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Silicone breast implants and connective tissue disease: no association
Loren Lipworth1, Lisbet R Holmich, Joseph K McLaughlin
1International Epidemiology Institute, 1455 Research Blvd, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. loren@iei.ws
Seminars in Immunopathology
|March 4, 2011
Summary
Silicone breast implants are not linked to connective tissue diseases (CTDs) or fibromyalgia. Extensive research refutes claims of an association, showing no increased risk for women with implants.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Concerns have been raised regarding potential links between silicone breast implants and connective tissue diseases (CTDs).
- Historically widespread claims suggested an association, leading to significant public and scientific inquiry.
- This includes conditions like systemic sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and hypothesized atypical CTDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize the epidemiologic literature on the association between cosmetic breast implants and CTDs.
- To address and refute misinformation regarding breast implants and CTDs using recent, high-quality studies.
- To evaluate the evidence for an increased risk of individual CTDs, all CTDs combined, and atypical CTDs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of epidemiologic literature, focusing on large cohort studies with long-term follow-up.
- Analysis of recent investigations and meta-analyses addressing claims of CTD association.
- Inclusion of studies examining implant rupture status and serologic markers.
Main Results:
- Remarkably consistent evidence from numerous studies and meta-analyses refutes any association between cosmetic breast implants and CTDs.
- No increased occurrence of individual CTDs or all CTDs combined, including fibromyalgia, was found.
- No credible evidence supports a conjectured excess of atypical CTDs or unique rheumatic symptoms in women with breast implants.
Conclusions:
- Cosmetic breast implants are not associated with an increased risk of connective tissue diseases.
- Claims of such associations are not supported by scientific literature and appear to stem from litigation.
- Current evidence unequivocally demonstrates the safety of silicone breast implants concerning CTDs.
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