[Analysis of breech deliveries from the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute for Mother and Child in a 12 month period]. / Analiza porodów miednicowych odbytych w klinice poloznictwa i ginekologii instytutu matki i dziecka w okresie 12 miesiecy.

An analysis of 130 breech deliveries was carried out. The material was divided into two groups: vaginal delivery and delivery by cesarean section. In both groups maternal age, parity, weeks of pregnancy, newborn weight. Apgar score in the 1st and the 5th minute and perinatal mortality rate of newborns were compared. Frequency of breech presentation in our material was about 4.1%. Cesarean section was performed in 66.2% of cases being 22.7% of all cesarean sections performed in this period. In primiparae (58.5% of breech presentation) cesarean sections were performed in 75% and in 93.3% of the primiparae in their 30-ties. Perinatal mortality rate of the newborns in all breech deliveries was 15.4%, in vaginal delivery group--22.7% and in cesarean section group--11.8%. Total perinatal mortality rate in this period was 10.4% of totally 3424 deliveries. We have not found any fetal injuries caused by the mode of delivery.

Microwave radiation enhances teratogenic effect of cytosine arabinoside in mice.

Impregnated Swiss mice were irradiated 2 h daily on days 1-18 of gestation in nonthermal (1 or 10 mW/cm2) or thermogenic (40 mW/cm2) 2,450-MHz microwave (MW) fields. On the 19th day of pregnancy all dams were killed to check the number of resorptions. Living fetuses were isolated, weighed and checked for the presence of macroscopically visible malformations of skeleton and cleft palate (CP) and/or lip (CLP). Some of the pregnant mice in each group were injected intraperitoneally on the 9th day of gestation with 10 mg/kg of cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), a well-known teratogen resulting under the above conditions in the appearance of about 15% (42 of 354) of resorbed implantation points and the development of CP or CLP in about 30% (96 of 312) of fetuses. Exposure to nonthermal MW fields during pregnancy did not lead to resorptions or detectable malformations; however, the body mass of 19-day fetuses was significantly lower than in sham-irradiated controls. MW hyperthermia (40 mW/cm2) applied during pregnancy led to an increased number of resorptions - about 25% (37 of 157) compared to 2% (6 of 306) in controls. Significant enhancement of the teratogenic potency of ara-C was observed after combined exposure to both ara-C and MWs during pregnancy. In dams treated with ara-C alone about 20% (62 of 358) resorptions and about 30% (91 of 296) fetuses with CL or CLP were found; additional exposure in MW fields (10 mW/cm2), not resulting per se in resorptions or detectable malformations, increased the numbers to 45% (213 of 448) of resorptions and to 70% (167 of 235) fetuses with CL or CLP.+

[Are microwaves a co-teratogen? Experimental model concept and its verification]. / Czy mikrofale sa koteratogenem--koncepcja modelu doswiadczalnego i jego sprawdzenie.

Microwave radiation does not result in development of congenital malformations in mice until hyperthermia is evoked. However, in the literature it is well established that certain environmental and occupational factors not being teratogenic per se may enhance and/or influence potency of established teratogens. As concerns the microwave radiation there are results suggesting cocarcinogenic properties of this radiation. In view of the above we set the hypothesis that microwave radiation may also interfere with teratogenic potency of the established teratogens. For the experiment we selected cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) under the trade name of Cytosar, produced by the Upjohn Co. The scheme of our experiment included injection of pregnant mice with 10 mg per kg of are-C on various days of gestation and further also irradiation in microwaves fields at power density of 10 mW/cm2. After checking the teratogenic potency of ara-C in further study on combination of ara-C and microwaves all the mice from the experimental groups were injected on the 9th day of gestation. The significant increase of the incidence of both malformations and resorptions was observed after combined action of are-C and microwaves. We conclude that the experimental pattern of teratogenic action of are-C can be used widely in experiments on combination with other environmental and occupational factors.

Effects of microwave exposure in utero on embryonal, fetal and postnatal development of mice.

Pregnant Swiss mice were repetitively exposed during various periods of gestation to 2,450 MHz continuous wave microwave radiation. Irradiations were conducted daily in an anechoic chamber at a power density of 10 (subthermal) or 40 mW/cm2 (thermal) for 2 h/day, 7 sessions/week. Thermal exposures to microwaves resulted in significant inhibition of the embryonal and fetal development in utero, accompanied by an increased incidence of intrafetal bleedings, resorptions and deaths of fetuses. Moreover, nonspecific resistance to viral and bacterial infections was markedly depressed in pups of dams irradiated for the whole period of gestation with thermal doses of microwaves. No such effects were found following exposure of pregnant mice to 10 mW/cm2 power density of radiation. The results suggest that the observed effects of microwave exposure in the course of pregnancy are thermal in nature.

