Many thanks to Alexandra; here is the title of a peer-reviewed article (which I have a copy of), from 1989, that suggests that this condition was first reported in 1964 by Miyoshi et al. in the Japanese Medical Journal. The question is were Dr. Edworthy and his group aware of these two studies?

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American Medical Association. Arch. Intern. Med. 1989; 149: 1194-96. May, 1989, 2258 words

Title: Human Adjuvant Disease; A New Cause of Chylous Effusions. Authors: Frank W. Walsh et al.

Abstract: Connective-tissue disease occurring after cosmetic surgery with silicone injections or implants has been reported. This disorder has been called human adjuvant disease. One patient is described in whom a chylous effusion and systemic lupus erythematosus-like disorder developed after mammary augmentation with silicone gel-filled prostheses. This patient represents still another example of human adjuvant disease. A brief review of the literature regarding human adjuvant disease is also presented.

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We must go way, way back to look at the old studies that show that there were many problems long ago. It is obvious to me now, after looking at Dr. Edworthy's study (which I have a copy of too incidentally) that he completely ignored the work of both Miyoshi (1964) and Walsh (1989). What does this say about building on or amplifying the research that has been done already? Nothing. Credit should be given where credit is due, shouldn't it? Rather than add to scientific research, I think that Dr. Edworthy's article merely questions his own scientific veracity.

THE UNIVERSITY OF

CALGARY

Public Affairs

Rob Armstrong - (403) 220-5727 

7 June 1995

Study links breast implants and abnormal fat processing.

Women who have breast implants may have an increased risk of developing lipid abnormalities, according to the Breast Implant Study Group at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine.

Steven Edworthy, associate professor of community health, and his group recently completed a study of blood serum samples from 1,587 women with breast implants and 749 women who underwent other cosmetic surgery. During the study the group unexpectedly discovered a layer of creamy, opaque material floating on the blood samples. Further analysis of this material revealed it contained high lipid levels (fat particles) in the form of chylomicrons.

"In some studies chylomicrons have been found to be associated with atherosclerosis. Up to now chylomicrons have never been associated with breast implants," says Edworthy.

Edworthy's finding, published in the May 27 issue of the British medical journal Lancet, is believed to be the first report of this observation. Researchers have in the past examined links between breast implants and cancer or autoimmune disease, but not conditions associated with abnormal lipid profiles.

Under normal conditions chylomicrons are always present in blood, but it is rare to see them in thick layers. More than 39 per cent of the implant group had an increased prevalence of this abnormal finding, compared to 15.3 per cent in a control group.

No significant difference was found between women who had silicone or saline implants, nor were links found between smoking, alcohol consumption, weight, age or presence of conditions as diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism. However, the material was greatly reduced in women who fasted for 12 hours.

As estimated 220,000 women in Canada and 15,000 women in Alberta have breast implants.

The study by Edworthy and his group was aimed at determining if breast implants are associated with the development of connective tissue disease in women. Those results are expected to be available later this summer.

Women wanting more information can contact the Breast Implant Study group at 1 - 800 - 563-9543. Media wishing to interview Steve Edworthy should call (403) - 220-7916.