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  • Title: Body composition studies in the human fetus after intra-amniotic injection of hypertonic saline.
    Author: Wang J, Roufa A, Moore TJ, Tovell HM, Pierson RN.
    Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol; 1973 Sep 01; 117(1):57-63. PubMed ID: 4737315.
    Abstract:
    A systematic investigation of the chemical composition of the total fetus and its individual organs after intraamniotic injection of hypertonic sodium chloride, was performed in 23 fetuses, of 14 to 24 weeks gestation. Fetal death occurs prior to delivery in the great majority of hypertonic saline-induced mid-trimester abortions. This study on the chemical composition of fetal skin, gut, liver, muscle, fat, brain, and heart in 23 cases indicates a high sodium concentration in skin and in intestinal contents and a high and constant sodium concentration in cardiac muscle. Based on these observations, fetal swallowing of hypertonic saline, followed by paralysis of cardiac muscle depolarization when cardiac sodium concentration reaches a threshold level, is suggested as the mechanism of fetal death.
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