Thalidomide Research Paper

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Thalidomide (C13H10N2O4) is a tasteless, odourless, white crystalline glutamic acid analogue with a molecular mass of 258.23Da and melting point of 271°C. (Erkoc & Erkoc, 2005). Thalidomide consists of two enantiomers (R+ and S-) which interconvert under physiological conditions. (Franks et al., 2004) The R+ conformation is considered safe and is thought to have sedative and anti-inflammatory properties while the S- conformation is thought to be responsible for teratogenic effects. (Franks et al., 2004) Thalidomide passed testing in the late 1950’s and was made legal to treat pregnant women experiencing morning sickness. The results of this release were catastrophic causing over 100,000 children to be born with severe birth defects. Thalidomide became widely known as a teratogen and it’s use for treating pregnant women immediately stopped. Currently, Thalidomide …show more content…
The most common defects include malformed, missing or extra limbs and other congenital defects of the ear, heart, and internal organs. (Hansen et al., 2002) The most characteristic deformity caused by exposure to thalidomide is severe shortening of the limbs due to long bones being reduced, or missing. (Hansen et al., 2002) Hands are often left in place but hang close to the shoulders. (Hansen et al., 2002) The general trend of these deformities shows the thumbs being affected first followed by the radius, humerus and ulna. (Miller & Strömland, 1999) Most often, upper limb deformities are symmetrical but they may also appear unilaterally in some cases. (Miller & Strömland, 1999) Other common organ defects include kidney malformations, defects of the ventricular septum, and dental malformations. (Miller & Strömland, 1999) Thalidomide exposure has also been connected to mental retardation, autism, and ocular abnormalities which may or may not be accompanied by other more characteristic limb malformations. (Miller & Strömland,

Thalidomide Research Paper

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