scholarly journals The erythrocyte incorporation of absorbed non-haem iron in pregnant women

2001 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Whittaker ◽  
Jon F.R. Barrett ◽  
Tom Lind

Studies of Fe absorption in pregnancy often make unfounded assumptions of erythrocyte incorporation. Therefore, we measured the absorption and utilisation of Fe during early and late pregnancy by the erythrocyte incorporation of two stable isotopes. 8·5 mg57Fe (oral) and 0·5 mg58Fe (intravenous) were given to five non-pregnant women, to five women in early gestation (12 weeks) and five women in late gestation (36 weeks). The stable isotope ratios in whole blood 14 d later were measured by MS. Together with estimation of body Fe mass, this enabled the calculation of Fe absorption and erythrocyte incorporation. In non-pregnant women, Fe absorption averaged 20·3 (range 10·2–34·3) %. It was not significantly different in early pregnancy (11·8 (range, 4·4–24·8) %), but during late pregnancy Fe absorption increased to 59·0 (range 38·2–77·2) %. All non-pregnant and early-pregnancy subjects had normal Fe status, but two women in late pregnancy had evidence of Fe insufficiency. During early and late pregnancy, mean erythrocyte incorporation was 63·4 (SD 12·1) % AND 71·0 (sd 10·4) % respectively, significantly reduced (P=0·003) compared with non-pregnant subjects (90·1 (sd 6·0) %). Decreased erythrocyte incorporation of absorbed Fe in early pregnancy is compatible with reduced Fe demand and low oral absorption. However, during late pregnancy decreased erythrocyte incorporation associated with high absorption and Fe insufficiency is different from the high erythrocyte incorporation which occurs in non-pregnant Fe-deficient women. This suggests that part of the aetiology of Fe deficiency during pregnancy may be the reduction of Fe utilisation.

2000 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie J. BLAKE ◽  
Allison MARTIN ◽  
Brad N. MANKTELOW ◽  
Charles ARMSTRONG ◽  
Aidan W. HALLIGAN ◽  
...  

Normal pregnancy is associated with marked changes in cardiovascular haemodynamics, which in part may be due to changes in autonomic control mechanisms. Baroreflex sensitivity for heart rate (BRS) was calculated in the supine and standing positions using power spectral analysis of pulse interval (PI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in 16 normotensive pregnant women and 10 normotensive non-pregnant controls. The pregnant women were studied on three occasions during their pregnancy (early, mid- and late gestation) and once during the puerperium. Supine total SBP variability increased between early and late pregnancy by 79% [95% confidence intervals (CI) 30%, 145%; P < 0.001], and supine high-frequency PI variability decreased by 75% (CI 51%, 88%; P < 0.001). Supine BRS fell by 50% (P < 0.001), with values returning to early-pregnancy levels in the puerperium, which were similar to those recorded in the control group. Standing SBP variability and BRS values were unchanged during pregnancy and post partum. The low/high frequency ratio of PI variability, taken as a surrogate measure of sympathovagal balance, increased by 137% (CI 42%, 296%; P < 0.01) in the supine but not the standing position from early to late pregnancy. This was due to a decrease in high-frequency variability rather than to an increase in low-frequency variability, suggesting that these changes may have been due to vagal withdrawal rather than increased sympathetic activity. Normotensive pregnancy is associated with a marked decrease in supine BRS, although the exact mechanisms for these changes remain unclear. Further studies are required to define whether changes in BRS and sympathovagal tone in early pregnancy can be used to predict the onset of pregnancy-induced hypertension.


