Plasma cysteine concentrations in uncomplicated pregnancies.

Objective: To measure levels of total plasma cysteine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine and glutathione of normotensive primiparous pregnant women in the second and the third trimester.

Methods: Two consecutive blood samples were taken from 65 healthy primiparous women in the 19th to 21st weeks of pregnancy and then in the 30th to 32nd weeks. Plasma total cysteine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine and glutathione were determined by HPLC method.

Prenatally diagnosable differences in the cellular immunity of fetuses with Down's and Edwards' syndrome.

Introduction: Lymphocyte subpopulations are identified by the uniform CD classification (Cluster of Differentiation) and can be accurately differentiated with monoclonal antibodies using the method of flow cytometry. With the aid of cordocentesis it is possible to perform studies on the status and development of cellular immunity as early as in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Objective: To compare lymphocyte subpopulations present in fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities (Down's syndrome (DS), Edwards' syndrome (ES)) and fetuses with normal karyotype.

[Prenatal diagnostics during the first trimester in the clinical praxis].

Background: Biochemical screening test for Down's syndrome now offered in the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy reaches 60-65% sensitivity with 5% false positives. Newly introduced combined test done between 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of pregnancy, maternal serum biochemistry (free beta hCG a PAPP-A) and foetal nuchal translucency measurement, offer very early identification of Down's syndrome in foeti. The purpose of our study was the introduction of the new method and confirmation of the expected sensitivity and false positivity in our conditions.

Prenatal diagnosis of occipital dermal sinus associated with hemangioma using ultrasound and MRI. Case report.

Objective: We report a case of prenatal diagnosis and postpartum management of a subcutaneous tumor without intracranial communication.

Methods: An occipital tumor without intracranial communication was found on ultrasound scan in the 21st week of pregnancy. Using MRI, the diagnosis was confirmed.

[Indications and interventions in prenatal diagnostics in eight centers in the Czech Republic].

Objective: To register the spectrum of indications and types of invasive procedures in clinical practice.

Methods: We offered participation in the project to all prenatal diagnostic centres in the Czech Republic. We provided a database for entering the necessary data in Microsoft Access format.