Absence of longitudinal changes in rheumatologic parameters after siliconebreast implantation: A prospective 13-year study

There have been numerous questions regarding the association of polysiloxan e with connective tissue disease and alteration of host immune response. C- reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and anti-streptolysin-O titers were me asured in 218 patients. These studies are routinely used in the diagnosis o f autoimmune disease and mixed connective tissue disease. This prospective study has been in progress since 1985. The first patients were seen in July of 1985, and those individuals willing to participate were followed from 1 985 to 1998. The implants included saline-filled elastomer shells and polys iloxane gel-filled elastomer shells. These groups were examined separately and in combination for changes between preoperative and postoperative state s. In each instance, there was no statistical increase or decrease. Each pa tient underwent a physical examination and completed a questionnaire focusi ng on signs and symptoms of autoimmune and connective tissue diseases. The laboratory data and subjective clinical results demonstrated no significant differences between a nonimplanted group versus the saline group alone, th e gel group alone, or the combined groups. The data failed to suggest any c ausal relationship between implants and autoimmune or connective tissue dis eases over the study period of 13 years (since 1985).