Combined screening test for trisomy 21 - is it as efficient as we believe?

Objectives: To compare two first-trimester screening strategies: traditional combined screening and the one based on ultrasound markers only. We investigated the effect of maternal age (MA) on the screening performance of both of these strategies.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study based on a non-selected mixed-risk population of 11,653 women referred for first-trimester screening.

[The level of implementation of the prevention program of group B Streptococcal infection during pregnancy and in newborns in accordance to the recommendations of the Polish Gynaecological Society - questionnaire survey].

Background: Maternal colonization of Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnancy constitute an important clinical problem, that may result in serious consequences, especially for the newborn. Streptococcus agalactiae is a gram-positive beta-hemolytic streptococci belonging to the serological group B (GBS). According to recent data the GBS is found in 10-30% of healthy women, and the carriage of pathogen is usually asymptomatic.

Assessment of angiotensin I metabolism in the human placenta using an LC/MS method.

The local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the placenta plays a very important role in placental development. It is well known that during normal pregnancy most of the circulating and local RAS components are over-expressed and any disruption of this new balance may cause pregnancy complications. The aim of this study was to assess the metabolism of Ang I in placentas from normal pregnancy, in an ex vivo model, using an LC/MS method.