What is DES used for?
What is DES vaccine?
What is DES disease?
What is DES in cancer?
How does DES affect pregnancy?
...
Women exposed to DES in the womb face increased cancer risk.
| Risks for DES-Exposed Daughters Compared to Non-Exposed | |
|---|---|
| Outcome | Increased Risk |
| Ectopic pregnancy | 3.7 times higher |
| Stillbirth | 2.4 times higher |
| Infertility | 2.4 times higher |
What drugs prevent miscarriage?
What are the side effects of DES?
Why did people take DES?
What is a DES daughter?
Does DES cause ovarian cancer?
Is DES still used today?
Does DES cause breast cancer?
What is DES?
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen . It was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prev...
What is the cancer risk of people who were exposed to DES in utero?
The overall risk of cancer is not elevated in people whose mothers used DES while pregnant compared with the general population ( 6 – 8 ). However,...
Do the children of women who took DES have problems with fertility and pregnancy?
Several studies have found increased risks of premature birth , miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy in females exposed to DES in utero . An anal...
What other health issues or characteristics might DES daughters and DES sons have?
People who were exposed to DES in utero may have other health issues or characteristics, including: Autoimmune conditions. Concerns have been r...
What health issues might DES grandchildren have?
Researchers are also studying possible health effects among the children of DES daughters. These groups are called DES granddaughters and DES grand...
What health issues might women who took DES during pregnancy have?
The women who used DES are now in their 70s and older. These women have already experienced the slight increase in risks of developing ( 29 ) and d...
How can people find out if they took DES during pregnancy or were exposed to DES in utero ?
It is estimated that 5 to 10 million Americans—pregnant women and the children born to them—were exposed to DES between 1940 and 1971 ( 5 ). DES wa...
What should DES daughters do?
Women who know or believe they were exposed to DES before birth should be aware of the health effects of DES and inform their health care provider...
What should DES sons do?
Men whose mothers took DES while pregnant should inform their health care provider of their exposure and be examined periodically. Although the ris...
What is DES in pregnancy?
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen. It was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, premature labor, and related complications of pregnancy ( 1 ). The use of DES declined after studies in the 1950s showed that it was not effective in preventing these problems.
Is DES a chemical?
The drug continued to be prescribed to pregnant women in Europe until 1978 ( 4 ). DES is now known to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical, one of a number of substances that interfere with the endocrine system to cause cancer, birth defects, and other developmental abnormalities.
Can DES daughters develop cancer?
They may develop into cancer, however, if left untreated. Scientists estimated that DES-exposed daughters were 2.2 times more likely to have these abnormal cell changes in the cervix than unexposed women. Approximately 4% of DES daughters developed these conditions because of their exposure ( 7 ).
When was DES prescribed?
It was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, premature labor, and related complications of pregnancy ( 1 ). The use of DES declined after studies in the 1950s showed that it was not effective in preventing these problems. In 1971, researchers linked prenatal ...
How rare is a DES daughter?
However, this type of cancer is still rare; approximately 1 in 1,000 DES daughters develops it.
Do DES daughters have autoimmune diseases?
However, research thus far suggests that DES daughters do not have an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Researchers found no difference in the rates of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, optic neuritis, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura between DES-exposed and unexposed women ( 10 ).
Does DES cause DNA changes?
Researchers are studying these groups because studies in animal models suggest that DES may cause DNA changes (i.e., altered patterns of methylation) in mice exposed to the chemical during early development ( 16 ). These changes can be heritable and have the potential to affect subsequent generations.
Why was DES used in the 1960s?
DES was used less in the 1960s, after studies showed that it might not help women carry pregnancies to full term.
Why was DES prescribed?
Doctors prescribed it from 1938 until 1971 to help some pregnant women who had had miscarriages or premature deliveries. At that time it was believed that these problems might have been caused by low levels of estrogen in the woman’s body. DES was used to correct this problem.
What are the risks of DES?
DES-exposed daughters may also have a higher risk of certain problems during pregnancy. These include: 1 Premature birth: Among DES-exposed daughters, about 64% have delivered a full-term baby in their first pregnancy, compared with 85% in women who were not exposed to DES. 2 Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy:The risk of an ectopic pregnancy (where the egg implants in an area other than the uterus and poses a danger to the mother) is about 3 to 5 times higher in DES-exposed daughters. 3 Miscarriage: Almost 20% of DES-exposed daughters miscarry their first pregnancy, compared with about 10% among women not exposed to DES. 4 Preeclampsia: DES-exposed daughters have a slightly higher risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Preeclampsia (sometimes called toxic pregnancy or toxemia) is a condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop in the late 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It can be dangerous and may require delivering the baby early.
Is DES exposure before birth a risk?
DES exposure before birth has been linked to a higher risk of having abnormal cells in the cervix and vagina. Daughters who know they were exposed to DES typically have more frequent exams to look for these types of changes, but it’s not clear exactly how much the risk is increased.
What is the risk of DES exposure during pregnancy?
Preeclampsia: DES-exposed daughters have a slightly higher risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Preeclampsia (sometimes called toxic pregnancy or toxemia) is a condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop in the late 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Does DES exposure increase risk of breast cancer?