2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (12) ◽  
pp. 3224-3230
Author(s):  
Madeleine A Ennis ◽  
Anna-Joy Ong ◽  
Kenneth Lim ◽  
Ronald O Ball ◽  
Paul B Pencharz ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Phenylalanine and tyrosine (referred to as total aromatic amino acids; TAAs) are essential for protein synthesis, and are precursors for important catecholamines. Current estimated average requirement (EAR) recommendations for TAA during pregnancy are 36 mg·kg−1·d−1, and has not been experimentally determined. Objectives The aim was to determine TAA requirements (dietary phenylalanine in the absence of tyrosine) during early and late gestation using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO, with L-[1-13C]leucine) technique. Methods Nineteen healthy pregnant women (age 22–38 y) were studied at a range of phenylalanine intakes (5 to 100 mg·kg−1·d−1) in early (13–19 wk) and/or late (33–39 wk) pregnancy for a total of 51 study days. Graded test intakes were provided as 8 hourly isonitrogenous and isocaloric meals. Breath samples were collected for 13C enrichment analysis on an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. A plasma sample was collected and analyzed for phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations on an amino acid analyzer. The TAA requirement in early and late pregnancy was calculated using 2-phase linear regression crossover analysis that identified breakpoints in 13CO2 production (the requirement) in response to phenylalanine intakes. Results TAA requirement during early pregnancy was 44 mg·kg−1·d−1 (95% CI: 28.3, 58.8) and during late pregnancy was 50 mg·kg−1·d−1 (95% CI: 36.1, 63.1). In early and late pregnancy, plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations rose linearly in response to graded phenylalanine intakes. Conclusions Our results suggest that the current EAR of 36 mg·kg−1·d−1 for TAAs is underestimated. When compared with results previously determined in nonpregnant adults, early pregnancy requirements were similar (43 compared with 44 mg·kg−1·d−1, respectively). During late pregnancy, a 14% higher TAA requirement was observed when compared with early pregnancy. The results from this study have potential implications for creating gestation stage-specific TAA recommendations.


Author(s):  
Daniel Eppel ◽  
Michael Feichtinger ◽  
Tina Lindner ◽  
Grammata Kotzaeridi ◽  
Ingo Rosicky ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Dyslipidemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes as elevated triglycerides might be considered as a risk factor for hyperglycemia and gestational diabetes. As only a few studies have addressed the association between maternal triglycerides and glucose metabolism, we aimed to explore the pathophysiologic associations of moderate hypertriglyceridemia and maternal glucose metabolism in pregnancy. Methods Sixty-seven pregnant women received a detailed metabolic characterization at 12+0–22+6 weeks of gestation by an extended 2h-75g OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test); with measurements of glucose, insulin and C-peptide at fasting and every 30 min after ingestion and assessment of triglycerides at fasting state. All examinations were repeated at 24+0–27+6 weeks of gestation. Results Elevated triglycerides in early gestation were associated with insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Mean glucose concentrations during the OGTT in early pregnancy were already higher in women with hypertriglyceridemia as compared to women with triglycerides in the normal range. A higher degree of insulin resistance and increased OGTT glucose levels were also observed when metabolic assessments were repeated between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Of note, elevated triglycerides at early gestation were associated with development of gestational diabetes by logistic regression (odds ratio: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.03–1.34, p=0.022 for an increase of 10 mg/dl). Conclusions Hypertriglyceridemia at the start of pregnancy is closely related to impaired insulin action and β-cell function. Women with hypertriglyceridemia have higher mean glucose levels in early- and mid-gestation. Pregnant women with elevated triglycerides in early pregnancy are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.


GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 11-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
T E Karapetyan ◽  
V V Muravieva ◽  
A S Ankirskaya ◽  
L A Lyubasovskaya ◽  
T V Priputnevich

