Fetal and Newborn Death Associated with Maternal Cocaine Use

Data collected from 25 cases of fetal or newborn death associated with maternal cocaine use are reported. The average week of gestation at which fetal death occurred was week 30. Abruptio placentae was observed in 7 cases and placental infarct was found in 4 cases. The average fetal blood cocaine and benzoylecgonine levels were 0.26 and 1.73 micrograms/mL. The average maternal levels were 0.14 and 1.80 micrograms/mL, respectively.