Self-reported allergy, infection, and autoimmune diseases among men and women exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol.
Immunotoxicology studies of prenatal or neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) show effects on immune function of the adult animal. Prenatally exposed humans are known to be at increased risk of vaginal adenocarcinoma, but little research has been done to assess immunologic function. A placebo-controlled clinical trial of DES was conducted in the early 1950s. The sons and daughters born to participants of this clinical trial were traced and interviewed about immune-related health problems. Symptom and disease rates for the DES exposed (253 sons and 296 daughters) were compared with rates for the unexposed (241 men and 246 women). DES-exposed men and women reported rates of allergy, infection, and autoimmune disease similar to the unexposed. However, because autoimmune diseases are rare, a larger sample is needed to evaluate further DES-associated risk of autoimmunity.
Baird
D D
DD
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Wilcox
A J
AJ
Herbst
A L
AL
D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D007239:Infections / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013997:Time Factors
D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol