Edema Of Upper Limbs Research Articles

Effect of <italic>Hwanggigyejiomul-tang</italic> on Postoperative Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema (BCRL): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of <i>Hwanggigyejiomul-tang</i> for postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: A search was conducted using keywords such as “breast cancer”, “lymphedema”, “edema”, “Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction”, “Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu tang”, and “Hwanggigyejiomul tang” in 10 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, CNKI, CiNii, RISS, KISS, ScienceON, OASIS, DBpia) on February 11, 2024. There were no limits on the publication period and language, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed based on the outcome measurements, such as total effective rate (TER), increase in shoulder joint mobility (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), and visual analog scale (VAS) using Review Manager Web.Results: Eleven RCTs were selected. The treatment group (<i>Hwanggigyejiomul-tang-gagambang</i> or <i>hapbang</i> with control group intervention) showed a more statistically significant effect compared with the control group (physical therapy or western medicine) in TER (upper limb circumference change), TER (upper limb edema grade change), increase in flexion angle, increase in extension angle, increase in adduction angle, FMA, and VAS.Conclusions: <i>Hwanggigyejiomul-tang</i> is effective in treating postoperative BCRL. However, because of the low quality of the included studies, more clinical studies are required to increase the possibility of clinical use.

Postmastectomy phlebothrombosis and methods of physical therapy

The leading complication of radical breast cancer treatment is upper limb edema. In its pathogenesis, intravasal disorders, i.e. phlebothrombosis, are also possible. 98 breast cancer patients (53.8 years old) were observed. The patients were diagnosed with phlebolymphedema stage II caused by subacute occlusive thrombosis (non-embolic) of the axillary vein on the side of the operation. After diagnosis, the hemorheological properties in patients were studied, and basic pharmacotherapy with enoxaparin was prescribed. The patients were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 (n=40) additionally received local magnetic therapy with an alternating magnetic field, group 2 (n=37) — continuous infrared laser radiation for 10–12 days, and group 3 (n=21) received only basic pharmacotherapy. The initial rheological parameters: structural and dynamic viscosity of blood exceeded the reference values by 2.8 and 1.6 times, respectively, aggregation of erythrocytes — by 1.5 times, and aggregation of platelets — by 1.4 times. On day 7 from the start of the procedures, pharmacotherapy did not cause statistically significant changes in rheological parameters, while in groups 1 and 2, there was a decrease in structural and dynamic viscosity of blood by an average of 15.5 % and 16.5 %, respectively, in aggregation of erythrocytes — by 14.5 %, and in aggregation of platelets — by 14.5 % (P<0.05). A comparative analysis of the degree of change in these parameters in patients of groups 1 and 2 did not reveal statistically significant differences, which indicates the unidirectional effect of the magnetic field and laser radiation on blood rheology. After the course of treatment, edema decrease accounted for 16.5±1.2 % in group 1, 13.8±1.8 % in group 2, and 7.5±1.4 % in group 3. Recanalization of the axillary vein lumen in group 1 was up to 80 %, in group 2 — up to 70 %, and in group 3–30 %. The rheological status of patients can be a potential marker of the effectiveness of their rehabilitation.

Feasibility analysis of treating breast cancer patients with breast-conserving surgery via a periareolar incision combined with non-lipolytic suspension-type mastoscopy

