Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
10:44
Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs
Published on: May 15, 2019
What has happened to people affected by thalidomide 50 years on?
A O'Carroll1, F O'Reilly, D L Whitford
1Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland. aocarroll@mountjoymed.ie
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|February 4, 2011
Summary
Most thalidomide survivors in Ireland experience worsening disabilities, impacting daily life, emotional health, and finances. Continuous review of their physical, psychological, and social needs is crucial for optimal care.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Disability studies
- Public health
Background:
- Reports indicate progressive disability worsening in thalidomide-affected individuals.
- This study investigates disability changes within the Irish thalidomide-affected population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the progression of disabilities in thalidomide survivors in Ireland.
- To understand the impact of worsening disabilities on quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 26 thalidomide-affected individuals in the Republic of Ireland.
- The survey assessed musculo-skeletal health, quality of life, general health, and illness intrusiveness.
Main Results:
- 17 (65%) individuals responded to the survey.
- 6 (35%) respondents were not employed due to their disability.
- 11 (65%) reported a worsening disability, with 9 describing it as moderate to severe.
- The decline affected daily tasks, emotional well-being, and finances due to increased costs.
Conclusions:
- Thalidomide survivors require ongoing assessment of their physical, psychological, and social needs.
- Ensuring optimum care necessitates continuous monitoring and adaptation of support services.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:25Drug Regulation
Drug regulation encompasses the management of drug usage by evaluating its safety and efficacy through assessments conducted by regulatory authorities. Regrettably, the history of drug regulation is marred by several catastrophic events. One such incident is the Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, in which the toxic compound diethyl glycol was included in a sweet-tasting medication, leading to numerous fatalities. This event prompted the enactment of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Under...
02:57Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
01:19Pharmacovigilance
Post-marketing surveillance is a critical component of pharmaceutical regulation, often uncovering unanticipated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) once a drug is widely used over an extended period.
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
02:20Longitudinal Research
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...