Tissue distribution of cocaine in a pregnant woman
Mittleman, R.E.; Cofino, J.C.; Hearn, W.L.
Journal of Forensic Sciences 34(2): 481-486
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1198 PMID: 2708961 Document Number: 334503
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. We report the toxicologic results of distribution studies performed on a pregnant woman and her fetus. Maternal/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 equalibration, or rapid placental/fetal clearance.