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Sixty five women were in the third trimester of pregnancy (29-40 weeks of gestation) submitted to the study including 35 with primary hypertension (the studied group) and 30 healthy (control group). The following parameters were measured in blood serum and urine from 24 hrs, collection: total Ca and Ca++, inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and magnesium. Generally accepted micromethods were used; Ca++ was measured using AVL type 9140 analyser. Women of the studied group presented mean blood pressure 164 +/- 14/106 +/- 9.7 mm Hg and did not have proteinuria and oedema. They presented decreased concentrations of total Ca (p0.004) and ionised Ca++ (p0.004), and an increase of Pi (p0.002) in blood serum. No differences in magnesium concentrations were found. Distinct decrease of calcium excretion in urine was found in hypertensive women (4.50 +/- 2.76 vs 6.60 +/- 3.4 mmol/24 hrs, p0.024). No alterations in phosphorus and magnesium urine excretion were observed in women with hypertension (women of both groups had the same volume of 24 urine). Our study concludes the main alterations in calcium-phosphorus-magnesium homeostasis in pregnant women with primary hypertension are the calcium homeostasis alterations. Phosphorus homeostasis is less affected while magnesium distribution does not change. Hypocalciuria might be related to impaired glomerular filtration in this pathology in pregnancy. Hypocalciuria and lowered serum concentrations of total Ca and ionised Ca++ might prove general deficiency of this element in pregnancy complicated by primary hypertension.

One hundred twenty eight women were submitted to research including: 38 healthy not pregnant women, 40 healthy women in the first trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy (6-15 weeks) and 50 pregnant women with symptoms of threatened abortion (6-15 weeks). The following parameters were measured in serum: total Ca, Ca++, ionised inorganic phosphorus (Pi), magnesium (Mg), total protein and albumin and also total alkaline phosphatase activity (APt). Micromethods generally accepted in clinical laboratories were used. The study showed symptoms of threatened abortion are related to decreased concentrations of Pi, Mg, total protein and albumin and reduced activity of APt. Women who did not underwent miscarriage showed significantly higher Pi concentration compared to those who lost pregnancy, what might be of prognostic value. Threatened abortion was not considered to alter calcium homeostasis.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid, collected by ultrasound guided amniocentesis, were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with). The following parameters of acid-base balance were measured in amniotic fluids of both groups: pH, pCO2, base deficiency, standard HCO3 and total CO2. Corning device type 168 was used. Distinct metabolic-respiratory acidosis was present in amniotic fluids of studied group showing the decrease of a pH, pO2, standard HCO3 values and an increase of CO2 values and base deficiency. Authors believe in pregnancy complicated by hypertension biochemical environment of intrauterine fetal development with regard to acid-base balance is highly unfavourable.

Sixty two samples of amniotic fluid were submitted to biochemical investigation including 31 samples from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension (studied group with blood pressure -65 +/- 15/95 +/- 5 mm Hg) and 31 samples deriving from healthy pregnant women (control group with mean blood pressure 118 +/- 10/74 +/- +/- 9 mm Hg). The following parameters of amniotic fluid were measured: 1) aminotransferases: alanine AlAT and aspartate AspAT, 2) alkaline phosphatase (APt) and its thermostable isoenzyme (APh), 3) ceruloplasmin (Crlp), 4) alpha-amylase (alpha-Amy). The study showed pregnancy complicated by hypertension is related to fetal salivary gland's immaturity presenting decreased activity of alpha amylase in amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluids deriving from women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension showed normal activities of AlAT, AspAT, APt, APh and Crlp.

Increasing number of female kidney recipients deciding to born a baby makes us to investigate the impact of pregnancy on graft survival. The aim of study was to find the parameter that would have the predictive value for graft function following delivery. Scr and P in 33 pregnant renal allograft recipients (mean age 27.1 +/- 6.1 yrs) treated with pred + aza + CsA were studied for 6 mo before, during and 6 mo following delivery. As measured only by Scr graft function was stable in all pts (1.4 +/- 0.05 mg/dl). Significant rise in Scr following pregnancy was found in 6 of 33 pts. This "unstable" group was compared with 27 patients with "stable" despite pregnancy graft function. Proteinuria, but not Scr differentiated groups prior to pregnancy. The estimation of P prior to conception seems to be more potent parameter to predict kidney graft deterioration following pregnancy than Scr alone. Increase in P during and following pregnancy in "unstable" pts may reflect the acceleration of subclinical (not yet manifested with rise of Scr) chronic graft rejection due to pregnancy-induced hiperfiltration.

Concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium, calcium (total and ionised) and inorganic phosphorus were determined in amniotic fluid. Samples were taken from patients between 42-43 week of gestation (investigated group) and between 38 and 40 week (control group). Micro-methods, generally acknowledged in laboratories of clinical biochemistry were used. In the protracted pregnancies increase of magnesium levels and decrease of sodium levels were observed. No differences in concentrations of calcium, calcium (total and ionised) and inorganic phosphorus between investigated and control group were noted. Independently of the duration of pregnancy, near term or post term, ionised calcium constituted 90% of total calcium in amniotic fluid.

Concentrations of glucose, bilirubin, H+ ions, estriol, HPL were determined in the samples of amniotic fluid from post term and near term pregnancies. Investigated group consisted of samples taken between 42-43 week of gestation, control group between 38-40 week. In both groups biochemical tests of pulmonary maturation--Lectin/Sphingomyelin ratio, foam test, 650 nm absorbance were carried out. In the diagnosis of post term pregnancy glucose concentrations, oestrogens, HPL, 650 nm adsorption, foam test and L/S ratio had proper diagnostic value. No differences were observed in bilirubin concentrations.

Chemical diabetes produced in male rats by treatment with alloxan (45 mg/kg) decreased aminopyrine N-demethylase activity but not hepatic microsomal protein, cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b5 contents. In contrast, diabetes increased aniline hydroxylase activity. Glutathione S-transferase activity and the most of the forms of UDP-glucuronyltransferase were decreased but phenolsulphotransferase activity was not affected in alloxan-induced rats. These results suggest that observed changes may led to alteration of drug metabolism and toxicity in diabetes.

In 53 pregnant patients in the III trimester of pregnancy kidney function investigations were carried. The group consisted of 23 patients with chronic kidney diseases with superimposed arterial hypertension (examined group) and of 30 healthy pregnant women (control group). In the examined group an increase of blood-serum urea, uric acid and creatinine concentrations were demonstrated. In these women the blood pH was decreased also. The urinary excretion of NH4+ and H+ ions was decreased, the excretion of Na+ and K+ was normal.

Investigations covered 64 women in the III trimester of pregnancy. In this group 34 were with diagnosed primary arterial hypertension (examined group), and 30 were apparently healthy (control group). In both groups the blood serum concentrations of creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes were determined. Creatinine clearance and acid-base balance were determined in these cases also. In 24 hours urine samples the NH4+, H+, Na+ and K+ ions concentrations were established. Impaired kidney function was shown in the patients from the examined group.

The investigations covered 33 women in the III trimester of pregnancy with diagnosed, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and 108 healthy women in the control group. The alpha-amylase activity was measured in the blood-serum and urine samples using the Caravay technique. An increased activity was demonstrated in the blood-serum samples in the examined group. The values were not related to the levels of glycemia. The urinary alpha-amylase activity was similar to that in the control patients. No coincidence between the activity and glycemia or acetone levels could be demonstrated.

The study was carried out on 23 samples of amniotic fluid taken between 35th and 39th week of pregnancy from 23 pregnant women with arterial hypertension (13 cases of hypertension induced by pregnancy, 5 cases of primary hypertension and 5 cases of hypertension accompanying renal diseases). Seven women undergoing the study gave birth to newborns with symptoms of delayed intrauterine growth below 10 centile (group examined), 16 mothers gave birth to eutrophic babies (control group). In the amniotic fluid of the group examined, bilirubin revealed a significantly higher level. The authors found no changes in the concentrations of ammonia, ions H+ and HPL between the group examined and the control group whereas they were able to observe a significantly lower level of glucose and oestrogens in the amniotic fluid in case of delayed intrauterine foetal growth.

The studied material comprised 36 newborns and their mothers, among them 12 newborns had meconium in the amniotic fluid (study group) and 24 newborns with clear amniotic fluid served as controls. The fluids were studied biochemically. In both compared groups the analysed factors were: 1) week of labour, 2) body weight and length, 3) clinical condition of the newborn by the Apgar score, 4) type of labour, 5) type of pregnancy complications in mothers. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. It was found that meconium presence in the amniotic fluid correlated with the presence of clinical symptoms suggesting intrauterine asphyxia of the fetus, and the number of caesarean sections was greater in this group. A correlation was noted between the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid and worse clinical condition of the newborn.

In order to obtain the sera for determining the histocompatibility antigens, 290 samples of blood collected from 278 women were examined for anti-HLA lymphocytotoxic antibodies. These were found in sera of 55 women (20%) and their specificity was identified in 15 samples. No effect of antepartum hemorrhage, premature births and abortions on the production of antibodies was found. The presence of cytotoxic antibodies had no effect on the course of pregnancy and timing of delivery.

