps deliveries without acute tocolysis. The occurrence of emergencies in the course of a pathological delivery in individual methods is as follows: CTG, FpO2 and STAN. CONCLUSION: Even though CTG displays a very low specificity, this method should not be rejected, since it draws attention of the obstetrician very early to the possibility of developing hypoxia. FpO2 or STAN gives more precision to the situation and demarcates a correct moment for ending the delivery for the indication of fetus hypoxia intra partum. STAN is the best predictor for conditions of developing metabolic acidosis, evaluated postnatally by the level of lactate and BE in fetal blood.

[Delivery of a healthy child from pregnancy after IVF complicated hyperstimulation syndrome, phlebothrombosis and resection of uterine horn. Case report]. / Porod zdravého plodu v gravidite po IVF komplikované hyperstimulacním syndromem, flebotrombózou a resekcí rohu delozního. Kazuistika.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the negative effect of uterine horn resection for heterotopic pregnancy in the uterine horn in the first trimester on the course of pregnancy and labor. To point out the increased incidence of other complications in pregnancy after IVF+ET (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, phlebothrombosis of the pelvic veins). DESIGN: Case study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague. METHODS: In this study, the authors analyze their experience with the course of pregnancy of a patient who had uterine horn resection for a heterotopic uterine horn pregnancy after IVF+ET. The course of pregnancy was associated with further complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and the resulting occurence of thrombosis in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The pregnancy was terminated by caesarean section for the indication of prior uterine surgery-resection of the uterine horn in the first trimester. A healthy infant was delivered. CONCLUSION: This case study demonstrates the multiple occurrence of serious complications in pregnancy after IVF+ET, which are associated with ovarian hyperstimulation and the transfer of multiple embryos. The pregnancy was terminated with the delivery of a healthy term infant.

[Analysis of present diagnostic methods of intrapartum fetal hypoxia]. / Analýza soucasných diagnostických metod intrapartální hypoxie plodu.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate specificity of present diagnostic methods of intrapartal fetal hypoxia (cardiotocography--CTG, fetal pulse oxymetry--FpO2, ST-ECG analysis). DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinic, 1st Medical Faculty and General Faculty Hospital in Prague. METHODS: The results of synchronic fetus monitoring by means of CTG, FpO2 and STAN-ST 21 were followed in 53 mothers with a risk and pathological delivering of birth in the period of April 2003 to March 2004. The study investigated, which of the methods provided the best prediction of the intrapartal fetal hypoxia. The statistical evaluation (p-mark test and Mc Namara test) was based on the assessment of correct or incorrect prediction of the Apgar score values in the first minute after birth, pH in umbilical artery and the lactate level. We also investigated results of three methods during postpartum depression, turbid or mushy amniotic fluid and the way the individual methods were made useful in indication for ending the delivery. RESULTS: In comparison with CTG there was a statistically significantly higher specificity in FpO2 and STAN in the evaluation of Apgar score in the newborn in the first minute after birth, FpO2 (p=0.007) and STAN-ST (p<0.001), in the determination of pH (a) from umbilical blood FpO2 (p=0.029) and STAN (p=0.001) and the occurrence of postpartum depression of the newborn in minute 30-60 after birth FpO2 (p=0.019) and STAN (p=0.0005). The changes in lactate level in umbilical blood were better predicated by STAN (p=0.001). FpO2 evaluated the changes in the same way as CTG. The threatening hypoxia in strongly turbid or even mushy amniotic fluid was correctly evaluated by STAN only (p=0.002). The FpO2 evaluation was not statistically significant. There was not any statistically significant difference in the indication of operation for ending the delivery among the individual methods. CONCLUSIONS: The results univocally demonstrated that the used of other method for diagnosis on intrapartal fetus hypoxia--Fetal pulse oxymetry and ST--analysis of ECG of the fetus give more precision to the diagnosis. The introduction of these methods requires a correct interpretation and the effort of the obstetrician to use these methods in clinical practice.