Alogenosis iatrogénica. Una nueva enfermedad

Abstract

The need to replenish wrinkles and depressions has enticed the creation of multiple solid or semi-solid injectable substances. The disastrous results of some of these have led me to create the term "Iatrogenic Allogenosis": "Allogenosis", because it is produced by allogenic (foreign) substances. "Iatrogenic", because we, the physicians or persons injecting these substances, have caused this disease. Over one million persons in Latin-America have become victims of these substances. Our objective is to learn how to treat these cases. We have studied 358 cases in a 10-year time span. We have grouped them and tried to reach conclusions. Mostly used substances are: liquid silicon, paraffin, liquid petrolatum, Vaseline, mineral oil, animal fat, etc. We have not included in this study some substances that have been fairly accepted by surgeons: autogenous fat, bovine collagen, hydroxyapatite, acrylic, hyaluronic acid, etc. Reactions are local and general. The latency period varies from 6 hours to 25 years. Local reactions are: pain, erhytema, edema, pigmentations, swelling, fibrosis, keloids, infection, fistulas, necrosis, gravity displacement, etc. The general ones are: fever, arthralgia, general discomfort, we have no find relations with autoimmune diseases (dermatomyositis, scleroderma, etc.). Treatment is symptomatic. Surgical resection has to be very limited because it leaves very notorious scars and retractions. Large masses must not be operated. Liposuction is not effective. Corticoids an massages make the situation even worst. It does not dissolve the masses and does atrophy the normal skin covering them, and thus, underlying masses are more noticeable. Exacerbation may occur every 3 or 4 months and will cure wit or without an anti-inflammatory or an antibiotic. An intense preventive campaign must be launched.