The authors examined 74 women in III trimester (29-40 week), among them 44 women with hypertension induced by pregnancy (group examined) and 30 healthy women (control group). The blood serum of these women was studied for: creatinine, urea, uric acid, electrolytes K+ and Na+. Besides, the blood was studied for acid-base equilibrium (apparatus Corning type 128). The 24-hour urine of the two groups was studied for the concentrations of ions: 1) ammonium (NH4+), 2) hydrogen (H+) and 3) potassium and sodium (K+ and Na+). The authors also made the endogenic creatinine clearance (Ckr). The results were calculated statistically. The women with hypertension induced by pregnancy had in their blood serum an increase in the concentration of creatinine, urea and uric acid. As to the parameters of acid-base equilibrium, the authors found an increase in pCO2. Besides, the women with this kind of hypertension had: a decrease in the excretion of ions NH4+ and H+ in the urine, a decrease of Ckr with electrolytes K+ and Na+ being within the normal range.

Blood glucose levels were measured in fasting state and 2 hours after breakfast, together with glucose tolerance tests (after a load of 100 g of glucose) and 24-hour glycaemia profile in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in the third trimester of pregnancy. In all these tests abnormalities were found indicating a considerable impairment of carbohydrate metabolism during this complication of pregnancy. The changes manifested themselves as increased blood glucose level 2 hours after breakfast, increased glucose level in 24-hour glucose profile, and raised blood glucose levels in glucose tolerance tests in all studied time intervals besides the first and last determinations.

The study was carried out in 45 samples of amniotic fluid taken by amniocentesis from 21 hypertensive mothers (study group) and 24 healthy mothers (control group). In these samples the concentrations were determined of total oestrogens and human placental lactogen. In the evaluation of the state of the newborns the following was considered: 1) length and body weight, 2) status in the 1st minute of life (Apgar score). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. In hypertensive mothers during pregnancy HPL and total oestrogen concentrations were decreased. In the study group reduction of body weight and length was found. The general condition of the newborns in the 1st minute was similar in both groups.

The study was carried out on 23 samples of amniotic fluid taken (by amniocentesis) between 35th and 39th week of pregnancy from 23 pregnant women with arterial hypertension (13 cases of hypertension induced by pregnancy, 5 cases of primary hypertension and 5 cases of hypertension accompanying renal diseases). Seven women undergoing the study gave birth to newborns with symptoms of delayed intrauterine growth below 10 centile (group examined), 16 mothers gave birth to eutrophic babies (control group). In the amniotic fluid of the two groups compared the authors found similar values of acid-base equilibrium and concentrations of potassium, sodium, total calcium, ionized calcium and inorganic phosphorus. Thus delayed intrauterine foetal growth is not manifested by changed values of the biochemical indicators examined in the amniotic fluid.

The study was carried out in a group of 176 women (39 non-pregnant women, 30 women in I trimester of pregnancy, 37--in II trimester, 35--in III trimester and 35 women on 3rd day of puerperium). All the women were healthy, had no renal diseases and did not report the history of urinary tract diseases. They did not have hypertension either. In all the women the authors determined the activity of alpha-amylase in the urine by the Caravay method. The urine collection was done according to Kokot. The results were determined in enzymes/h, and were calculated statistically. It was found that the activity of alpha-amylase increases as pregnancy progresses. In the women on 3rd day of puerperium the activity of the enzyme examined in the urine comes back to the values found in non-pregnant women.

The study was carried out in 194 healthy women, including 50 non-pregnant, 31 pregnant in the 1st trimester, 32 in the 2nd and 30 in the 3rd trimester, and 51 in the 3rd day of puerperium. Their age was 19-43 years, they gave no history of renal disease nor urinary tract disease. The biochemical tests evaluating the function of renal tubules and glomeruli were done in 24-hour urine: 1) 24-hour urine volume, 2) NH4+, 3) H+, 4) K+ and 5) Na+ ions. Endogenous creatinine clearance was determined as well in all cases. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Increased tumular metabolism of carbonic acid begins in the 16th week of pregnancy, increases further till the end of pregnancy and is still high on the 3rd day of puerperium. Amino acid metabolism increase in the tubules was noted only in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and it was normal again on the 3rd day of the puerperium. K+ and Na+ excretion was raised in the 3rd trimester, and on the 3rd day postpartum potassium excretion was still high while that of sodium was normal. Endogenous creatinine clearance rose in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and failed to return to the value before pregnancy on the 3rd day postpartum. The observed changes in the biochemical functions of renal tubules and glomeruli in physiological pregnancy may be responsible for the typical changes of blood acid-base equilibrium in pregnancy (compensated metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis).

