http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/OPINION/703290340/1285
The most controversial medical device in U.S. history has been the
silicone
breast implant, and recent news stories that Anna Nicole Smith suffered
from
lupus, a painful autoimmune disease that has been linked to silicone
implants, once again raise the question of whether implants are safe.
The FDA approved silicone breast implants despite their own scientists'
re****ts of an increase in painful autoimmune symptoms among women with
silicone implants. And, because of concern that silicone leakage could
cause
illness and deformities, the FDA warns women to get expensive MRI
screening
tests every other year to check for leakage - at a cost of at least $2,000
each test. In addition, the FDA required the implant makers to study at
least 80,000 women for at least 10 years to find out more about the
long-term risks of autoimmune diseases. Aren't they supposed to require
proof of safety before approval, not after?