According to the largest study to date, DES-exposed daughters have a slightly increased risk for breast cancer. This increased risk was not seen in some other studies. So far, the total overall increase in risk appears to be only about 2% (in this study, the group of women without DES exposure had about a 2% risk of breast cancer, while the group of women with DES exposure had about a 4% risk). But it’s important to note that the women in this study (and many DES-exposed daughters in general) are still younger than the average age at which breast cancer usually occurs. The increased risk of breast cancer may become larger as these women get older. This issue is still being studied.
Why do DES daughters need to tell their doctors about their DES exposure?
Because of the problems that may show up during pregnancy, DES-exposed daughters need to tell their doctors about their DES exposure. It’s best if they do this before they become pregnant. This way they can work with their doctors to watch for signs of problems and deal with them as soon as possible.
What is the dosage of DES?
Feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women. DES was used at a dosage of 0.2 to 0.5 mg/day in menopausal hormone therapy. Interest in the use of DES to treat prostate cancer in men continues today.
Can DES be used for breast cancer?
However, similarly to the case of prostate cancer, arguments have been made for the use bioidentical estrogens like estradiol instead of DES for breast cancer.
Is DES a nonsteroidal estrogen?
Key:RGLYKWWBQGJZGM-ISLYRVAYSA-N Y. (verify) Diethylstilbestrol ( DES ), also known as stilbestrol or stilboestrol, is a nonsteroidal estrogen medication, which is rarely used. In the past, it was widely used for a variety of indications, including pregnancy support for women with a history of recurrent miscarriage, ...
Is DES an estrogen?
DES is an estrogen, or an agonist of the estrogen receptors, the biological target of estrogens like estradiol. It is a synthetic and nonsteroidal estrogen of the stilbestrol group, and differs from the natural estrogen estradiol in various ways.
When was DES given to pregnant women?
From about 1940 to 1971, the medication was given to pregnant women in the incorrect belief that it would reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and losses. In 1971, DES was shown to cause clear-cell carcinoma, a rare vaginal tumor, in girls and women who had been exposed to this medication in utero.
Is DES a high dose?
The risk is dose- dependent. A dosage of 5 mg/day DES has been associated with a 36% increase in non-cancer-related (mostly cardiovascular) deaths.
When was DES first synthesized?
DES was first synthesized in early 1938 by Leon Golberg, then a graduate student of Sir Robert Robinson at the Dyson Perrins Laboratory at the University of Oxford. Golberg's research was based on work by Wilfrid Lawson at the Courtauld Institute of Biochemistry, (led by Sir Edward Charles Dodds at Middlesex Hospital Medical School now part of University College London ). A report of its synthesis was published in Nature on 5 February 1938.
What is DES in short?
She takes Diethylstilbestrol (or DES in short), the first synthetic man made female sex hormone (oestrogen) widely prescribed for public use in the mistaken belief that it would prevent miscarriage and loss. Now let’s fast forward. We’re in 2001 three decades after my mum took DES.
Is diethylstilbestrol a drug?
Diethylstilbestrol is a world drug disaster yet very few people know about its tragic health consequences or have even heard about it. Public health awareness campaigns are vital to reaching out to the millions of people who have been exposed to this harmful drug.
Did Eli Lilly apologize for the DES tragedy?
They feel that their breast cancer was a direct result of Eli Lilly’s negligence. Eli Lilly has never accepted responsibility nor apologized for the DES tragedy , even though the company has paid millions in out-of-court settlements and verdicts to DES Daughters and Sons who suffered injuries from their exposure.
What is DES in dogs?
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a hormone classified as a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen. It is used primarily for treatment of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs. It is thought that DES increases the responsiveness of the smooth muscle of the bladder neck to nerve activity, tightening the muscle and preventing leakage of urine.
Is DES a hormone?
Overview of Diethylstilbestrol for Dogs. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a hormone classified as a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen. It is used primarily for treatment of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs.
Is diethylstilbestrol a marketed drug?
This drug is registered for use in humans only. Diethylstilbestrol is no longer commercially available in some countries and is no longer a marketed drug in the United States; however, some veterinarians still have supplies of this drug and the drug can be obtained from compounding pharmacies.
Is diethylstilbestrol still available?
Diethylstilbestrol is no longer commercially available in some countries and is no longer a marketed drug in the United States; however, some veterinarians still have supplies of this drug and the drug can be obtained from compounding pharmacies.
Is DES dangerous for dogs?
DES also has been used to prevent conception (pregnancy) after mismating (unplanned breeding) in dogs and cats. However, the drug is potentially dangerous for this use. DES has been used to treat estrogen responsive tumors, hyperplasia of the prostate gland and in perianal gland adenomas.
Can you use diethylstilbestrol on animals?
Precautions and Side Effects. While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, diethylstilbestrol can cause side effects in some animals. Diethlystilbestrol should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. Diethlystilbestrol may interact with other medications.
Can cats take DES?
DES is not used in cats. The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.
When did the DES follow up study begin?
The women in this study were followed as part of the NCI’s DES Follow-up Study, which began in 1992. NCI researchers will continue to study DES-exposed daughters as they move into menopausal years.
