Injectable Collagen and Autoimmune Disease

Abstract

There are no epidemiologic or scientific data to support the alleged link in the media and litigation between injectable bovine collagen material and dermatomyositis/polymyositis.

Immunologic Aspects of Bovine Injectable Collagen in Humans

“…Thus, there are no scientific data to suggest that the immune response elicited by bovine collagen can precipitate an autoimmune disease. Neither epidemiologic data support the alleged link between bovine collagen and DM/PM: with thousands of patients being treated every year with bovine collagen material, the number of cases of DM/PM should be much higher than their real incidence [30]. In comparison, the incidence of abscess formation (an uncommon side effect of collagen injections) parallels the number of treated patients, as reported by Hanke et al [42].…”

“…A review of the data regarding a possible link between the use of injectable collagen and the development of autoimmune diseases has been published by Elson [30]. According to his hypothesis, for DM/PM to develop from injectable collagen, the following sequence of events must occur:…”

Paraileostomy Recontouring by Collagen Sealant Injection: A Novel Approach to One Aspect of Ileostomy Morbidity. Report of a Case

“…There have been questions regarding bovine collagen_s link to autoimmune disease and concerns about prion transmission. [14][15][16] Therefore, we chose to use porcine collagen in the present case.…”

The Evolution of Soft Tissue Fillers in Clinical Practice

“…Other less common reactions include abscess formation and local tissue necrosis [10]. There has been no proven association between bovine collagen and autoimmune disease [11].…”