Abstract
Fetal death occurs prior to delivery in the great majority of hypertonic saline-induced mid-trimester abortions. This study on the chemical composition of fetal skin, gut, liver, muscle, fat, brain, and heart in 23 cases indicates a high Na+ concentration in skin and in intestinal contents and a high and constant Na+ concentration in cardiac muscle. Based on these observations, fetal swallowing of hypertonic saline, followed by paralysis of cardiac muscle depolarization when cardiac Na+ concentration reaches a threshold level, is suggested as the mechanism of fetal death.
Full Text
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call