The purpose is to analyze and compare postoperative recovery and complication incidence between a periareolar incision combined with Suspension-type Mastoscopic Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (SMALND) and traditional inflated Mastoscopic Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (MALND). This was a randomized trial conducted from June 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022, in the Department of Second Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, and the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zibo Central Hospital, in accordance with the criteria of inclusion and exclusion. Overall, 126 patients diagnosed and treated for early-stage breast cancer were selected to undergo periareolar-incision breast-conserving surgery. Those patients who underwent periareolar-incision surgery combined with SMALND formed the observation group (SMALND Group), while those who underwent periareolar-incision surgery combined with traditional inflation became MALND Group. In the two groups, paired data “t” was used to examine, analyze, and compare the postoperative daily drainage volume and drain removal time, while paired data “χ2” was used to examine, analyze, and compare the incidences of postoperative upper limb edema and paresthesia. There were 64 cases in the SMALND Group and 62 cases in the MALND Group. Between the two clusters, no differences were found in age, clinical staging, BMI, and breast cancer classification (P > 0.05). The intraoperative surgery time of the SMALND Group was 43.37 ± 6.27 min while that of the MALND Group was longer: 45.72 ± 4.25 min (P < 0.05). The intraoperative hemorrhage volume of the SMALND Group was 88.33 ± 16.79 ml, less than that of the MALND Group: 96.76 ± 26.85 ml (P < 0.05). The postoperative axillary mean daily drainage volume of the SMALND Group was 38.17 ± 5.55 ml, less than that of the MALND Group: 40.72 ± 7.25 ml (P < 0.05). The drain removal time of the SMALND Group was 7.50 ± 1.60, less than that of the MALND Group: 9.00 ± 1.80 (P < 0.05). The upper limb edema incidence rate of the SMALND Group was 3.12% (2/64) and had no obvious difference from the MALND Group, which was 4.83% (3/62) (P = 0.62). The paresthesia incidence rate of the SMALND Group was 18.75% (12/64), while that of the MALND Group was 17.7% (11/62), without an obvious difference (P = 0.88). For axillary lymph node dissection, the use of non-lipolytic suspension-type mastoscopy has reduced the intraoperative hemorrhage volume of patients, shortened surgery time and postoperative recovery time, saved treatment expenses for patients, and avoided complications such as hypercapnia and subcutaneous emphysema caused by traditional inflated mastoscopic surgery. Moreover, it has not increased the incidence of postoperative upper limb edema and paresthesia, supporting its safety and effectiveness.

Differences in Transient Fluid Retention and Lymphedema With Breast Cancer Treatment for Lymphatic Microsurgery.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication. Repeated taxane-based chemotherapy has been shown to induce endothelial inflammation, leading to fluid retention. Patients with transient fluid retention only have upper limb edema without lymphatic dysfunction. Therefore, indocyanine green lymphography revealed linear findings, and lymphatic microsurgery is not required. This study aimed to investigate the difference between BCRL and fluid retention and present the indication for lymphatic microsurgery for these patients. The study population was divided into BCRL and fluid retention groups. Age, body mass index, laterality, surgery type (lymph node, breast, or no surgery), disease stage, regional lymph node irradiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy type (taxane- or non-taxane-based group), and treatment with trastuzumab were compared. The BCRL and fluid retention groups consisted of 168 and 73 patients, respectively. The BCRL group had significantly higher rates of axillary lymph node dissection (96.4%) and lymph node irradiation (51.8%) than the fluid retention group (53.4% and 24.7%, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). The fluid retention group had a significantly higher rate of taxane-based chemotherapy (100%) than the BCRL group (92.9%; P = 0.02). No significant differences in other characteristics, including treatments with hormone and trastuzumab, were observed. Lymphatic microsurgery should be performed after confirming the diagnosis by indocyanine green lymphography, particularly for patients with fluid retention induced by taxane-based chemotherapy. Because the generalized swelling induced by taxane-based chemotherapy is resolved 6 months after chemotherapy, we should wait at least 6 months to perform lymphatic microsurgery.

Role of Upper Limb Elevation in the Management of Hand Edema in a Patient with External Fixator Our Experience

Upper limb edema after any trauma or after any surgical procedure is very common. The edema of the hands can cause many complications including the stiffness of the joints. So, the edema of the hands should be managed promptly to get optimal results. There are many methods to reduce hand edema. Hand elevation is one of the time-tested methods to deal with hand edema. Hand elevation can be done by various methods. But a certain number of patients who are on skeletal stabilization with an external fixator can find it difficult to elevate using a conventional cuff and collar or pillow. In such a patient we tried hand elevation using a cloth and an IV stand. The hand circumference of the patient was measured daily using a fabric tape and the findings were noted serially for two weeks results showed that edema reduced considerably following elevation. The method is easy, safe, reproducible, and less costly.

Impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy through the axillary cribriform fascia approach on intraoperative indicators and postoperative complications.

The aim of this study was to compare intraoperative indicators and postoperative complications of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) via the axillary cribriform membrane and traditional axillary fold with blue dye to make a priority choice. This single-center, retrospective cohort study enrolled 330 eligible breast cancer patients with stage of cTis ~ 2N0M0 in our hospital from August 2018 to July 2021. Multiple linear and binary logistic regression were used to evaluate the effects of different surgical approaches on intraoperative indicators (drainage volume, tube time, intraoperative bleeding, operative time and the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs)) and postoperative complications (upper limb edema and dysfunction). All statistical tests were two sided. Multiple linear and logistic regression results after adjusting the covariate showed that the axillary cribriform fascia approach could render more greater intraoperative indictors and reduce the risk of upper limb dysfunction (P = 0.038, OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.11-0.94). High BMI could increase the drainage volume, tube time and operative time. There was no significant difference in the number of SLNs between the two approaches and it also had no relationship with intraoperative indicators and postoperative complications. Overall, 6 (1.8%) experienced upper limb edema and 18 (5.5%) experienced upper limb dysfunction. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that radiotherapy increased the risk of upper limb edema (P = 0.032, OR = 12.76, 95%CI 1.25-130.06). SLNB through the axillary cribriform fascia approach produces more satisfied intraoperative indictors, a lower risk of upper limb dysfunction.

Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder: A Rare Case Report

MCTD is a rare disease with overlapping features of many connective tissue disorder and the presence of positive anti-U1RNP antibodies with anti-ssA (Ro), anti-ssB (La) being negative. We report a case with fever and edema of upper limb and lower limb small joints associated with violaceous discolouration which on further evaluation led to diagnosis of MCTD. A female aged 44 years presented with history of fever of moderate degree with no diurnal variation and subsides on taking medication for 7 days and had also noticed ecchymoses followed by maculopapular rashes (violaceous) associated with tenderness of fingers and toes (more on exposure to cold). On further evaluation led to a diagnosis of MCTD. This case report urges the clinicians to exercise great caution for connective tissue diseases in patient presenting with similar history. This rare case of disease is uncommon in the available literature, especially for this ethnicity or region. This report should be of great interests to all diagnosticians of internal medicine. Keywords: Mixed connective tissue disorder, Raynaud’s phenomenon, sclerodactyly, Anti-U1nRNP antibody, Scleroderma

Application of Physical Factors at the First Stage of Medical Rehabilitation after Radical Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer

There are a large number of publications confirming the clinical safety of the of physiotherapy application in patients with malignant neoplasms of the breast, but scientific studies on the physical factors complex use in medical rehabilitation of this group of patients in the early postoperative period have not been published yet. Aim. To determine the effectiveness of fluctuating currents in combination with pneumocompression, general magnetotherapy, local magnetotherapy, low-temperature argon plasma applied for patients after radical surgical treatment of breast cancer in the early postoperative period. Material and methods. A prospective, simple, randomized study involving 190 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the early postoperative period after radical Madden mastectomy or radical breast resection (2–4 days) was performed, the average age was 58±10.61 years. The control group consisted of patients included in the course of rehabilitation (exercise therapy, balance therapy and classes with a medical psychologist) fluctuating currents. Low-temperature argon plasma, intermittent pneumocompression, general and local magnetotherapy were added to fluctuations for patients in the main groups. Results and discussion. The analysis of the clinical and functional data showed that in the early postoperative period for breast cancer against the background of the standard drug therapy and the course of medical rehabilitation, the combination of fluctuating currents with intermittent pneumocompression, general and local magnetotherapy significantly reduced the degree of the upper limb edema and the volume of lymphorrhea. The addition of general and local magnetotherapy affects the decrease in the indicators of the shoulder girdle and forearm muscles electrical excitability. Low temperature argon plasma improves the regeneration of the postoperative suture and reduces swelling and inflammation in this area. The dynamics of the decrease in the level of anxiety and depression, pain syndrome and the general condition of cancer patients are most pronounced in the groups that additionally received magnetotherapy. The volume and quality of movements, muscle strength significantly increased in all groups without differences in results. The action of magnetic fields contributes to the increase of tissue oxygenation, due to which an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect is realized. Fluctuation of the shoulder girdle and forearm muscles leads to normalization of the functional electrical excitability of the muscles by surgical treatment, which allows to restore the motor stereotype of the limb in a short time, and intermittent pneumocompression affecting the skin and tissue structures of the lower extremities and trunk improves the overall lymph flow, which does not lead to stagnation of lymph in the operated area. Conclusion. Thus, the combined application of physical factors against the background of the standard drug therapy and the course of medical rehabilitation significantly improves the result and recovery time after surgical treatment of the breast cancer in the early postoperative period. A comprehensive approach to medical rehabilitation at the I stage led to the preservation of results in the long-term period 1.5 and 6 months after the operation without adverse events.

A Predictive Model for Nonsentinel Node Status after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Sentinel Lymph Node-Positive Chinese Women with Early Breast Cancer.

