Cocaine, Fetal Loss, and the Role of the Forensic Pathologist

• NCJ Number: 130227
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1991) Pages: 926-929
• Author(s): K B Nolte
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Adverse obstetrical outcomes are often associated with maternal cocaine use. These have included intrauterine growth retardation, abruptio placentae, and an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor.

Abstract

This report details the case of an 18-week-old fetus recovered from a sewage treatment plant. A brain specimen was positive for cocaine. With the present epidemic of cocaine abuse, it is important for the forensic pathologist to seek toxicological evidence of cocaine in all suspicious fetal and neonatal deaths. 1 figure and 17 references (Author abstract)