Cocaine and fetal death.

Abstract

Toxicologic screening for cocaine and its metabolites was performed on 103 cases of fetal death autopsied in the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York. In 64 cases cocaine or its metabolites were found in the blood or in the brain. Some malformations were also found. The study indicates that maternal use of cocaine may lead to abruptio placentae, abortion and fetal death. The importance of toxicologic examination in these deaths is emphasized.

• Authors: I Morild, M Stajic
• Journal: Forensic science international (Forensic Sci Int) Vol. 47 Issue 2 Pg. 181-9 (Sep 1990) ISSN: 0379-0738 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 2227733 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cocaine

Topics

• Brain Chemistry
• Cocaine (analysis)
• Female
• Fetal Blood (chemistry)
• Fetal Death (etiology)
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Maternal-Fetal Exchange
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications
• Substance-Related Disorders