Abstract
The aim of the current study is to report on the treatment of primary lymphedema using a new form of therapy: cervical stimulation. In a prospective cohort study, 9 boys and 5 girls with primary congenital lymphedema were evaluated over two years. Age ranged from two months to 8.5 years. After diagnosis, all mothers were trained in the new technique. The Godoy & Godoy cervical stimulation technique consists of between 20 to 30 stimuli per minute using light movements in the cervical region. All the children were submitted to perimetric evaluations of the feet and legs; however, in this study only two points, 3 and 6 cm from the base of the big toe nail, were used. The two-tailed t-test was used for statistical analysis with an alpha error of 5% (P<0.05) considered acceptable. The size of the lymphedematous feet was reduced and even normalized (P<0.0001) for all treated children. Cervical stimulation is a new option in the treatment of primary congenital lymphedema; its association with compression stockings has a synergistic effect in reducing the volume of lymphedema.
Highlights
Lymphedema, defined as the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in soft tissues, is a result of dysfunction of the lymphatic system that causes an imbalance between lymph formation and its absorption into the initial lymphatics.[1,2] Another definition is a progressive, but usually painless, swelling of the limbs or genitals that is the result of a decrease in transport capacity of the lymphatic system.[3]
At the start of treatment, perimetry revealed a statistically significant difference between the feet affected by lymphedema and those not affected in 10 children
Position e om Inelastic compression stockings were used in 4 children who had suffered from the disease for more than three years because these children have greater clinical evidence of fibrosis
Summary
Lymphedema, defined as the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in soft tissues, is a result of dysfunction of the lymphatic system that causes an imbalance between lymph formation and its absorption into the initial lymphatics.[1,2] Another definition is a progressive, but usually painless, swelling of the limbs or genitals that is the result of a decrease in transport capacity of the lymphatic system.[3] Lymphedema in children is rare with a reported prevalence of approximately. Correspondence: José Maria Pereira de Godoy, Rua Floriano Peixoto 2950, São José do Rio Preto, SP 15010-020, Brazil. Conflict of interests: the authors report no potential conflict of interests.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
