Incidence of malformations since the introduction of thalidomide

Abstract

The incidence of various malformations in Birmingham children born in 1957–61 was examined for secular changes. Bilateral reduction deformities of the limbs have become commoner since the introduction of thalidomide in 1958, but unilateral deformities show no increase. Ten children, all born in 1960 or 1961, had bilateral defects of the type previously described in association with thalidomide, and five of them survived. It is estimated that in the United Kingdom similar defects may have occurred in about 800 children. In children without reduction deformities of the limbs the incidence of other malformations does not seem to have risen. There are several similarities between the toxic effects of thalidomide and those of vitamin-B deficiencies. Most of the data used in this inquiry were collected or abstracted from existing records by Mrs. Eileen Armstrong, Miss Ann Cooper, Miss Ida Giles, Mrs. Betty Mann, and the health visitors of the City of Birmingham, with the help of Miss Milner, Miss Greening, and Miss Cook. Hospital and necropsy records were made available to us by Mr. O. T. Mansfield, Dr. K. W. Cross, the pathologists and records officers of local hospitals, and the City of Birmingham Coroner. Particulars of distaval sales were supplied by Dr. D. M. Burley, of the Distillers Co. (Biochemicals) Ltd. We are grateful to all these people for their ready co-operation. © 1962, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.