[Effect of 2450 MHz microwaves on the fertility of Swiss female mice]. / Badanie wplywu mikrofal 2450 MHz na plodnosc samic myszy szczepu "Swiss".

The effect of repeated expositions to 2450 cm2 microwaves at power densities of 10 or 40 mW/cm2 on fecundity of female Swiss mice was investigated. After microwave irradiations during whole pregnancy mice were allowed to have offsprings. On the day of birth litters were inspected, the number of pups noted. 30 days later female mice were mated with males for the second time and after delivery the litters were controlled, offsprings were counted. The size of first and second litters were compared. The size of second litters of irradiated animals were compared with controls. We concluded, that microwave repetitive exposure of female mice in presented conditions does not result in impaired fecundity measured as a litter size.

[Development of murine embryos and fetuses after irradiation with 2450 MHz microwaves]. / Rozwój zarodków i plodów myszy poddanych dzialaniu promieniowania mikrofalowego 2450 MHz.

Microwave radiation has been reported to produce adverse effects in a variety of biological systems. We attempted to estimate the influence of repeated expositions to 2450 MHz microwaves at power densities of 10 or 40 mW/cm2 on murine (Swiss) embryos and fetuses development. Mated females were divided into groups and irradiated in various periods of pregnancy. Control animals were placed in the anechoic chamber for similar periods of time. In the 4th day of gestation part of animals were killed, number, phase of development and morphology of embryos after their washing out from uterus were noted. Among embryos obtained from dames irradiated at 40 mW/cm2 (whole body MW hyperthermia) the lower percent of blastulas was counted while more embryos were in the phase of 2-8 blastomers . This suggests retardation of development in the early period of gestation in mice exposed to thermal MW fields. The other part of animals from experimental and control groups were killed on the 19th day of gestation. The fetuses and placentas were removed, weighed, the morphology of fetuses was evaluated. In mice exposed to microwaves at 40 mW/cm2 during the second half of pregnancy increased number of resorptions, stillbirths and internal hemorrhages was noted. The living fetuses had lowered body mass compared to the offsprings of sham-irradiated mice.

[Survival and physical development of progeny of Swiss mice after 2450 Mhz microwave irradiation during pregnancy]. / Przezywalnosc i rozwój fizyczny potomstwa myszy poddanych w czasie ciazy dzialaniu mikrofal 2450 MHz.

The influence of prenatal repetitive 2450 MHz microwave irradiation of Swiss mice on postnatal survival and development was investigated. The animals were divided after mating into experimental and control groups and irradiated at power densities of 10 or 40 mW/cm2 at various periods of gestation. The pregnant females were allowed to deliver at term and feed their offsprings. Size of the litters and body mass of springs were checked on the 4th, 12th day of life. In progeny delivered by females irradiated at 40 mW/cm2 during the second half of pregnancy lowered increments of body mass before the 12th day of life was noted. We observed as well the lower size of litters delivered by females irradiated in the same conditions during the first half of pregnancy.

[Clinical value of the fetoplacental ratio]. / Ocena wartosci klinicznej wskaznika poplodowo-plodowego.

Scientific interest in the placenta derives not only from its enormous diversity of form and function but also from the unique metabolic, endocrine and immunologic properties. The steady increase in size and weight of the placenta throughout pregnancy has been investigated in the large number of studies. The data obtained from weighing the placenta vary considerably, depending upon how the placenta is prepared. If membranes and mass of the cord are left attached and adherent maternal blood clot is not removed, the weight is increased by nearly 50 percent. In our study we tried to asses the value of the feto-placental ratio and to correlate the weight of placenta with the other data obtained during pregnancy and labour and with outcome of pregnancy. A group of 1010 patients was assessed. The data obtained these patients were correlated with the length of pregnancy, the body weight of the baby and the status of the newborn estimated by Apgar score in 1 and 5 min. The feto-placental ratio was significantly affected by the length of pregnancy and the status of the newborn. Another comparisons were made with the medical illnesses during pregnancy, i. g. H--Gestosis, renal diseases and the cholestasis of pregnancy.

[Environmental and occupational factors in the development of congenital malformations]. / Czynniki srodowiskowe i zawodowe jako przyczyna powstawania wad wrodzonych.

