The use of ReadyWrap® reduces the volume of the upper limb with lymphedema related to breast cancer: a case report

Abstract

Lymphedema secondary to breast cancer is a chronic condition that requires continuous care to control the volume of the affected limb, with compression therapy as the main treatment. The self-adjusting compressive wrap is a new option, whose main advantage is the fact that it is put on by the patient himself. The aim of this study was to describe the use of self-adjusting clothing as an alternative to reduce the volume of the upper limb of a patient with breast cancer-related lymphedema. This study was part of the study adjustable garment compression therapy (ReadyWrap®) in lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: a randomized clinical trial, approved by the CEP/INCA under opinion 4.611.711 and registered in the Clinical Trials under no. NCT04934098. The patient was evaluated before and after the 30-day intervention using physical examination (e.g., inspection, palpation, and perimetry). Skin tissue characteristics were collected using a thermographic camera, while the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed by answering the EORTC-QLQ C30 questionnaire. As an intervention, an adjustable garment (ReadyWrap®) was used for 30 days. An absolute reduction of 612.47 mL (61.1%) was observed, and at the end of this period, the difference of 21.5% in excess volume compared with the volume of the contralateral limb was maintained. Regarding the tissue characteristics of the skin, there was an increase in the minimum temperature in the affected upper limb, which reached 31.8°C, against 31.2°C in the contralateral limb, with ∆T=0.6°C. Compressive therapy by adjustable garment (ReadyWrap®) demonstrated a 61.1% reduction in the volume of the upper limb with breast cancer-related lymphedema in 30 days of use.