Implants and Arthritis

The Jan. 20 article “Link Between Implants, Immune Disease Is Seen” was an important and thorough comment on the widely controversial subject concerning silicone breast implants and their possible connection with the arthritis diseases.

The Arthritis Foundation recognizes that there are a growing number of anecdotal reports and population studies relating certain rheumatic diseases with silicone breast implants. The national Arthritis Foundation and the Southern California chapter are continually surveying and reviewing the literature regarding this subject and, on a local level, the Southern California chapter is funding a research project at UCLA to determine how silicone interacts with the immune system.

Help is available for those with rheumatic symptoms by calling the Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter at, (213) 938-6111 or your local branch. The Arthritis Foundation, Southern California chapter, provides referrals, information, support groups and exercise classes for people with rheumatic disease, and we will continue to fund research until the answers are found concerning these and other important questions.

LORI HARRISON PORT

Senior Vice President

Medical and Education

Arthritis Foundation

Southern California Chapter

Los Angeles