The study was carried out in a group of 280 women (46 non-pregnant women, 24 pregnant women in I trimester, 50 pregnant women in II trimester, 108--in III trimester and 52 women on 3rd day of puerperium). All the women were healthy, the course of pregnancy normal, puerperium without complications. The women had the activity of alpha-amylase determined, by the Caravay method in the blood serum, blood taken in the morning on an empty stomach, from the cubital vein. The results were calculated statistically. It was found that the activity of alpha-amylase in the blood serum of healthy women decreases as normal pregnancy progresses. The activity of alpha-amylase in the blood serum of women on 3rd day of puerperium maintains the level as in III trimester of pregnancy.

Twenty-five samples of amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis from 25 pregnant women with hypertension in the 35 to 40 weeks of pregnancy were studied. The following biochemical determinations were done in the samples: acid-base equilibrium (pH, pO2, pCO2, base deficit, standard HCO3- and total CO2), concentrations of potassium and sodium ions, total and ionised calcium and inorganic phosphorus. The results were analysed depending on the presence of the respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn, and were subjected to statistical analysis. It was found that determination of acid-base equilibrium and concentrations of K+, Na+, total and ionised Ca++ and inorganic phosphorus in the amniotic fluid of hypertensive women are probably without prognostic significance with respect to the development of the respiratory distress syndrome in newborns.

To date a number of cases of nephrologic syndrome, linked with a recently passed pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives, have been described in the literature. Microscopic analyses of the pathological basis of this syndrome are examined, centering on the infarctic nature of the nerve bundles. There is some disagreement on the type of differential treatment indicated. Treatment, which is generally heparin, must depend on the state of advancement of the syndrome. The syndrome is not well understood yet, but should not be considered completely alien.

Twenty-five samples obtained by amniocentesis were studied in 25 pregnant women between 35 and 40 weeks of pregnancy with hypertension. The following biochemical investigations were done in the samples: total protein, beta-lipoproteins, cholesterol, uric acid, urea, creatinine, AlAT and AspAT, total alkaline phosphatase and its thermostable isoenzyme, ceruloplasmin and alpha-amylase. The results were analysed in relation to the development of the respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn and were subjected to statistical analysis. In the amniotic fluid of hypertensive mothers in whose children the respiratory distress syndrome developed, reduction was found in the concentrations of beta-lipoproteins and cholesterol. This may have a prognostic significance in the prediction of respiratory distress in early neonatal period.

The study was carried out on 23 samples of amniotic fluid taken (by amniocentesis) between 35th and 39th week from pregnant women with arterial hypertension (13 cases of hypertension induced by pregnancy, 5 cases of primary hypertension and 5 cases of hypertension accompanying renal diseases). Seven women undergoing the study gave birth to newborns with symptoms of delayed intrauterine growth below 16 centiles (group examined), 16 mothers gave birth to eutrophic babies (control group). The amniotic fluid of the two groups was studied for the following biochemical indexes: alanine and aspartate aminotransferase alkaline total and thermostabile phosphatase, ceruloplasmin, alpha-amylase, general protein, beta-lipoproteins, cholesterol, uric acid, urea and creatinine. No significant changes were found in the parameters determined between the group examined and the control group.

The studied group comprised 47 women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (29-40 weeks), including 17 with type I diabetes (study group) and 30 healthy women (control group). In the study group in one case diabetes was diagnosed during pregnancy and treated with diet only, in the remaining 16 pregnant women the mean diabetes duration was 6.2 years and the mean daily insulin dose was 70 u. According to White's classification one patient was in class A, 10 in class B and 6 in class C. In all cases renal function was normal, with normal blood values of creatinine, urea, electrolytes, uric acid, protein and acid-base equilibrium. Endogenous creatinine clearance was also normal. The studied biochemical parameters of renal tubular function included: 1) deamination of amino acids--with measurement of ammonium ion (NH4+) excretion with urine, 2) carbonic acid metabolism--with determination of urinary excretion of hydrogen ions (H+), 3) urinary excretion of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions. Besides that 24-hour urine was always measured. The studied women were similarly hydrated (standard diet, fluid balance control). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. In women with type I diabetes the volume of 24-hour urine was increased, although it fell within the normal range, urinary excretion of Na+ and K+ was raised. No change was found in amino-acid deamination an carbonic acid metabolism since the excretion of NH4+ and H+ was normal.