We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Silicone Gel Breast Implant Safety Remains Unclear

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 Nov 2015
Print article
A new review of literature that examined health outcomes of silicone gel breast implants failed to provide clear evidence either for safety or harm.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, TX, USA) and Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) reviewed studies published through June 2015 to examine specific long-term health outcomes in women with silicone gel breast implants, including cancer development; connective tissue, rheumatologic, and autoimmune diseases; neurologic diseases; reproductive issues, including lactation; offspring issues; and mental health issues, included depression and suicide. In all, 32 longitudinal studies (in 58 publications) met eligibility criteria.

The researchers then extracted data on participant and implant characteristics that compared women with and without breast implants and reported long-term health outcomes of interest. The researchers found possible associations with decreased risk for primary breast and endometrial cancers and increased risks for lung cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, and Raynaud syndrome, but the evidence was frequently not specific to silicone gel implants, and studies were rarely adequately adjusted for potential confounders. The report was published on November 10, 2015, in Annals of Internal Medicine.

“Despite numerous studies reporting on the risk for many diseases and conditions, evidence was insufficient of an association between breast implants and any health outcome,” concluded lead author Ethan Balk, PhD, of the department of health services, policy, and practice at Brown University, and colleagues. “No outcome had at least two adequately adjusted studies that yielded consistent estimates of associations. There was a general lack of adequate accounting for possible confounders.”

“This project was conducted to provide background information for advice to be provided to the FDA regarding development of a silicone gel breast implant registry. While some databases may not have captured enough information, other studies might be worth reanalyzing to include more available confounders than before and with new methods,” added Dr. Balk. “We are hopeful that this study will serve as a guide to future researchers to improve analyses of currently available studies and of future studies.”

Silicone gel breast implants were removed from the US market for cosmetic use in 1992 owing to safety concerns. They were reintroduced in 2006, with a call for improved surveillance of clinical outcomes.

Related Links:

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Brown University


Gold Member
POC Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile Prime Plus
Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Patient Monitor
CMS9100PLUS

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System provides visual and audible indicators of the onset and progression of bleeding events (Photo courtesy of Saranas)

Novel Technology Monitors and Lowers Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Heart Procedures

Bleeding complications at the femoral access site can significantly hamper recovery, affecting the success of procedures, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare costs. It is crucial for surgeons... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.