phocomelia
Quick Summary
Phocomelia is a rare congenital malformation characterized by the absence or malformation of extremities. This condition arises from errors in limb bud development between the fourth and eighth weeks of intrauterine life.1
In phocomelia, the upper part of the limb is severely underdeveloped or absent, with the lower part attaching directly to the trunk, resembling a seal's flipper. Other related limb malformations include amelia (complete absence of limbs), ectromelia (absence of one or more extremities), hemimelia (absence of the lower part of the limb), and sirenomelia (fused legs).1
Treatment for significant limb malformations typically involves fitting prostheses and specialized training, with surgery sometimes used for minor deformities.1
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- thalidomideTeratogenic effects
These included phocomelia (“seal limbs,” in which the long bones in the arms and legs fail to develop) and other deformities such as absence or malformation of the external ear, fusion defects of the eye, and absence of the normal openings of the gastrointestinal tract. Fetuses are…
Read MoreThese included phocomelia (“seal limbs,” in which the long bones in the arms and legs fail to develop) and other deformities such as absence or malformation of the external ear, fusion defects of the eye, and absence of the normal openings of the gastrointestinal tract. Fetuses are…
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pharmaceutical industryPublic influence on drug regulation…rare birth defect, known as phocomelia, that had begun appearing at epidemic proportions. There was a dramatic reaction to the devastation caused by thalidomide, especially because it was considered a needless drug.
Read More…rare birth defect, known as phocomelia, that had begun appearing at epidemic proportions. There was a dramatic reaction to the devastation caused by thalidomide, especially because it was considered a needless drug.
Read More