[Histologic and morphometric findings in placentas of heroin addicts (author's transl)]

Twenty placentas of mothers addicted to heroin were examined macroscopically, microscopically and morphometrically. Twenty placentas of non-addicted mothers and of the same gestational age served as a control group. The following, statistically documented, peculiarities were found in the placentas of mothers addicted to heroin: 1) increased intervillous and perivillous microfibrin deposits; 2) an increased number of trophoblastic proliferation buds and nuclear nodules; 3) increased vascularization of the villi, and 4) increased signs of asphyxia. Our findings support the view, mentioned in the literature, that fetal hypotrophy is probably the result of a direct action of the heroin on the fetal tissue. We regard the placental changes as secondary effects of circulation complications in heroin addicts.