Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Non-infectious erythema, or Red Breast Syndrome (RBS), has been observed on the skin where acellular dermal matrix was implanted, although the exact cause is yet to be determined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 214 female patients underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and volume replacement using diced acellular dermal matrix (dADM) for breast cancer between December 2017 and December 2018. After collecting and evaluating relevant clinical data, inflammation markers, along with NK cell status presented by IFN-γ secretion assay, were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (8.88%) presented with RBS after BCS and dADM use. A significant increase of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was noted in the non-RBS group (p = 0.02). Compared to the RBS group (p = 0.042), the WBC level of the non-RBS group showed significant decrease over time. Eosinophil counts increased significantly at follow-up but went up higher in the RBS group. Multivariate analysis showed preoperative chemotherapy significantly increased the hazard of RBS (OR 3.274, p = 0.047 and OR 17.098, p < 0.001, respectively). DISCUSSION: Though no causal relationship between RBS and immune status was proven, the results suggest an association between preoperative chemotherapy and RBS in addition to the possible role of eosinophilia in leading to eosinophilic dermatoses, which warrants further exploration and elucidation.