Objective: The aim of this study was a comparison of the outcomes of intrauterine myelomeningocele (MMC) repairs (IUMR) in type II Chiari malformation (II CM) fetuses with clinical data of newborns and infants operated on postnatally. Methods: The study group (SG) comprised 46 pregnant women whose type II CM children underwent IUMR, while 47 pregnant women whose type II CM children were operated on postnatally constituted the control group (CG). A total of 24 SG and 20 CG patients reached the endpoint of the study. Results: High incidence of prelabor rupture of membranes (24 (52.2%), CI: 3.74 (1.69–8.26) (p < 0.001) was noted in the group of prenatal surgeries as compared to controls. The need for ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.008) in the group of children after IUMR as compared to controls (5 (27.8%) and 16 (80%), respectively, CI: 0.35 (0.16–0.75). None of the postnatally treated CG children can walk without adaptive equipment. In contrast, two children from the SG (2 (11.1%) CI: 1.86 (1.00–3.48) p < 0.05) are able to walk independently. Conclusions: Prenatal MMC closure significantly lowers further adverse evolution of the II CM. Further studies are needed, especially on preventive measures for preterm labor and iatrogenic preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (iPPRM) in the postoperative course of IUMR.

The aim of the study was to determine the total oxidant status (TOS) and evaluate the influence of oxidative stress on sperm quality in fertile males. The study population consisted of 55 fertile males. Based on the seminal plasma TOS value, the study subjects were divided into the two subgroups: a group with a low (TOS-L) and a high (TOS-H) value. Comparing the TOS-H group with the TOS-L group, we found poorer sperm motility in the TOS-H group. We found lower total antioxidant capacity values and lower activity levels in the majority of the determined superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Further, we found higher levels of copper and iron as well as lower levels of zinc in the TOS-H group. We observed lower medians of IL-2, 4, 6, 8 and INF-γ in the TOS-H group compared with the TOS-L group, whereas the medians of IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-12 were significantly higher. In fertile males, higher oxidative stress intensity was associated with poorer semen quality and decreased antioxidant capacity in semen. These negative effects might be a result of decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes and altered levels of trace metals and cytokines.