Lymphoedema Awareness Week
4-10 March 2024
Lymphedema is defined as the abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid and fibroadipose tissues resulting from injury, infection, or congenital abnormalities of the lymphatic system. The Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) continues to prioritise raising lymphoedema awareness. ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioners know only too well that many people do not have their lymphoedema diagnosed for some time, which can lead to the condition becoming quite advanced as well as having increased infections and other complications as a result. With early diagnosis, assessment, intervention and treatment, this chronic condition can be more easily managed and the quality of life improved. Australasian Lymphology Association
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Breast cancer
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Mental health
Treatment
Guidelines
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Articles
Breast cancer
Feasibility and clinical utility of prediction models for Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema incorporating racial differences in disease incidence
In this study, preoperative and postoperative prediction models for Breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL) were highly accurate and clinically relevant tools comprised of accessible inputs and underscored the effects of racial differences on BCRL risk. The preoperative model identified high-risk patients who require close monitoring or preventative measures. The postoperative model can be used for screening of high-risk patients, thus decreasing the need for frequent clinic visits and arm volume measurements. JAMA 12 July 2023
Strategies in activating lymphatic system to promote lymph flow on lymphedema symptoms in breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Findings of the study demonstrated positive outcomes of relieving lymphedema symptom experience, optimizing arm circumference and halting the progression of lymphedema status in breast cancer survivors receiving TOLF intervention during early postoperative time. Given its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness, this program may be incorporated in routine breast cancer care. Frontiers in oncology 24 October 2022
Effectiveness of Lymphedema prevention programs with compression garment after Lymphatic node dissection in Breast Cancer: A randomized controlled clinical trial
The findings of this RCT show that health education, preventive exercise programs, and patient adherence to therapeutic recommendations all play an important role in preventing lymphedema. This data demonstrated that the use of a compression garment during the first 3 months after axillary node dissection may reduce the likelihood of lymphedema in high-risk patients. Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences 26 November 2021
Quality-of-Life outcomes in surgical vs nonsurgical treatment of breast cancer–related Lymphedema: A systematic review
According to this review, in deciding among breast cancer–related lymphedema treatment modalities, HRQoL outcomes are an important consideration that cannot be compared based on currently available data. Health-related quality-of-life outcomes obtained through coordinated use of preference-based health utility measures may be required to compare outcomes among patients undergoing surgical and nonsurgical treatments of breast cancer–related lymphedema. Additional studies are needed to better understand the best lymphedema treatment options and direct evidence-based care. JAMA 29 April 2020
Pilates exercise versus, manual lymphatic drainage on axillary web syndrome post mastectomy
The purpose of the study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of Pilates exercise versus manual lymphatic drainage on axillary web syndrome post-mastectomy. This study revealed that there was a statistically highly significant improvement in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and shoulder range of motion (ROM) of group (B) when compared with its corresponding value in group (A). Manual lymphatic drainage was more effective than Pilates exercise in improvement shoulder pain and ROM in axillary web syndrome post-mastectomy patients. International journal of chemical and biochemical sciences 6 July 2023
Risk factors for the development of severe breast cancer-related lymphedema: a retrospective cohort study
This study identified the risk factors of severe lymphedema and highlighted the substantial contribution of IPNs dissection to the severity of lymphedema. BMC Cancer 20 April 2023
The effect of the combined use of complex decongestive therapy with electrotherapy modalities for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized clinical trial
The combination of electrotherapy modalities, faradic current or ultrasound, with complex decongestive therapy (CDT) can result in a greater reduction in lymphedema volume, pain, and functional disability in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). BMC musculoskeletal disorders 3 September 2022
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General
Advances in Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a common, complex, and inexplicably underappreciated human disease. Despite a history of relative neglect by health care providers and by governmental health care agencies, the last decade has seen an explosive growth of insights into, and approaches to, the problem of human lymphedema. The current review highlights the significant advances that have occurred in the investigative and clinical approaches to lymphedema, particularly over the last decade. This review summarizes the progress that has been attained in the realms of genetics, lymphatic imaging, and lymphatic surgery. Newer molecular insights are explored, along with their relationship to future molecular therapeutics. Growing insights into the relationships among lymphedema, obesity, and other comorbidities are important to consider in current and future responses to patients with lymphedema. Circulation research 10 June 2021
Biology of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating disease of the lymphatic vasculature. Although several reviews focus on the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, this review provides an overview of the lymphatic vasculature and, moreover, of lymphatic system dysfunction and lymphedema. Further, the authors aim at advancing the knowledge in the area of lymphatic system function and how dysfunction of the lymphatic system—as seen in lymphedema—affects physiological systems, such as the cardiovascular system, and how those might be modulated by lymphedema therapy. Biology 25 March 2021
Lymphedema surveillance and prevention
Lymphedema is a chronic condition, which can impact a person’s quality of life and function. Identifying lymphedema at an early stage is key to preventing a person from developing chronic lymphedema. Physiatry can play an important role in education, identification of risk factors, performing prospective lymphedema surveillance programs, and prevention/treatment of lymphedema. Incorporating lymphedema surveillance programs into routine cancer care provides physiatry with the opportunity to assess additional rehabilitation and functional needs of a cancer patient. American journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation 17 February 2024
Factors associated with cellulitis in lymphoedema of the arm – an international cross-sectional study (LIMPRINT)
Patients with advanced arm lymphoedema are at particular risk of developing cellulitis. Prevention of lymphoedema progression is crucial. The results lend towards a positive effect of having well-treated lymphoedema on the frequency of cellulitis. BMC infectious diseases 18 January 2024
Development of a head and neck lymphoedema specific quality of life tool: The Comprehensive Assessment of Lymphoedema Impact in the Head and Neck
Physical, functional, and socioemotional effects need to be considered when measuring specific quality of life (QoL) in patients with head and neck lymphoedema (HNL). This study describes initial development of the Comprehensive Assessment of Lymphoedema Impact in Head and Neck (CALI-HaN), an instrument that shows promise for clinical and research applications following future validation. Head and neck 21 February 2024
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Mental heath
The relationship of kinesiophobia in patients with lymphedema: a case-control investigation
Considering the apparent tendency of people with lower limb lymphedema to present kinesiophobia and movement-limiting beliefs regarding the condition, greater attention should be paid to its assessment, prevention and treatment from a multidisciplinary and multimodal perspective, which takes into account the multiplicity of factors inherent to kinesiophobia and lymphedema and thus reduce their impact on the management of lymphedema. Frontiers in psychiatry 20 February 2024
Depressive symptoms and their severity in a sample with lymphedema: a case–control investigation
Considering the apparent tendency to depression, greater attention should be given to the mental health of people with lower limb lymphedema Frontiers in psychiatry 5 July 2023
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Treatment
Liposuction for Advanced Lymphedema in a multidisciplinary team setting in Australia: 5-year follow-up
Suction-assisted lipectomy is a long-term option for the management of selected patients with International Society of Lymphology late stage 2 or 3 limb lymphedema when conservative management can offer no further improvement. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 20 January 2024
Rehabilitation interventions for head and neck cancer–associated Lymphedema: A systematic review
The results of this systematic review suggest that rehabilitation interventions for head and neck cancer–associated lymphedema (HNCaL), including standard lymphedema therapy with kinesio taping and advanced pneumatic compression devices (APCDs), appear to be safe and beneficial. However, more prospective, controlled, and adequately powered studies are needed to clarify the ideal type, timing, duration, and intensity of lymphedema therapy components before treatment guidelines can be established. JAMA 29 June 2023
Surgical treatment for primary Lymphedema: A systematic review of the literature
Primary lymphedema is amenable to surgical treatment; the currently performed procedures have effectively improved symptoms and quality of life in this population. Complication rates are related to the invasiveness of the chosen procedure. Archives of plastic surgery 25 January 2024
Pharmacological treatment of secondary Lymphedema
The purpose of this review is to summarize current experimental pharmacological strategies in the treatment of lymphedema. Frontiers in pharmacology 25 January 2022
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