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The History of DES, Lessons to be Learned

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Abstract

Since the 1940s, diaethylstilbestrol (DES) has been used by millions of pregnant women to prevent miscarriages and many other disorders in pregnancy. In 1971, it became clear that this apparently innocent treatment proved to be a time bomb for the infants exposed to DES during the first trimester of pregnancy. DES is now associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCAC) of the vagina and cervix, and reproductive anomalies. This article summarises the potential long-term health implications of DES on the mother, DES daughters and DES sons, and the possible side effects on the third generation. Health care professionals have to know the history of DES to prevent future disasters with drugs prescribed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Pharmacy, Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Groningen University Institute of Drug Exploration (GUIDE), Ant. Deusinglaan 1, 9713, AV Groningen, The Netherlands

    Marieke Veurink & Lolkje T.W. de Jong-van den. Berg

  2. DES Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Marlies Koster

Authors
  1. Marieke Veurink
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  2. Marlies Koster
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  3. Lolkje T.W. de Jong-van den. Berg
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Correspondence to Lolkje T.W. de Jong-van den. Berg.

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Veurink, M., Koster, M. & Berg, L.T.d.Jv. The History of DES, Lessons to be Learned. Pharm World Sci 27, 139–143 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-005-3663-z

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