Effect of cocaine on fetal kidney and bladder function

Area of Science:

• Perinatology and Fetal Physiology
• Toxicology and Developmental Effects

Background:

• Fetal urine production and bladder cycling are crucial indicators of fetal well-being.
• Intrauterine substance exposure can profoundly impact fetal development and physiological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between fetal bladder cycle and urine output.
• To determine the effects of intrauterine cocaine exposure on fetal urine production and bladder cycling.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal measurement of fetal hourly urine production rate and bladder cycle length in 59 normal pregnancies (20-40 weeks gestation).
• Cross-sectional assessment of 36 pregnancies with confirmed intrauterine cocaine exposure.
• Fetal bladder volume calculated from diameter measurements to determine hourly urine output; bladder cycle defined as time between voids.

Main Results:

• Normal fetal urine production and bladder cycle duration showed positive linear correlation with gestational age.
• Cocaine-exposed fetuses exhibited significantly decreased hourly urine production and bladder cycle length compared to controls.
• A strong correlation between bladder cycle and urine output was observed in controls, but not in cocaine-exposed fetuses.

Conclusions:

• Intrauterine cocaine exposure adversely affects fetal urinary system function.
• Cocaine significantly reduces fetal urine output and shortens the bladder cycle duration.