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of women with opportunistic vaginal infections during pregnancy. Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study included 330 pregnant women, of whom 151 were diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV), 37 had aerobic vaginitis (AB), 109 had vulvovaginal candidiasis (VC), 20 had a combination of VC + BV. When carrying out antibiotic therapy in the early stages of pregnancy, the principle of local treatment was observed. Results. Most often (46.0%), vaginal infections were detected when women were treated early in pregnancy. In the treatment of BV in the early stages of pregnancy with antiseptic chlorhexidine, a positive result of therapy was noted in 97.6% of women. Therapy with metronidazole or clindamycin BV in women who applied in the II and III trimesters, gave a positive result, respectively, in 90.0% and 89.5% of cases. The course of therapy with chlorhexidine pregnant women with AB was effective in 91.7% of cases with treatment in the first trimester and 92.0% in treatment in the II and III trimesters. In the treatment of VC in early pregnancy, natamycin was effective in 95.0% of women. In the II and III trimesters, econazole treatment was successful in 88.2% and 88.6%, respectively. In the treatment of combination of BV + VC in early gestation, the complex course of chlorhexidine + natamycin was effective in 76.5% of women, in II and III trimesters Neo-Penotran Forte was effective in 93.8% of pregnant women. Relapses of vaginal infections were observed in 34 pregnant women (10.3%). Superinfection with fungi was noted in 9.3% of cases of BV treatment and in 8.1% of pregnant women with AB. Among women observed from early pregnancy, there were no cases of premature birth, manifestations of intrauterine infections were noted in 5.3% of newborns. At treatment in the II and III trimesters, premature birth was in 6.5% and 13.5% of women, and manifestations of intrauterine infections - in 15.3% of newborns. Thus, microbiological monitoring of timely detection and treatment of opportunistic vaginal infections in pregnant at-risk groups showed the advisability of treating these infections in early gestation.


Author(s):  
Hiroaki Onishi ◽  
Kimiko Kaniyu ◽  
Mitsutoshi Iwashita ◽  
Asashi Tanaka ◽  
Takashi Watanabe

Background: Pregnancy represents a major risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Most coagulation/fibrinolysis markers currently utilized change during pregnancy, and therefore they cannot accurately evaluate thrombotic events in pregnancy because the rate of false positive results is high. Fibrin monomer complex (FMC) has recently become widely available for diagnosing DVT. The present study examined whether FMC is suitable for evaluating thrombotic status in pregnancy. Methods: Concentrations of FMC and other haemostatic markers were investigated in 87 pregnant women without major complications at early, mid- or late pregnancy. FMC concentrations were also measured in 127 normal non-pregnant women, and in one woman who developed DVT after delivery. Results: In normal pregnant women, FMC concentrations were unchanged during early or mid-pregnancy and slightly elevated during late pregnancy. Concentrations were within reference range in most cases, and none exceeded the cut-off value for DVT. In contrast, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and D-dimer (DD) concentrations were significantly elevated in late pregnancy, and median values exceeded reference ranges. The DVT case displayed significantly elevated FMC concentrations. Conclusions: Changes in FMC concentrations during normal pregnancy are minimal compared with other haemostatic markers. Because the rate of false positivity is lower, FMC could be a potential marker of thrombotic status in pregnancy rather than TAT and DD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa L. Kozakiewicz ◽  
Chad A. Grotegut ◽  
Allyn C. Howlett

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system present in multiple organ systems and is an integral part of sustaining the microenvironment necessary for early pregnancy success and maintenance. It plays a significant role in embryo development, transport and implantation as well as placentation. The current theory behind the initiation of term labor is that it is a complex, multifactorial process involving sex steroid hormones, prostaglandin production and interplay at the maternal-fetal interface resulting in increased expression of receptors and gap junctions that promote uterine activation. There is increasing evidence that, in addition to early pregnancy events, the ECS plays a regulatory role in pregnancy maintenance and the timing of labor. This review presents an overview of the ECS in pregnancy that focuses on late gestation and parturition.