Teratology has grown from a little known discipline to a discipline embracing a vast accumulation of literature on experimental studies in many animal forms. Emphasis has shifted from preoccupation with descriptions of anatomical defects to concern about subtle and interacting causative factors. The aim of this work is to assemble a source of facts, concepts, methods and references within the broad scope of teratology. Our review summarizes reports of teratogenic effects in mammals. The major intent of this work, however, has been to introduce into a field of teratology. Special attention has been paid to the relation of animal studies to the problem in man and to the interactions between teratogens and environmental variables. We present a number of illustrative examples of various kinds of interactions that may occur and their possible significance. Striking degrees of potentiative interactions have been demonstrated in laboratory animals when two or more compounds were used simultaneously at doses at or below the threshold level for teratogenicity of the same compound when applied singly. We propose the name coteratogenesis for the agents which are not teratogenic but which aggravate teratogenicity of the other factors known as teratogens.

[Inhibition of premature uterine contractions]. / Hamowanie przedwczesnej czynnosci skurczowej macicy.

Various drugs used to stop premature uterine contractions are discussed in the paper. Particular attention is paid to beta-mimetic drugs. The results of ming Partusisten, one of beta-mimetic drugs, is presented on the material of 104 patients with threatening immature and premature labour. Partusisten was administered in the form of intravenous drip infusion or tablets. During treatment monitoring of the uterine contractility and of foetal heart rate took place. Inhibition of the uterine contraction activity was successful in 100 per cent of cases. In 60,9 per cent in the group of threatening immature labour and in 38,1 per cent in the group threatening premature labour, the delay of delivery was more then 28 days. The delay of delivery by 48 hours was 87 per cent and 84 per cent in both groups respectively. Tachycardia was one of the first side effects observed in 15,2 per cent of cases. There is also presented an example of pregnancy when delivery was delayed by 21 days in spite of premature outflow of amniotic fluid (at a high rupture of membrane). The authors are of the opinion that Partusisten is very effective and gives little side effects, preventing premature uterine contractions. Dosage should be individualized according to the case and labour advancement, and should be based on topographic evaluation of uterine contraction. Negative influence of the drug on foetuses was not observed.

[Prenatal monitoring of fetal heart activity and the course of labor and the state of the newborn infant]. / Przedporodowe monitorowanie czynnosci serca plodu a przebieg porodu i stan noworodka.

In the paper practical importance of cardiotocographic interpretation of records carried out during pregnancy is discussed as well as the importance of antepartum monitoring of foetal heart rate. 1944 records of 663 pregnant women were analysed. Observations of basic frequency of foetal heart rate, oscillation and heart rate response to foetal movements and uterine contractions were made. Taking into consideration these criteria the records were classified as: reactive, nonreactive and combined (reactive and nonreactive) patterns. Among 663 cases there were 544 reactive patterns, 73 combined with predominance of reactive ones, 34 combined with predominance of nonreactive ones and 12 nonreactive patterns. Comparison of separate types of records with Apgar test in the 1 st, 3 rd, and 5 th minute shows that low Apgar score (below 7) is mainly related to the group of nonreactive and combined records with predominance of nonreactive patterns. Apgar score is above 7 in the group of reactive and combined patterns with predominance of reactive pattern. Comparison of the types of records to the kinds of delivery termination shows that in predominately nonreactive pattern there was 50-55% of operational deliveries in predominately reactive pattern groups however 24%. Therefore repeating reactive pattern in antepartum monitoring records is the evidence of good foetal state and this state most probably will not be disturbed during labour. Repeating nonreactive pattern with decreasing oscillation is the evidence of increased foetal distress.

[Sulfamethoxazole concentration in the homogenate of the human embryo]. / Stezenie sulfametoksazolu w homogenacie ludzkiego jaja plodowego.

The investigations on the extent of placental drug transfer has conventionally been based on determining drug concentration in cord blood at delivery. There is, however, data that levels in cord blood at delivery may provide misleading information on the extent of drug transfer in utero. It is due to the fact that not every drug reaches the fetus in pharmacologically active form. Hence, the evaluation of placental drug transfer requires determination of free drug concentration in fetal tissues. Seven women with indications for interruption of pregnancy for social reasons have taken Biseptol 480--Polfa (400 mg sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg trimethoprim) for 4-5 days before the operation. Each woman received 1,92 g of drug (4 tablets) a day in two divided doses. In the tissues obtained during abortion, the concentration of sulfamethoxazole was estimated by the modified method of Bratton and Marchall . The obtained results show that in the first trimester of gestation sulfamethoxazole crosses human placental barrier; it is detectable in embryo in a great amount. This fact indicates that administration of Biseptol to the pregnant mother may be harmful for the embryo. Our investigations have not permitted yet on for the statement that there is the correlation between the sulfamethoxazole concentration and week of gestation during the first trimester.