Is thalidomide used in leprosy?
During the mid-1960s, the drug thalidomide was reintroduced as treatment for a complication of leprosy called Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Although the evidence was not fully established, very soon the drug was heralded as the drug of choice for the management of ENL reactions in leprosy.
What is the thalidomide tragedy?
In November 1961, thalidomide was taken off the market due to massive pressure from the press and public. Experts estimate that thalidomide led to the death of approximately 2,000 children and serious birth defects in more than 10,000 children, about 5,000 of them in West Germany.
What was thalidomide originally used for?
Thalidomide is a drug that was developed in the 1950s by the West German pharmaceutical company Chemie Grünenthal GmbH. It was originally intended as a sedative or tranquiliser, but was soon used for treating a wide range of other conditions, including colds, flu, nausea and morning sickness in pregnant women.
Why is thalidomide still used today?
Authorized uses of thalidomide. Despite the tragedy associated with the drug, thalidomide and its derivatives are back on the market for the treatment of specific conditions, including certain leprosis complications and cancers, for which it represents an alternative to relieve patients.
What is ENL in leprosy?
Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), is an immune-mediated condition of leprosy.It is a multi-system disorder which can occurbefore, during or after completion of multidrug therapy for leprosy. ENL is often characterised by chronicity and recurrence.
What is ENL reaction?
Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), also known as lepra type 2 reaction, is a complication of lepromatous leprosy. It is characterized by the development of inflamed subcutaneous nodules accompanied at times by fever, lymphadenopathy, and arthralgias.
What is Phocomelia?
Phocomelia is a rare birth defect that can affect the upper and/or lower limbs. In people with this condition, the bones of the affected limb are either missing or underdeveloped. The limb is, therefore, extremely shortened and in severe cases, the hand or foot may be attached directly to the trunk.
How old are thalidomide babies now?
The children of thalidomide are now in their late 50s and early 60s.
What is Type 2 lepra reaction?
Type 2 lepra reaction is an immunologically mediated Gell and Coomb’s type III hypersensitivity reaction. It presents in patients with lepromatous and borderline lepromatous leprosy usually before, during and rarely after multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy.
How does thalidomide treat leprosy?
Thalidomide in the treatment of leprosy Leprosy is a chronic infection of the skin and nerves caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a reactive state in lepromatous leprosy. Thalidomide has been used to treat ENL since the 1960s. One of its mechanisms of action is anti-inflammatory through selective inhibition …
What is a type 2 lepra reaction (ENL)?
Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), or type 2 lepra reaction, is a multi-system immune-mediated complication in patients with multibacillary leprosy, frequently associated with chronicity and recurrences. Management of ENL requires high doses of oral corticosteroids, which may not be universally effective and pose serious adverse effects.
What is the mechanism of action of thalidomide?
Thalidomide has been used to treat ENL since the 1960s. One of its mechanisms of action is anti-inflammatory through selective inhibition … Leprosy is a chronic infection of the skin and nerves caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a reactive state in lepromatous leprosy.
What is the history of thalidomide?
In 1952, thalidomide was synthesised by Chemical Industry Basel (CIBA), but was found “to have no effect on animals and was discarded” on that basis. In 1957, it was acquired by Chemie-Grunenthal in Germany. The German company had been established as a soap maker after World War II ended, to address the urgent market need for antibiotics.