1973 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-15

With the effects of certain chemical agents and rubella in mind, most authorities advise caution in the use of all vaccines during pregnancy and especially during the first trimester. The booklet issued by the Department of Health and Social Security1 lists pregnancy as a contra-indication to rubella, smallpox and polio vaccinations, with certain provisions, and the manufacturers’ literature adds yellow fever vaccination. Pregnant women wishing to travel obviously pose a problem. Neither the doctor nor the patient may be aware of an early pregnancy and this is always a hazard when vaccinating women and girls of childbearing age. However, apart from rubella and smallpox vaccinations, the risks are hypothetical.


Women often present to emergency and urgent care services with problems or concerns relating to their pregnancy. Additionally, women who are pregnant may also present with acute medical problems or suffer from a range of injuries. Problems in early pregnancy are common and are often a reason for attendance to the emergency department. This chapter provides detailed information regarding the assessment of pregnant women and the differences to that of non-pregnant patients. A range of emergency obstetric problems are covered, including emergency delivery. The nursing assessment and management of medical problems in pregnancy are also covered.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Mohammad Saifur Rahman ◽  
Sadia Sultana ◽  
Ayesha Nazneen

<p><strong>Objectives:  </strong>Thyroid disorders are commonly observed in pregnancy. Thyroid hormones play an important role in embryogenesis and fetal development. The fetus is completely dependent on the mother for thyroid hormone in first trimester. About 10% of all pregnant women can be affected by thyroid disorders during pregnancy. Thyroid function abnormalities in pregnancy are a challenge for the concerned physicians.  The objective of this study was to assess the maternal thyroid function in first trimester of pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Patients and Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka over a period of one year from January 2013 to December 2013 to see the serum FT<sub>3</sub>, FT<sub>4</sub>, TSH, thyroid antibodies level and common thyroid disorders in pregnancy. A total of 138 pregnant women in their first trimester (up to 12 weeks) of pregnancy with an age range of 18-35 years were enrolled in this study. Pregnant women with known thyroid disorder and on treatment and pregnancy more than three months were excluded. Measurement of serum FT<sub>3</sub>, FT<sub>4</sub>, TSH, Anti TPO-Ab and Anti TG-Ab were done in each patient at the time of enrolment. Ultrasonography of each patient was done for confirmation of pregnancy and correlation of gestational age.</p><p><strong>Results:  </strong>Among 138 pregnant women, subclinical hypothyroidism was detected in 10 (7.2%) patients and subclinical hyperthyroidism was detected in 3 (2.2%) patients. Mean difference of the investigation findings were not statistically significant among primi and multi gravida. TPO-Ab and TG-Ab difference were statistically significant between two age groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Subclinical thyroid disorders are fairly high among pregnant women. Correct diagnosis in early pregnancy and prompt treatment will bring an excellent prognosis for both mother and offspring.</p><p>Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 19(2): 98-102, July 2016</p>


2015 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-89
Author(s):  
Dorota Robak-Chołubek ◽  
Gustaw Chołubek ◽  
Ewa Piróg

Abstract Introduction. Pregnant women often create their own image of a child. The ultrasound is able to model and modify this picture. The image of the unborn child develops along with the process of creating the space for the baby on the psychological and emotional level and is continued after the delivery. Aim. The authors of the study made an attempt to evaluate the influence of fetal sex determination during ultrasound in pregnancy on emotional and ‘practical’ experiencing late pregnancy - after the 28th week of its duration. Material and methods. The study included 200 pregnant women. Qualification criteria for the research was the declared awareness of fetal sex confirmed by ultrasound. Among others, factors influencing decision to determine fetal sex, emotional bond with the unborn child after identifying the sex, as well as preparation for birth regarding prognosticated sex were assessed. Results. Nearly all pregnant women wanted to find out the fetal sex, usually claiming that they did so out of curiosity. After they did it, about 2/3 of them stated that the emotional bond with the baby increased and the vast majority of women started preparing layettes for their future babies. Conclusions. Determination of fetal sex during ultrasound improves the relationship between the mother and her future baby. It also enables the woman to prepare for childbirth considering its sex by the purchase of clothes, pram and preparation of layette or baby’s room


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