Thalidomide neurotoxicity

Abstract

Of 6 patients treated with thalidomide for either prurigo nodularis or discoid lupus erythematosus, 4 had paresthesias in the hands and feet and 1 also complained of muscular pain and stiffness. Clinical neurological findings in all 4 patients were normal. Subsequent electrophysiological examination disclosed a peripheral neuropathy in 5 of the 6 patients; 2 had electrophysiological signs of a polyneuropathy and 3 of a carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms and abnormal electrophysiological findings were still present in 1 patient 1 yr after the discontinuation of thalidomide therapy. Since reports on thalidomide neurotoxicity have shown that the neurological symptoms are long standing and possibly irreversible, it is obviously important to inform patients of this possible side effect and to evaluate them closely for the symptoms and electrophysiological signs of evolving neurological changes.