[Histologic and morphometric findings in placentas of heroin addicts (author's transl)].
Twenty placentas of mothers addicted to heroin were examined macroscopically, microscopically and morphometrically. Twenty placentas of non-addicted mothers and of the same gestational age served as a control group. The following, statistically documented, peculiarities were found in the placentas of mothers addicted to heroin: 1) increased intervillous and perivillous microfibrin deposits; 2) an increased number of trophoblastic proliferation buds and nuclear nodules; 3) increased vascularization of the villi, and 4) increased signs of asphyxia. Our findings support the view, mentioned in the literature, that fetal hypotrophy is probably the result of a direct action of the heroin on the fetal tissue. We regard the placental changes as secondary effects of circulation complications in heroin addicts.
D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010920:Placenta / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000473:pathology*
Histologische und morphometrische Plazentabefunde bei Heroinsucht der Mutter.