Prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure and self-reported immune-related diseases.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare self-reports of immune-related diseases in diethylstilbestrol (DES) daughters and controls. Prenatal exposure to DES has been associated with several malformations in the lower genital tract, a higher prevalence of adenosis, and increased risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma, and estrogen-dependent tumors. Lately, reports have been published indicating a link between DES exposure and alterations in the immune system. The present study focuses on the possible clinical consequences of an affected immune system.

STUDY DESIGN:

DES daughters (n=170) and control women (n=123) completed questionnaires containing lists of immune-related diseases, specified into three categories (i) allergies, (ii) auto-immune disorders, and (iii) infectious diseases.

RESULTS:

DES daughters reported significantly more disease conditions than the controls. Analyses for separate disease categories (allergies, auto-immune disorders, infectious disease), yielded a statistically significant difference only for infectious disease. Within this last category, two infectious diseases yielded highly significant differences: bladder infection and measles.

CONCLUSION:

The present findings suggest that DES daughters are at higher risk of developing immune-related disease states.

• Authors: A J Vingerhoets, J Assies, K Goodkin, G L Van Heck, M H Bekker
• Journal: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology (Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol) Vol. 77 Issue 2 Pg. 205-9 (Apr 1998) ISSN: 0301-2115 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 9578280 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Diethylstilbestrol

Topics

• Adult
• Autoimmune Diseases (epidemiology, immunology)
• Diethylstilbestrol (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity (epidemiology, immunology)
• Immune System Diseases (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Infections (epidemiology, immunology)
• Measles (epidemiology, immunology)
• Pregnancy
• Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
• Risk Factors
• Urinary Bladder Diseases (epidemiology, immunology)