Note
0.0
(0)
Rate it
Take a practice test
Chat with Kai
Explore Top Notes
Chapter 2: Beginnings of English America (1607-1660)
Note
Studied by 58 people
5.0
(1)
y9 health
Note
Studied by 6 people
4.0
(2)
Ultimate AP Pre Calc Notes (original)
Note
Studied by 1444 people
5.0
(1)
APUSH midyear
Note
Studied by 23 people
4.0
(1)
Chapter 26: Prosperity and Anxiety: The 1950s
Note
Studied by 18 people
5.0
(1)
Cell/Molecular Biology
Note
Studied by 31 people
5.0
(3)
Home
Thalidomide and Structural Abnormalities
Thalidomide and Structural Abnormalities
Thalidomide: A Tragedy of Structural Abnormalities and Isomerism
Severe Structural Abnormalities
Thalidomide caused severe structural abnormalities in newborns when taken by pregnant women.
Examples of severe cases included infants born with:
Missing sections of limbs.
"Flipper fingers."
Half a body.
No thoracic cavity, leading to death within 24-36 hours after birth.
The Thalidomide Crisis: A Timeline
The United Kingdom first recognized the severe birth defects associated with thalidomide.
The UK stopped using thalidomide by the end of 1958.
Canada continued to legally prescribe thalidomide for another 4-5 years, despite widespread knowledge of its harmful effects.
Lawsuits and Compensation
Lawsuits were filed globally, including in Canada, due to thalidomide-related birth defects.
In February 2015, the 92 remaining Canadian thalidomide survivors were awarded compensation.
Each survivor received $125,000, which was considered insufficient given their severe disabilities (e.g., wheelchair dependence, oxygen needs).
The compensation was meant to help cover expenses like wheelchairs (costing around $10,000) and modified vehicles (costing around $130,000).
The Role of Isomers: A Pharmaceutical Error
The thalidomide tragedy was partly a result of a "pharmaceutical error" related to isomers.
Isomers:
Compounds with the same atoms and number of atoms (e.g., carbons, hydrogens, oxygens) but arranged differently.
One arrangement of thalidomide was safe, while other arrangements caused severe birth defects upon transfer through the placenta.
Example of Isomerism: Glucose, Fructose, and Galactose
Glucose, fructose, and galactose all have the same chemical formula: C
6H
{12}O_6 (6 carbons, 12 hydrogens, and 6 oxygens).
However, they are arranged differently, making them distinct sugars with different properties.
Isomer Purification in Modern Pharmacy
Isomer purification:
A process used in modern pharmacy, particularly in North America, to ensure that only the safe version of a drug is marketed.
Undesirable isomers are removed to prevent adverse effects caused by structural differences.
The body responds differently to various isomers, leading to potential health problems.
Current Research and Potential Uses of Thalidomide
Thalidomide is being studied again for its potential in cancer treatment.
It can cause cellular changes, making it a subject of interest in cancer research.
Note
0.0
(0)
Rate it
Take a practice test
Chat with Kai
Explore Top Notes
Chapter 2: Beginnings of English America (1607-1660)
Note
Studied by 58 people
5.0
(1)
y9 health
Note
Studied by 6 people
4.0
(2)
Ultimate AP Pre Calc Notes (original)
Note
Studied by 1444 people
5.0
(1)
APUSH midyear
Note
Studied by 23 people
4.0
(1)
Chapter 26: Prosperity and Anxiety: The 1950s
Note
Studied by 18 people
5.0
(1)
Cell/Molecular Biology
Note
Studied by 31 people
5.0
(3)