Version 1
: Received: 5 October 2024 / Approved: 7 October 2024 / Online: 7 October 2024 (15:34:09 CEST)
How to cite:
Dzupina, A.; Yaluri, N. K.; Jankajova, M. Diagnostics, Predictors and the Efficacy of Lymphedema Decongestive Therapy. Preprints2024, 2024100506. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.0506.v1
Dzupina, A.; Yaluri, N. K.; Jankajova, M. Diagnostics, Predictors and the Efficacy of Lymphedema Decongestive Therapy. Preprints 2024, 2024100506. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.0506.v1
Dzupina, A.; Yaluri, N. K.; Jankajova, M. Diagnostics, Predictors and the Efficacy of Lymphedema Decongestive Therapy. Preprints2024, 2024100506. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.0506.v1
APA Style
Dzupina, A., Yaluri, N. K., & Jankajova, M. (2024). Diagnostics, Predictors and the Efficacy of Lymphedema Decongestive Therapy. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.0506.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Dzupina, A., Nagendra Kumar Yaluri and Monika Jankajova. 2024 "Diagnostics, Predictors and the Efficacy of Lymphedema Decongestive Therapy" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.0506.v1
Abstract
Lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue, leads to swelling primarily in the extremities, though other parts of the body can be affected. This condition commonly arises following lymph node dissection, radiation therapy, or due to inherent defects in the lymphatic system. Effective management of lymphedema is crucial due to its impact on function and quality of life, with complete decongestive therapy (CDT) serving as the cornerstone of treatment. CDT, a multimodal approach involving manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, skin care, and exercise, has been widely adopted.
Research highlights the significance of early diagnosis and initiation of CDT to prevent irreversible lymphatic damage and worsening of symptoms. The predictors of successful outcomes in decongestive therapy include timely initiation of treatment, patient adherence to therapy regimens, and the comprehensive application of CDT components. Studies indicate that while all components of CDT are beneficial, the critical nature of compression therapy and exercise cannot be overstated, regardless of the MLD component's efficacy.
Furthermore, recent inquiries into the impact of skin and fat tissue characteristics on the efficacy of decongestive therapy have yielded insightful findings. Increased skin thickness and adipose tissue accumulation, as measured by echogenicity and volumetric analysis respectively, have been shown to complicate the management of lymphedema. Particularly in advanced stages, where fibrosis and fat deposition are predominant, traditional CDT might require augmentation with more aggressive treatments like liposuction or advanced compression techniques.
In this review we will discuss in detail how the success of decongestive therapy in lymphedema is influenced by multiple factors including the stage of lymphedema at diagnosis, the specific protocol employed, and individual patient factors such as skin and adipose tissue characteristics. Personalized treatment plans, early intervention, and consistent monitoring and adjustments based on patient response to therapy are essential for optimal management of this challenging condition. Further studies are warranted to explore the tailored approaches in lymphedema management, particularly in patients with significant changes in skin and subcutaneous tissue characteristics.
Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
