[Thalidomide epidemics: 50 years after]

Abstract

Thalidomide tragedy and the subsequent epidemics of congenital anomalies is one of the most tragic but also enlightening chapters in the history of modern medicine. Many thousands of children were born with various anomalies - especially with limb deformities - because of the mass usage of thalidomide by pregnant women. The numbers of the spontaneous abortions and fetal deaths will remain unknown forever. In year 2012 we have a sad 50th anniversary of final recognition of thalidomide teratogenous potential. The causes of this tragedy and subsequent actions are summarized in our text.Key words: thalidomide, teratogenesis, congenital anomalies.