Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2000 13:07:22 -0700

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Subject: Re: Your questions re autoimmune disease

Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 01:10:56 EDT

Dear Sandra, 

As luck would have it, I just got this today -- different from the studies I mentioned, but specifically mentions Meniere syndrome. 

I hope this is helpful, and I'll get you the other references also. 

Diana Zuckerman 

Greenland S, Finkle WD 

Department of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health 90095-1772, USA. 

We examined the association between prosthetic nonbreast implants and selected malignant neoplasms, connective tissue disorders, and neurologic diseases. We conducted a case-control study from an insurance claims database. We selected controls who had diseases for which no association with implants have been claimed or reported. Data were analyzed using both tabular and polytomous regression analysis methods, including methods to account for the large number of comparisons. All analyses exhibited positive associations between implants (both silicone and metal) and neurologic conditions, especially idiopathic progressive neuropathy and Meniere syndrome, as well as the expected associations with arthritic conditions. There also was an unexpected negative association between metal implants and brain tumors. In conclusion, further studies of prosthetic implants and neurologic diseases appear warranted. These studies should obtain medical histories to control for possible confounding effects of drug treatments associated with implant surgery. 

PMID: 8978883, UI: 97133487

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Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D.

Executive Director

National Center for Policy Research for Women and Families

1444 Eye Street, NW

Suite 900

Washington, DC 20005

202 216-9507