A number of studies have demonstrated that the blood and organs of women with silicone breast implants (SBI) contain elevated levels of silicone (and its breakdown product silicon). Silicone is cytotoxic and immunogenic. Although recipients of donated blood would have a single exposure (e.g. not be continuously exposed to silicone from leaking or ruptured SBI), individuals who receive blood are often of ill health and persons who are organ recipients are always gravely ill. Thus, the potential presence of toxic compounds should be avoided. A further consideration is that donation of blood or organs containing even low levels of silicone might sensitize or create a serological response to silicone in the blood recipient. Unfortunately, there are not studies which have addressed the issue of whether or not it is safe for women with SBI to be blood or organ donors. In my opinion, women with breast implants should be strongly discouraged from donating blood or organs. 

Last year, U.S. Rep. James A. Trafican, Jr. (D-OH) introduced legislation that would prohibit the donation of blood and organs by individuals with silicone breast implants. This bill was favorable to women injured by SBI in that it also called for more research on silicone toxicity and would require silicone breast implant manufacturers to pay for the removal of breast implants for any recipient that requests it. This bill has not yet been passed but possible statutory prohibition on blood and organ donation is another reason why women with implants may wish to reconsider implantation of SBI. 

Breast-feeding and donation of breast milk 

Studies from several research groups have identified immunological abnormalities in children who breast-feed from women with SBI. Some children have developed a rare disorder, esophageal dismotility, which is experienced by some women with schleroderma, an autoimmune disease. Although these results are from small studies they are troubling indeed. Obviously, larger controlled studies are necessary to determine whether or not infants who breast-feed from women with SBI have experienced an increase in immunological or other disorders. Many benefits accrue from breast-feeding. However, the evidence at present is insufficient to indicate whether or not it is safe to breast-feed with silicone (or saline) breast implants. In my opinion, women with breast implants, particularly those with signs and symptoms of silicone-related disease, should be strongly discouraged from breast-feeding, and prohibited from donating to breast milk banks. 

Robert F. Garry, Ph.D

Professor

Department of Microbology and Immunology SL-38

Tulane University School of Medicine

New Orleans, LA 70112

504-587-2027

504-584-1994 (FAX)