When did DES become ineffective?
In the 1950s, clinical studies showed DES was ineffective for this purpose. In the late 1960s, an unusual occurrence of a rare cancer of the vagina among young women, called clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA), was observed and subsequently linked to their exposure to DES while in the womb. In 1971, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified ...
When did DES stop being prescribed to pregnant women?
In 1971, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified physicians that DES should not be prescribed to pregnant women.
Do NCI researchers study DES-exposed daughters?
NCI researchers will continue to study DES-exposed daughters as they move into menopausal years. The cancer risks for exposed daughters, as well as sons, are continually being studied to determine if they differ from an unexposed population. In addition, researchers are studying possible health effects on the grandchildren ...
When was diethylstilbestrol first used?
Beginning in 1940, diethylstilbestrol, known as DES, was used clinically to prevent certain complications of pregnancy. In the 1950s, clinical studies showed DES was ineffective for this purpose. In the late 1960s, an unusual occurrence of a rare cancer of the vagina among young women, called clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA), ...
Study Questions
What are the long-term outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with left main or multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD)?
Methods
Data were pooled from the BEST, PRECOMBAT, and SYNTAX trials. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
Results
The median follow-up was 60 months, and follow-up was completed for 96.2% of patients. The rate of primary outcome was significantly lower with CABG than with PCI (13.0% vs. 16.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-1.00; p = 0.046).
Conclusions
The authors concluded that CABG, as compared to PCI with DES, reduced long-term rates of the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke in patients with left main or multivessel CAD.
Perspective
This study reports that CABG, as compared to PCI with DES, significantly reduced the risk of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke in patients with left main or multivessel CAD. The advantage of CABG over PCI with DES was consistent in most major clinical subgroups, and it continued to accrue over time.
Study Questions
What is the role of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty in the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR)?
Methods
Patient-level data from 10 randomized trials comparing DCB angioplasty to repeat drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in the treatment of coronary ISR (710 patients with BMS [bare-metal stent]-ISR and 1,248 with DES-ISR) were included in this analysis. The primary efficacy endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 3 years.
Conclusions
At 3-year follow-up, DCB angioplasty and repeat stenting with DES had similar TLR in the treatment of BMS-ISR, whereas DCB angioplasty was associated with significantly higher TLR rates when compared with repeat DES implantation in the treatment DES-ISR.
Perspective
There are fundamental mechanistic differences in BMS-ISR and DES-ISR.
Overview
Diethylstilbestrol (DES), also known as stilbestrol or stilboestrol, is a nonsteroidal estrogen medication, which is presently rarely used. In the past, it was widely used for a variety of indications, including pregnancy support for women with a history of recurrent miscarriage, hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms and estrogen deficiency in women, treatment of prostate cancerin m…
Medical uses
DES has been used in the past for the following indications:
• Recurrent miscarriage in pregnancy
• Menopausal hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal atrophy
• Hormone therapy for hypoestrogenism (e.g., gonadal dysgenesis, premature ovarian failure, and after oophorectomy)
Side effects
At more than 1 mg/day, DES is associated with high rates of side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, and bloating (incidence of 15–50%).
The pigmentation of the breast areolae are often very dark and almost black with DES therapy. The pigmentation that occurs with synthetic estrogens such as DES is much greater than with natural estrogens such as estradiol. The mechanism of the difference is unknown. Progestogens like hydr…
Overdose
DES has been assessed in the past in clinical studies at extremely high doses of as much as 1,500 to 5,000 mg/day.
Pharmacology
DES is an estrogen; specifically, it is a highly potent full agonist of both of the estrogen receptors (ERs). It has approximately 468% and 295% of the affinity of estradiol at the ERα and ERβ, respectively. However, EC50values of 0.18 nM and 0.06 nM of DES for the ERα and ERβ, respectively, have been reported, suggesting, in spite of its binding affinity for the two receptors, several-fold pre…
Chemistry
DES belongs to the stilbestrol (4,4'-dihydroxystilbene) group of compounds. It is a nonsteroidal open-ring analogue of the steroidal estrogen estradiol. DES can be prepared from anethole, which also happens to be weakly estrogenic. Anethole was demethylated to form anol and anol then spontaneously dimerized into dianol and hexestrol, with DES subsequently being synthesized via structural modifica…
History
DES was first synthesized in early 1938 by Leon Golberg, then a graduate student of Sir Robert Robinson at the Dyson Perrins Laboratory at the University of Oxford. Golberg's research was based on work by Wilfrid Lawson at the Courtauld Institute of Biochemistry, (led by Sir Edward Charles Dodds at Middlesex Hospital Medical School now part of University College London). A report of its synthesis was published in Nature on 5 February 1938.
Society and culture
Alan Turing, the ground-breaking cryptographer, founder of computing science and programmable computers, who also proposed the actual theoretical model of biological morphogenesis, was forced onto this medication to induce chemical castration as a punitive and discredited "treatment" for homosexual behaviour, shortly before he died in ambiguous circumstances.
James Herriot describes a case regarding treating a small dog's testicular Sertoli cell tumorin his …