[Diaplacental poisoning with narcotics and alcohol in newborn infants]

In seven neonates, clinical symptoms detected on the first day of life appeared to show that toxicological investigations of the blood and urine were indicated in the mother and baby. In five mothers, there was known drug consumption. The investigations revealed toxic concentrations of morphine or cocaine in all babies; these could also be detected at comparable levels in the mothers. In a further case, a perinatal death must be attributed to acute diaplacental alcohol intoxication. The significance of toxicological investigations in neonates and perinatal deaths is also indicated.