[First trimester diagnosis of encephalocele--report of two cases and review of the literature]. / Diagnostyka przepukliny mózgowej w pierwszym trymestrze ciqy--opis dwóch przypadkow i przeglad pismiennictwa.

The authors present two cases of encephalocele, diagnosed at 11(+0)-13(+6) wks scan. Case 1: Occipital encephalocele (max diameter 14 mm) without brain tissue was diagnosed at 12 wks. At 35 wks bilateral ventriculomegaly was additionally found. The course of pregnancy was uneventful. Encephalocele was closed surgically soon after delivery Normal neonatal development at 6 months of age was confirmed. Case 2: Occipital encephalocele (max diameter 34 mm) containing brain tissue was diagnosed at 12 wks. Two weeks later fetal demise was confirmed during ultrasound examination. Uncomplicated induction of abortion was performed locally. The outcome and possible clinical scenarios in both cases, together with review of literature, are presented in the article.

[Evaluation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG) levels and sonographic assesement of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in singleton pregnancies between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation--Polish multi-centre research]. / Ocena poziomów osoczowego bialka ciazowego A (PAPP-A) i wolnej podjednostki beta ludzkiej gonadotropiny kosmówkowej (beta hCG) miedzy 11 a 14 tygodniem ciaiy--polskie badania wieloosrodkowe.

UNLABELLED: Evaluation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG) levels and sonographic assessment of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in singleton pregnancies between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation--Poland's multi-centers research. OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A has been reported to be low in Down syndrome affected pregnancies during the first trimester of pregnancy. Enlarged nuchal translucency (NT) is observed in about 80% of fetuses affected with chromosomal abnormalities and congenital heart defects (CHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of this study were to determine value and the medians of free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and nuchal translucency thickness in the first trimester in a prospective study of a non-selected Polish population. RESULTS: All examinations have been performed according to the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) rules. We have included 800 women between 11 weeks 0 days and 13 weeks 6 days gestation into a biochemical examination. Women booked into the clinic were offered screening, using a combination of maternal serum free beta-hCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and fetal nuchal translucency thickness. The maternal serum were measured using the Kryptor analyzer (Brahms Diagnostica). All pregnant women have been divided into 2 groups younger than (first group) and older than (second group) 35 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Nomogrames for free beta-hCG and PAPP-A levels in physiological pregnancy between 11(+0) and 13(6) weeks were determined in the examined population. A positive correlation between PAPP-A and CRL levels, as well as a weak negative correlation between free beta-hCG and CRL, were demonstrated.

Ultrasonographic assessment of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) at 11th and 14th week of gestation--Polish multicentre study.

UNLABELLED: THE AIMS OF THE STUDY WERE: To evaluate range and median values of NT in a large, unselected Polish population; to determine the value of the 95th percentile and the median values for NT for given weeks of late 1st trimester pregnancy and to determine the level of chromosomal aberration risk corresponding to the values of the 95th percentile in the examined groups; to examine the possible correlation between CRL, NT width as well as the mother's age with the risk of the most frequent chromosomal aberrations. MATERIAL & METHODS: We have retrospective analyzed 7,866 pregnant women. All fetuses of this women had NT measurement performed, as well as CRL and assessed of the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities. The group of pregnant women was divided into 2 subgroups: until and above 35 years old. All population group was divided into 3 subgroups depending on gestational age (11, 12 and above 13th weeks of gestation). RESULTS: The median of NT in all population group was 1.5 mm and 95th percentile was 2.4 mm, whilst in group with low risk median of NT and 95th percentile were the same and in group with high risk of chromosomal abnormalities respectively 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. There were strong correlations between maternal age and the risk of most frequent chromosomal abnormalities from NT. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results of median values and the 95th percentiles of NT in the examined group and the age groups under 35 and 35 plus are similar to these quoted by FMF. The risk levels of trisomy of 21st chromosome were similar to the reference values used by FMF. With gestational age, NT value increases in a non-linear way, therefore it is incorrect to use the term "a normal value" for NT, therefore, only the risk level calculated with the dedicated software using NT and CRL measurements with maternal age should be stated.

[PI index value in fetal ductus venosus blood flow at 11-14 weeks in normal course of pregnancy]. / Wartosci wskaznika pulsacji (PI) w przewodzie zylnym plodu pomiedzy 11-14 tygodniem ciazy w przebiegu ciazy fizjologicznej.

