Silicone Immune Toxicity Syndrome

Overview

It is estimated that since 1962, between one and two million women have had silicone breast implants to enhance their physical appearance. Some 30 years later, thousands of women are second guessing the wisdom of this choice because they are now suffering with a new illness, silicone toxicity and immune dysfunction syndrome. This major health problem arose because of failure at many levels to protect the well being of humans in our world. I think it is important to understand a little bit about the silicone implant itself, which is covered by a shell or the envelope which is made of silicone in the form of a semi-permeable membrane.

I think the big problem here was that it was thought that this membrane would keep the silicone inside the bag. It does not and the silicone leaves the bag and is found outside of the silicone implant. As a matter of fact, it has been found all over the body, not just in the capsules surrounding the implant. The silicone is picked up by scavenger cells (macrophages) of our immune system and carried around the body. Various things happen where the exact mechanisms are unknown, but there is definite immune system dysregulation that occurs leading to a new syndrome. I think that this is an important point.

Until now, researchers have been trying to link this silicone disaster with old diseases of the autoimmune type like scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Lupus. In fact, they will never be able to link this problem to those diseases because we have the new disease and they are not looking at it in that way. I will go on to describe the characteristics of the new disease, but to try and link them to the old disease will get you nowhere. I don't know why researchers think that this is the direction to follow.

I think that in addition to the immune system being dysregulated. (I won't go into the details which explain how that happens), there is the onset of molecular damage called free radical or oxidant injury that occurs from the silicone being in the body. This causes another set of symptoms that are part of the syndrome.

There are so many possible symptoms that the patient experiences.

We will mention only the major ones. They are:

Peripheral neuropathy

Central neural toxic neuropathy

Cervical and axillary lymphadenopathy

Fibromyalgia

Myocytis

Fatigue

Night sweats

Hair loss

Abdominal pain

Pulmonary hypersensitivity with dyspnea

Emotional instability

Joint and tendon pain

Multiple chemical sensitivities

Food and inhalant sensitivities

Skin problems

Studies of the immune system includes T-cell silicone immune study, silicone antibodies, complete auto immunity studies, immunoglobulin investigation, immune complex studies, biochemical profiles, fungal and bacteriological studies and skin testing. In addition, more complex studies might include PET, SPECT, beam, and EMG studies of the nervous system, as well as pulmonary function tests, MRIs of the breasts, and comprehensive digestive, and pancreatic studies if so indicated. The therapy for these patients needs to be directed at the flaws that are found in the patient's biochemistry and immune systems. Just to mention a few of the areas that should be looked into as far as therapy, one would include:

Dietary management

Exercise advice

Intravenous nutritional therapy for detoxification and anti-oxidation

Oral nutritional supplementation

Immunotherapy to chemicals, foods, inhalants, and silicone if necessary

Environmental and chemical controls of the individual's home and place of business

Varied immune modulation techniques including:

Thymus therapy

Intravenous gamma globulin

DHEA

Transfer factor depending on the individual's specific problems

This is a very complicated illness and should only be taken care of by people with the comprehensive background in dealing with toxic environmental materials and their effects on the human organism. With this knowledge, these patients can be helped greatly in achieving a normal life again. It just takes time, patience, and hard work.

The answer to this disease is not the use of drugs for the symptoms that occurContinue reading for more information on the impact of Silicone Toxicity on system functioning.

There are several forms of the chemical in breast implants that can cause a problem in the human organism. Silicon (Si) is the basic element and probably causes immune system changes. Silica or SiO2 (chemical formula) is the form it is mined from the earth. Silicone gel is a synthetic material containing 38% silicon. The silica is 45% silicon.

There is slow leakage ("bleeding") of the silicone gel from the implants through the semi-permeable membrane envelope and also into and through the capsule that surrounds the implants. This is picked up by the microphages (scavenger cells) of our immune system and is broken down inside these cells which travel all over the body. The gel breaks down inside these cells, which travel all over the body. The gel breaks down into Silica and Silicon which causes an immune system dysregulation. Thus, there are antibodies produced against the silicon and also against the silicon and protein complex (organ systems) so that you get autoimmune illness.

As well, there is also damage that is not related to the immune system, because the silicone gel causes oxidants (damaging molecules) to be produced that directly damage our cell walls, DNA, and enzyme systems. All of this adds up to slowly-developing chronic debilitating illness affecting every organ system of the body.

There are so many possible symptoms that the patient may experience. I shall only mention the major ones here. Almost any symptom can be related to this syndrome, either directly or indirectly.

Peripheral Neuropathy (weakness, tingling, numbness, etc.)

Central Neurotoxic Neuropathy (cognitive difficulties, memory problems, hyperactivity, attention deficits)

Cervical and axillary enlarged or painful lymph nodes

Fibromyalgia (multiple tender areas)

Myositis (painful inflamed muscles)

Fatigue

Night sweats

Hair loss

Abdominal pain

Pulmonary hypersensitivity (shortness of breath, etc.)

Emotional instability

Joint and tendon pain

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Food and inhalant sensitivities

How Is This Syndrome Evaluated?

1.In-depth history (including details of implant problems)

2.Physical examination

3.Studies to rule out other conditions such as Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.

4.Various laboratory studies:

Immune studies (Complex)

T-Cell Silicone Immune Study

Biochemical profile

Skin testing (if needed)

5.Address each organ system damage individually depending on patient's complaints

Brain: PET, SPECT, BEAM, EMG, etc.

Pulmonary: PFT

Rheumatological: Snyovial Fluid

Breast: MRI, Xeromammography

GI: Digestive studies, pancreatic malfunction

Immunological: Chemical Antibodies,

Silicone

Antibodies, T-Lymphocyte

subpopulation, Activated

Lymphocytes, Lymphocyte Immune

Function, Natural

Killer Cells and Activity, Immune

Complexes,

Complement Levels, ANA, Autoantibody Analysis (Myelin, Striated Muscle, Thyroid,

Skin Antibody,

Collagen Antibody), Skin Testing (chemicals, foods, etc.).

Damage to the immune system leads to various autoimmune situations. Direct damage from free radical oxidant molecules leads to diffuse organ system damaging effects

Therapy

1.Diet: Organic, High alkaline, semi-vegetarian, moderately high protein

2.Exercise: Moderate low-impact (daily)

3.Intravenous nutritional therapy: Detoxification Antioxidant

4.Nutritional supplementation (oral)

5.Immunotherapy Chemicals Foods Silicon Inhalants

6.Envvironmental and chemical controls

Intravenous Gamma Globulin

© 1995-2000 Stephen B. Edelson, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., F.A.A.E.M.

NOTICE: This information is provided for educational purposes. Any medical procedures, dietary changes, or nutritional supplements discussed herein should only be undertaken on the advice of a qualified physician