Polyalkylimide implants linked to adverse effects

Polyalkylimide implants – injections used as cosmetic fillers – may be associated with infrequent but sometimes severe immune-related adverse effects months following the procedure, warn Spanish researchers.

Polyalkylimide implants consist of a compound of gel and water and are used to improve the appearance of facial features.

Researchers assessed 25 patients who developed adverse effects 12 months or longer after polyalkylimide implant injection. These include swelling, hardening and swollen or tender nodules near the injection site, as well as systemic effects such as fever, arthritis and dry eyes or mouth.

'Perhaps in predisposed hosts, the use of more than one source of dermal filler may increase the risk of the onset of delayed immune-mediated reactions related to bioimplants,' the authors said.

Archives of Dermatology (2008) 144: 637-642