Body composition studies in the human fetus after intra-amniotic injection of hypertonic saline

Growth parameters in normal fetuses

A total of 14 linear measurements, seven ratios of linear measurements, and the weights of eight organs were taken from 100 normal fetuses. The fetuses had been therapeutically aborted between 11 and 19 weeks of gestational age by prostaglandin induction or hysterotomy. Measurements were obtained from at least five fetuses for each week of development age. A correlation matrix was calculated in order to identify those variables that showed a significant relationship with each other and with total body measurements. Significant correlations were obtained between crown-rump length and the following: head circumference, femur length, and humerus length. These three measurements were also significantly correlated with body weight. First-order regression equations were produced for these significantly correlated variables. This information can be used to estimate fetal growth even when the fetus is incomplete.

Combined effects of alcohol and lithium on body composition in the rat model

Alcohol markedly enhances Li+ retention in blood and muscle in rats taking Li and alcohol. The marked enlargement of the exchangeable Na+ space which occurs with alcohol alone, Li+ alone, and to an even greater extent with combined therapy, results from extensive mobilization of "bound" bone sodium, which is transferred to intracellular sites, demonstrably in skeletal muscle, and presumably in other cells. This 87% increase in measured intracellular Na+, and concomitant decrease in K+, would be predicted to produce profound effects on the intracellular ionic milieu, and on membrane function. Lithium is associated with a decrease in food and fluid intake, and this effect is enhanced by alcohol. However the decrease in intake did not result in nutritionally significant deficits in either group, and therefore the observed abnormalities in body composition did not result from caloric, protein, K, Na, or Ca deficiency.

Reported live births following induced abortion: two and one-half years' experience in Upstate New York

Thirty-eight live births following induced abortion were recorded in Upstate New York between July, 1970, and December, 1972. Twenty-six followed saline-induced abortion; twelve of these occurred at one hospital, and eight were associated with one physician. Underestimation of gestation and exchange of inadequate volumes of amniotic fluid and hypertonic saline produced concentrations insufficient to cause intrauterine death. Viable infants with iatrogenic central nervous system damage from salt poisoning are a possible consequence of improperly planned saline-induced abortions. These births provide further evidence for encouragement of contraception and early termination of unwanted pregnancy.