INCREASE OF IMMUNOLOGICALLY RELEVANT PARAMETERS IN CORRELATION WITH BAKER CLASSIFICATION IN BREAST IMPLANT RECIPIENTS

A variety of studies have suggested a possible immune reaction to sili cone implants, although an increased frequency of rheumatic disorders among implant recipients could not be established, Several immunologic ally relevant humoral parameters were investigated in 239 breast impla nt recipients. The following parameters were determined: immunoglobuli n G and M, complement C3 and C4, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein , antinuclear antibodies, antimitochondrial antibodies, and antithyrog lobulin and antimicrosomal antibodies of the thyroid gland. Levels of complement C3 were elevated in 42.5% of the patients. No difference co uld be observed between silicone gel-filled and saline-filled implant recipients. Complement C4 was increased in 21.3% of the patients and a parallel relationship was observed between elevated C4 and C3 levels (p < 0.0015). In 28% of the patients, the antithyroglobulin titer was elevated >200 U/ml. No difference was found between silicone gel-fille d and saline-filled implant recipients. Elevation of antimicrosomal an tibodies existed in 14.3% of the patients and was correlated significa ntly with antithyroglobulin antibodies (p < 0.0347). In accordance wit h the classification developed by Baker, we observed a significant cor relation between capsule fibrosis types Baker I and II, and elevated C 3 values (p < 0.0004) in silicone gel-filled but not in saline-filled implant recipients. Additionally, a correlation was found between incr eased antithyroglobulin titers (<200 U/ml) and capsule fibrosis types Baker I and II (p < 0.0001) in this group. In the study presented here , an increase of several humoral parameters could be demonstrated in b reast implant recipients, although we failed to correlate these findin gs with any clinical symptoms.