OBJECTIVE: Development of ultrasound diagnostic with Doppler examination allows early and and more precise assessement of fetal anatomy and well-being. DESIGN: Evaluation of blood flow parameters in fetal ductus venosus between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy was performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fetal anatomy, nuchal translucency, nasal bone and ductus venosus blood flow has been studied with transabdominal probe in 225 consecutive fetuses according to Fetal Medicine Foundation recommendations. RESULTS: From total number of 225 cases finally ten women were excluded from analysis due to absent or reversed A-wave in DV blood flow. In remaining 215 cases mean value of PI was 0,94 (range 0,53-1,88), mean value of Vmax (S-wave) was 42,48cm/s (range 18,7-102,9cm/sek), and mean value of Vmin (A-wave)--11,91cm/s (range 1,13- 37,32 cm/sek). CONCLUSIONS: PI index value slightly decreased with increasing CRL. There was no differences in mean blood flow velocity with CRL for S-wave. A decrease in mean blood flow velocity with CRL was noted for A-wave.

[Prenatal ultrasound findings in complete trisomy 9]. / Regularna trisomia 9 chromosomu--opis przypadku, przeglad pismiennictwa.

This case report describes a 40-year-old woman, primigravida. On 13,3 weeks of gestation we diagnosed an abnormal flow pattern in the umbilical artery and abnormal hyperechogenic structure in fetal abdomen. In next sonographic examination on 16 weeks of gestation we diagnosed ventriculomegaly and ahydramnion. We also observed spina bifida, hyperechogenic kidneys, abnormal flow pattern in the umbilical vein and pulmonary valve insufficiency. We performed genetic amniocentesis. We observed complete trisomy in cytogenetic examinations. The woman opted for an elective TOP according to the Polish Abortion Act on 20 weeks of gestation.

[Doppler assessment of the fetal asphyxia in pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation]. / Dopplerowskie cechy niedotlenienia plodu w przypadkach wspólistniejacego nadcisnienia ciazowego (GH--gestational hypertension) i wewnatrzmacicznego zahamowania wzrostu.

OBJECTIVES: Gestational hypertension is associated with a high morbidity for both mother and fetus. Doppler ultrasound has allowed the fetal circulation to be examined. Now it is possible to monitor the response of the fetal circulation to hypoxia. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to determine flow patterns in fetal circulation from pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation included 23 fetuses with signs of the gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction. We evaluated cerebral-placental ratio (CPR) and pulsation index (PI) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the umbilical artery (UA). We also evaluated flows in umbilical vein. RESULTS: We observed abnormal flow pattern in all cases of analyzing fetuses. The most common abnormal flow was vein pulsation (48%). CONCLUSIONS: All analyzing fetuses shown signs of the hypoxia. Present of the umbilical vein pulsation or decompensate of the brain sparing effect is closely related o increased perinatal mortality.

[Assessment of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery and the umbilical artery in fetuses with umbilical venous pulsations]. / Ocena przeplywu krwi w testnicy srodkowej mózgu i tetnicy pepowinowej u plodów z rozpoznana pulsacja w zyle pepowinowej.

OBJECTIVES: Umbilical venous pulsation is an important sign of hemodynamic compromise, especially during fetal heart failure and asphyxia. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to determine of the blow flow in the middle cerebral artery and the umbilical artery in fetuses with umbilical venous pulsations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation included 18 fetuses with signs of the intrauterine growth restriction and umbilical venous pulsations after 28th weeks of gestation. We evaluated cerebral-placental ratio (CPR) and pulsation index (PI) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the umbilical artery (UA). RESULTS: We observed brain sparring effect in all cases of analyzing fetuses. There were 77,8% of abnormal flow pattern in umbilical artery. 13 fetuses had a single pulsation pattern in umbilical vein and another 5 had double pulsation pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of umbilical vein pulsation and abnormal flow pattern in umbilical artery is closely related to increased perinatal mortality.

[Doppler analysis of fetal renal function in fetus with obstructive uropathy]. / Ocena przeplywu krwi w tetnicach nerkowych u plodu w przypadkach podpecherzowej uropatii zaporowej.

OBJECTIVE: Proper prediction of obstructive uropathy consequences in the fetus before birth have remained to be the subject of numerous discussions and scientific research. The means to prevent destructive (life-threatening), irreversible prenatal uropathy results depend largely on early and appropriate defect recognition and since when consistent intrauterine treatment decreasing uropathy's negative effects is being implemented. The purpose of this study was to broaden prenatal diagnostics of urinary system in fetus by introducing new doppler parameters which enable to evaluate renal function in the case of obstructive uropathy. This research concentrated also on finding the most accurate prognostic doppler indicators for fetal renal functions allowing to provide the intrauterine treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All of the participants that took part in the study were pregnant women (67 women to be exact) diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography with bilateral obstructive uropathy. Out of this group 45 women meeting classification criteria were incorporated in further research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The conducted research have allowed to come to following conclusions: Determining of renal blood flow indicators distinctly increased the chances to achieve credible prognostic assessment of fetal renal functions in cases of obstructive uropathy.