Thalidomide usage in Wales: the need to follow guidelines.
BACKGROUND
Thalidomide is a potentially useful drug for several dermatological disorders.


OBJECTIVE
To assess prescribing and monitoring practices for this drug in Wales.


METHODS
A questionnaire was completed by 17 of 19 consultant dermatologists concerning thalidomide usage in Wales (population 2.93 million).


RESULTS
Eleven of the 17 respondents had used thalidomide in 40 patients. Only two consultants gave information leaflets and only five obtained written consent. Four obtained baseline nerve conduction studies and nine obtained these during therapy. Of seven women of child-bearing age currently taking thalidomide, none had had baseline pregnancy tests.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe variability in prescribing practices for thalidomide. Published guidelines are reviewed and suggestions made concerning consent forms, pregnancy testing, nerve conduction studies and patient information.
Chave
T A
TA
Department of Dermatology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK. Toby@Chave.fsbusiness.co.uk
Finlay
A Y
AY
Knight
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AG
D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003880:Dermatology / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013723:Teratogens; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014852:Wales
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D013723:Teratogens; D013792:Thalidomide