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Development of polyneuropathy during thalidomide therapy
Author(s) -
WULFF C.H.,
HØYER H.,
ASBOEHANSEN G.,
BRODTHAGEN H.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1985.tb02323.x
Subject(s) - medicine , university hospital , polyneuropathy , library science , family medicine , dermatology , surgery , computer science
SUMMARY Seven patients with prurigo nodularis and one with aphthous stomatitis were given 40–115 g of thalidomide for 1 to 6 years. They all developed a predominantly sensory peripheral neuropathy mainly involving the lower limbs. Five patients had an unpleasant tight feeling around the feet. Nerve conduction studies showed small sensory action potentials from the lower limbs with normal or only mild slowing of sensory conduction velocity indicating an axonal neuropathy. The dermatological disorder improved dramatically in all, but treatment had to be discontinued because of the severe side‐effects. Thalidomide, if used, should be given only over a short period because of its neurotoxic effect.