Fw: POST - Oldie but goodie - WOMEN MAY DEVELOP IMMUNE SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES

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IMMUNE SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES

Abstract: Reports that about five percent of women with silicone breast implants in the United States may develop immune system abnormalities leading to rheumatic disorders, according to the American College of Allergy and Immunology. Symptoms reported by implanted women; Antinuclear antibodies and immunoglobulin levels. Breast/Implants

FIVE PERCENT OF WOMEN MAY DEVELOP IMMUNE SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES

About five percent of the 2 million women with silicone breast implants nationwide may develop immune system abnormalities leading to rheumatic disorders that cause chronic fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and many other symptoms according to a news release from the American College of Allergy and Immunology. "We have strong evidence that silicone breast implants cause immune problems in some women, and a significant proportion of the women we evaluated developed clinical symptoms suggestive of a rheumatic disorder," N. Doll, M.D., Baton Rouge, LA, told an audience at the 1994 annual meeting of the American College of Allergy and Immunology (ACAI). Dr. Doll evaluated 906 women with silicone breast implants who complained of multiple symptoms. Most common were fatigue (in 90% of the women), insomnia (83%), depression and headaches (79%), muscle aches and joint aches (78%), joint swelling and cognitive dysfunction (70%), morning stiffness (69%), hair loss (53%), and dry eyes and dry mouth (50%). Blood tests identified elevated levels of antinuclear antibodies and/or immunoglobulins in 45% of the patients. Symptoms in 200 of the women were attributed to other causes. Dr. Doll found connective tissue disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma, in less than 1% of women studied, tending to confirm findings of a highly-publicized report recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It suggested that silicone breast implants do not cause typical connective tissue disorders. "Unfortunately, that study was retrospective and looked only for typical connective tissue disorders. The investigators did not evaluate important immune system factors, such as higher levels of antinuclear antibodies," Dr. Doll said. "There may not be an increase of Lupus or scleroderma in women with silicone breast implants, but we believe there is an increase in nonspecific rheumatic syndromes creating aches and pains." The women studied also reported several local breast complications, including pain (in 80% of patients), breast hardening (59%), implant rupture (16%), and infection (10%). While most women with silicone breast implants will not develop problems, Dr. Doll recommends regular follow-up breast exams. If symptoms suggestive of rheumatic disorders develop, implant removal may be advised. "About 40% of symptomatic women report improvement after having their implants removed," Dr. Doll said. For more information, contact Dick Bragaw, (708) 934.-5580 or N. Doll, (504) 769-9703, American College of Allergy and Immunology, 85 W. Algonquin Rd., #550, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. ~~~~~~~~ Marble, Editor and Co-Publisher