Background Axial lymph node dissection (ALND) is needed in patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN). ALND is easy to cause upper limb edema. Therefore, accurate prediction of nonsentinel lymph nodes (non-SLN) which may not need ALND can avoid excessive dissection and reduce complications. We constructed a new prognostic model to predict the non-SLN metastasis of Chinese breast cancer patients. Methods We enrolled 736 patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB); 228 (30.98%) were diagnosed with SLNB metastasis which was determined by intraoperative pathological detection and further accepted ALND. We constructed a prediction model by univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, “R” language, and binary logistic regression in the abovementioned 228 patients and verified this prediction model in 60 patients. Results Based on univariate analysis using α = 0.05 as the significance level for type I error, we found that age (P=0.045), tumor size (P=0.006), multifocality (P=0.011), lymphovascular invasion (P=0.003), positive SLN number (P=0.009), and negative SLN number (P=0.034) were statistically significant. Age was excluded in multivariate analysis, and we constructed a predictive equation to assess the risk of non-SLN metastasis: Logit(P)=Ln(P/1 − P)=0.267∗a+1.443∗b+1.078∗c+0.471∗d − 0.618∗e − 2.541 (where “a” represents tumor size, “b” represents multifocality, “c” represents lymphovascular invasion, “d” represents the number of metastasis of SLN, and “e” represents the number of SLNs without metastasis). AUCs for the training group and validation group were 0.715 and 0.744, respectively. When setting the risk value below 22.3%, as per the prediction equation's low-risk interval, our model predicted that about 4% of patients could avoid ALND. Conclusions This study established a model which demonstrated good prognostic performance in assessing the risk of non-SLN metastasis in Chinese patients with positive SLNs.

Limb edema in critically ill patients: Comparing intermittent compression and elevation.

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at high risk for limb edema, which caused complications such as pain, joint contracture, limited range of motion and atrophy of the limbs. Thus, this study was conducted to compare ICU patients' upper limb edema between two groups with the intervention of limb elevation and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). In this quasi‐experimental before and after study, 40 patients were recruited. One upper limb was randomly assigned to the upper limb elevation (ULE) group and the other one was assigned to the IPC group. The circumference of the wrist and the middle of the arm were compared between and within groups. Results showed that in both groups of IPC and ULE and all five sessions (unless the second session of ULE), participants' arm and wrist edema were reduced significantly after the interventions (arm: P < .01; wrist: P < .0001). The differences between the two groups of ULE and IPC in regards to limb edema reduction were not significant. Although there was no significant difference between IPC and ULE intervention in the removal of edema, ULE seems to be more feasible and practical, which should be assessed in future studies.

Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia Leading to Thrombocytosis With Arterial and Venous Thrombosis

A 45-year-old female who was a teacher by profession with a history of chronic asymptomatic anemia in the past presented to our hospital with complaints of intermittent fever for two weeks, cough with expectoration, dyspnea on exertion, and left upper limb edema for four days. She had a history of abdominal pain after food intake. She gave a history of having anemia for the past 23 years. Evaluation after admission showed raised inflammatory markers, marked thrombocytosis, and severe iron deficiency anemia. Further imaging in the form of a CT of the abdomen and thorax showed that she had a left-sided pleural effusion which showed an exudative picture, splenomegaly with a splenic infarct with a splenic abscess, and a suprarenal abdominal aorta thrombus. She was also found to have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left subclavian and proximal internal jugular vein in a ultrasonogram (USG) Doppler. The workup done ruled out congenital and acquired causes of thrombosis and after extensive evaluation the patient was found to have unexplained thrombosis. The cause of unexplained thrombosis is the point of interest in this patient. Despite extensive workup, no precise cause for thrombosis, which was both arterial and venous in nature could be found out initially. Hence by exclusion, the possibility of secondary thrombocytosis causing the thrombosis was considered. Over the next few years, this patient underwent repeat esophageal endoscopies, colonoscopies, and capsule studies all without being able to pinpoint a diagnosis. Eventually three years later, a CT enteroscopy with biopsy showed the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and the patient was started on appropriate immunosuppressive treatment for the same. There have been multiple case reports of thrombocytosis causing arterial or venous thrombus but not many have recorded both arterial and venous thrombosis in the same patient.

Rehabilitation of Cancer Patients аfter Surgical and Combined Treatment for Breast Cancer

Radical surgical treatment, adjuvant chemotherapy and postoperative radiation therapy, used in the complex and combined treatment of breast cancer, inevitably lead to serious functional and psychosomatic disorders. One of the most common complications of breast cancer treatment is postmastectomy syndrome (PMES). That is why the study of the latter and the development of modern methods of rehabilitation of patients with an established diagnosis of PMES remain extremely relevant. To date, the pathogenetic mechanism of the development of upper limb edema and a huge range of possible methods of prevention and treatment have been described in detail. However, the choice of a rehabilitation method requires a personalized approach based on a specific clinical case, and special attention to the psychoemotional status of the patient.

