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Tissue Distribution of Cocaine in a Pregnant Woman

NCJ Number
118058
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 481-486
Author(s)
R E Mittleman; J C Cofina; W L Hearn
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Reports of cocaine-related obstetrical problems, including abruptio placentae and spontaneous abortion, have become increasingly evident in the medical literature; however, little is known about tissue distribution of cocaine in the pregnant woman.
Abstract
We report the toxicologic results of distribution studies performed on a pregnant woman and her fetus. Marternal/fetal cocaine concentration ratios were high when comparing blood (9:1), brain (6:5), and kidney (10:6). Possible explanations of the mechanism for lower fetal cocaine concentrations may include uterine vasoconstriction, incomplete maternal/fetal equilibration, or rapid placental/fetal clearance. (Author abstract)

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