• Ir J Med Sci · Jun 2011

    What has happened to people affected by thalidomide 50 years on?

    • A O'Carroll, F O'Reilly, and D L Whitford.
    • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland. aocarroll@mountjoymed.ie
    • Ir J Med Sci. 2011 Jun 1; 180 (2): 475478475-8.

    IntroductionThere have been reports of thalidomide-affected people suffering a deterioration in their disability over time [1, 2]. This study assessed changes in disabilities among thalidomide-affected people in the Irish population.MethodsA questionnaire, assessing musculo-skeletal health, quality-of-life, general health and illness intrusiveness was sent to 26 people affected by thalidomide in the Republic of Ireland.ResultsSeventeen (65%) responded. Six (35%) respondents were not working as a result of their disability. Eleven (65%) reported a worsening of their disability over time, with nine of them reporting the deterioration as moderate to severe. The impact of this decline was measured by respondents in terms of ability to perform daily tasks, emotional health and finances (due to extra costs related to clothing, transport, housing alterations and heating).ConclusionThere is a need to continually review the physical, psychological and social needs of thalidomide survivors in order to ensure optimum care is made available.

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