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Fetal exposure to 1:8 dihydroxyanthraquinone
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Maternal use of anthraquinone laxatives during pregnancy exposes the fetus. The substance crosses the placenta and is excreted by the fetal kidney, but fetal catharsis was not observed.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Obstetrics
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Maternal laxative use during pregnancy is common.
- Anthraquinone laxatives are frequently used by pregnant individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the placental transfer and fetal excretion of anthraquinone laxatives.
- To determine if fetal exposure leads to catharsis.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 160 maternity cases for laxative exposure.
- Administration of 1:8 dihydroxyanthraquinone during labor induction.
- Measurement of the substance in maternal urine, amniotic fluid, and neonatal urine.
Main Results:
- High percentage of mothers used anthraquinone laxatives during pregnancy.
- 1:8 dihydroxyanthraquinone was absorbed maternally, crossed the placenta, and was excreted by fetal kidneys.
- The substance was primarily excreted as a glucuronide in both mothers and neonates.
- No evidence of fetal catharsis was observed.
Conclusions:
- Anthraquinone laxatives readily cross the placenta.
- Fetal kidneys excrete these substances, mainly as glucuronides.
- Despite fetal exposure, catharsis does not appear to occur, suggesting fetal gastrointestinal immaturity or other protective mechanisms.