Objective: To analyze the literatures published at home and abroad on thalidomide induced adverse reactions in children

and to provide references for the safety of thalidomide in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods: We searched CNKI

Wanfang and PubMed databases with keywords “thalidomide” “children” “adverse reaction” “safety” “pediatric” “case report” and some related Chinese expressions. The drug safety information was extracted from the literature that met the inclusion criteria and conduct the descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 18 articles were included

and 263 cases were accumulated. Thalidomide related adverse reactions involved a wide range of systems

and the top five were mental system

nervous system

blood system

digestive system and skin system

accounting for 85. 16% in total. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy was the highest

accounting for 19. 39%. Serious adverse reactions accounted for 17. 49%

mainly peripheral neuropathy

which was related to the cumulative dose of drugs. Conclusion: Thalidomide is generally safe for children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Most of the related adverse reactions can be cured or improved after drug withdrawal or symptomatic treatment. Clinical medication should pay attention to the cumulative dose of drugs and the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy.