Limb Differences in the Therapeutic Effects of Complex Decongestive Therapy on Edema, Quality of Life, and Satisfaction in Lymphedema Patients.
10.5535/arm.2015.39.3.347
- Author:
Sujin NOH
1
;
Ji Hye HWANG
;
Tae Hee YOON
;
Hyun Ju CHANG
;
In Ho CHU
;
Jung Hyun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hwanglee@skku.edu
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Lymphedema;
Therapy;
Quality of life;
Personal satisfaction
- MeSH:
Arm;
Edema*;
Extremities*;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Leg;
Lower Extremity;
Lymphedema*;
Personal Satisfaction;
Prospective Studies;
Quality of Life*;
Upper Extremity
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2015;39(3):347-359
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changing patterns of edema, quality of life (QOL), and patient-satisfaction after complex decongestive therapy (CDT) in three trajectories: arm lymphedema (AL), secondary leg lymphedema (LL) and primary leg lymphedema (PL). METHODS: Candidates for AL (n=35), LL (n=35) and PL (n=14) were identified from prospective databases. The patients were treated with CDT for 2 weeks, and lymphedema volume was measured before and immediately following the therapy. Patients then self-administered home therapy for 3 months and presented for a follow-up visit. The Korean version of Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to assess QOL, and we administered a study-specific satisfaction survey. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the volume reductions between the 3 groups. There were no significant differences in all of the measures between PL and LL. Overall initial QOL was significantly lower in patients with LL than in patients with AL. SF-36 scores post-CDT did not differ significantly between AL and LL. Clinically significant differences were noted between AL and LL in the mean values of the satisfaction survey. CONCLUSION: AL, LL, and PL may have different longitudinal courses. We suggest that lower extremity lymphedema patients present more favorable outcomes after CDT with respect to QOL and satisfaction than upper extremity lymphedema patients. Clinicians should approach patients with different therapeutic considerations specific to each type or region of lymphedema before using CDT in clinical practice.
