Habilitation of Patients with Congenital Malformations Associated with Thalidomide: Pediatric Aspects

Since November 1961 it became apparent that the administration of thalidomide to pregnant women was associated with the occurrence of severe congenital anomalies. These deformities are frequently symmetrical, involving the limbs, particularly the proximal part, and associated with an absent external ear, mid-line facial hemangioma with saddle nose, atresia of the bowel and other congenital anomalies. Care of these children is a complicated problem requiring a team of specialists of many disciplines, particularly a pediatrician, an orthopedic surgeon, a prosthetic specialist and a social worker. Treatment by such a team ideally would commence immediately after delivery of the infant and continue until the child has been totally habilitated. Such care ideally should be provided within existing services in the country for the habilitation and rehabilitation of handicapped children.