Mobilization of Fluids in the Intensive Treatment of Primary and Secondary Lymphedemas.

Jose Maria Pereira De Godoy,Luis Cesar Spessoto,Thatiany Gracino De Marqui,Henrique Jose Pereira De Godoy,Maria De Fatima Guerreiro Godoy

doi:10.1155/2018/6537253

Jose Maria Pereira De Godoy, Luis Cesar Spessoto + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6537253

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Abstract

Background Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from the accumulation of macromolecules in the interstitial space with a consequent buildup of fluids. Aim The objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic response to treatment that mobilizes fluids between primary and secondary lymphedemas. Method Thirty-three patients with severe leg lymphedema who underwent intensive treatment for five consecutive days in 2013 and 2014 at the Clínica Godoy were evaluated in a prospective clinical trial. Diagnosis was based on the patient's history and physical examination. Treatment consisted of eight hours/day of Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy using an electromechanical device (RAGodoy®) that performs plantar flexion and extension associated with 15 minutes of Cervical Lymphatic Therapy, a technique developed by Godoy and Godoy that involves stimulation in the cervical region and a grosgrain compression stocking alternated with elastic bandages. The unpaired t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis with an alpha error of 5% (p value < 0.05) being considering acceptable. Secondary lymphedema was more prevalent in women (Fisher exact test p value < 0.01). Results The age of patients with secondary lymphedema was greater than those with primary lymphedema (unpaired t-test: p value < 0.03). The mean volume losses were 64.62% and 48.35% for the patients with secondary and primary lymphedema, respectively (p value < 0.03). Conclusion Women are more prevalent and older in the secondary lymphedema group. Volumetric reductions below the knee are faster with intensive treatment for secondary rather than for primary lymphedema.

Highlights

Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from the accumulation of macromolecules in the interstitial space with a consequent buildup of fluids [1, 2]
Treatment consisted of eight hours/day of Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy using an electromechanical device (RAGodoy) that performs plantar flexion and extension, associated with 15 minutes of Cervical Lymphatic Therapy, a technique developed by Godoy and Godoy that involves stimulation in the cervical region and a grosgrain compression stocking alternated with elastic bandages
Secondary lymphedema was more prevalent in women (Fisher exact test p value < 0.01)

Summary

Introduction

Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from the accumulation of macromolecules in the interstitial space with a consequent buildup of fluids [1, 2] This condition can have primary or secondary causes. Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from the accumulation of macromolecules in the interstitial space with a consequent buildup of fluids. Thirty-three patients with severe leg lymphedema who underwent intensive treatment for five consecutive days in 2013 and 2014 at the Clınica Godoy were evaluated in a prospective clinical trial. Secondary lymphedema was more prevalent in women (Fisher exact test p value < 0.01). The age of patients with secondary lymphedema was greater than those with primary lymphedema (unpaired t-test: p value < 0.03). Volumetric reductions below the knee are faster with intensive treatment for secondary rather than for primary lymphedema

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Conclusion