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There is currently no proven cause-and-effect relationship between breast implants and autoimmune connective tissue disease. However, there is a growing concern that immunological sensitization to silicone could potentially develop in certain susceptible patients and that this could contribute to the development of autoimmune connective tissue disease. In this article I review the current status of this potential relationship. The following areas are discussed: chemistry of silicone, potential mechanisms for an immune response, implant failure, epidemiological and antibody studies of autoimmune connective tissue disease, and recent information on certain neurological findings in a group of patients with breast implants. Current large-scale epidemiological studies should help to define any potential relationship between breast implants and autoimmune connective tissue disease.
W Peters
January 1993,
Ugeskrift for laeger,
W Peters
October 1994,
The Journal of rheumatology,
W Peters
February 1998,
BMJ (Clinical research ed.),
W Peters
May 2011,
Seminars in immunopathology,
W Peters
November 1997,
The Mount Sinai journal of medicine, New York,
W Peters
January 1995,
Clinical and experimental rheumatology,
W Peters
July 1997,
Ugeskrift for laeger,
W Peters
November 1992,
Ugeskrift for laeger,
W Peters
October 1994,
BMJ (Clinical research ed.),
W Peters
December 1993,
Scandinavian journal of plastic and reconstructive surgery and hand surgery,
