title: Injectable collagen and autoimmune disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The media and litigation in the United States have alleged a link between the use of injectable bovine collagen and the development of autoimmune disease, specifically dermatomyositis/polymyositis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present the scientific and epidemiologic data with regard to this issue.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature was reviewed as well as reports to Collagen Corporation and the litigation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After review of the literature and review of data currently available to Collagen Corporation, no link can be established at this time between collagen injectable material and autoimmune disease, specifically dermatomyositis/polymyositis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Elson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D002417:Cattle; D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D003094:Collagen