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Autoimmune disease and silicone breast implants
H Hirmand1, G S Latrenta, L A Hoffman
1Department of Surgery, New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Systemic autoimmune disease in silicone implant recipients remains unproven. While silicone can migrate and elicit immune responses, its role in connective tissue disorders requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Materials Science
Background:
- A link between crystalline silica and immune diseases is established.
- Case reports suggest systemic autoimmune disease in silicone implant recipients, but evidence is insufficient to confirm causality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential causal relationship between silicone implants and systemic autoimmune diseases.
- To review the current evidence regarding silicone's immunogenicity and its role in connective tissue disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of case reports and existing studies on silicone implants and autoimmune disease.
- Analysis of evidence for silicone migration and immune system responses in vivo.
Main Results:
- Silicone can "bleed" from implants and migrate to other body sites.
- Cellular and humoral immune responses to silicone have been observed in vivo.
- Data is insufficient to establish a causal link between silicone implants and autoimmune connective tissue disorders.
Conclusions:
- The role of silicone in the pathogenesis of autoimmune connective tissue disease is undetermined.
- Further research is necessary to clarify silicone's potential involvement.
- Clinical management of implant recipients requires individualized, case-by-case evaluation.