Comparison of two different surgical strategies for breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy plus sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Two separated incisions are generally adopted in breast cancer patients treated by mastectomy plus sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). However, one-incision procedure is also applied in clinical practice. The outcomes of the two different surgical strategies remain unknown. This issue needs to be investigated. The medical records of breast cancer patients who underwent a mastectomy combined with an SLNB were reviewed retrospectively. Group A comprised patients who received a single incision for both the mastectomy and SLNB. Group B comprised patients who received a second incision for the SLNB. Demographics and outcomes were compared between the two groups. There were 280 female patients divided into Groups A (n = 130) and B (n = 150) included in this study. Preoperatively, the two groups were similar in demographics for age, tumor size, tumor location, body mass index, pathologic type, and cancer stage (P > 0.05). Group A showed shorter surgical times (129.5 ± 29.0 vs. 136.7 ± 21.9min), less postoperative upper limb numbness (12.3% vs. 25.3%), and more harvested sentinel lymph nodes (3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.7 ± 1.0) than Group B (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences for intraoperative blood loss, total postoperative drainage amount, hospital stay, upper limb motility, upper limb pain, upper limb edema, number of metastatic sentinel lymph nodes, follow-up time, or recurrent cases (P > 0.05). The one-incision approach for a breast cancer mastectomy plus SLNB has several advantages over the two-incision approach, including a shorter surgical time, decreased upper limb numbness, and the harvesting of more sentinel lymph nodes. Further prospective randomized controlled clinical trials should be designed to verify the current findings.

Feasibility of modified radical mastectomy with nipple-areola preservation combined with stage I prosthesis implantation using air cavity-free suspension hook in patients with breast cancer

BackgroundMastoscopic surgery is proven to have lower incidence of postoperative complications and better postoperative recovery than traditional breast cancer surgery. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of mastoscopic modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with skin nipple-areola preservation under air cavity-free suspension hook and stage I silicone prosthesis implantation (SMALND) compared with routine MRM.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients who underwent MRM for breast cancer at the Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2019. Surgical outcomes, complications, satisfaction, and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast [FACT-B] [Chinese version]) were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 87 patients were enrolled, with 30 underwent SMALND and 57 underwent routine MRM. The intraoperative blood loss in the SMALND group was lower than in the control group (165.3±44.1 vs. 201.4±52.7 ml, P=0.001), the operation time was longer (220.5±23.9 vs. 155.6±9.2 min, P<0.001), daily axillary drainage volume was smaller (20.2±3.6 vs. 24.1±3.0 ml, P<0.001), daily subcutaneous drainage volume was smaller (15.5±2.3 vs. 19.3±3.5 ml, P<0.001), the discharge time was shorter (7.5±1.6 vs. 9.0±1.8 days, P<0.001), and FACT-B scores were higher (83.8±5.6 vs. 72.1±4.6, P<0.001). The overall satisfaction was higher in the SMALND group than in the controls (76.7% vs. 54.4%, P=0.041). Compared with the controls, the occurrence rates of nipple and flap necrosis, upper limb edema, and paraesthesia in the SMALND group were lower within 6 months (all P<0.05).ConclusionsCompared with traditional MRM, SMALND had better surgical outcomes, higher satisfaction, higher quality of life, and lower complication rates.

The application of personalized rehabilitation exercises in the postoperative rehabilitation of breast cancer patients.

This study sought to explore the effects of personalized rehabilitation exercises in the postoperative rehabilitation of breast cancer patients. A total of 93 breast cancer patients admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were taken as research subjects for this study. Based on order of admission, patients were assigned to a control group (46 cases) or an observation group (47 cases). All patients underwent a modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Patients in the control group received routine nursing and rehabilitation training after their operations, while those in the observation group received personalized rehabilitation exercises (for a period of 6 months) in addition to the rehabilitation training received by the control group. The immune function indicators, the incidence of upper limb-related complications, the movement of the shoulder joint, upper limb function, ability of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QoL) was then compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. Patients in the observation group had lower incidences of upper limb edema and subcutaneous fluid than those in the control group (P<0.05). Further, following the intervention, compared to patients in the control group, patients in the observation group had higher CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ levels, lower CD8+ levels, a greater range of motion in their shoulder joints (P<0.05), lower upper limb function impairment scores [based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire] (P<0.05), higher ADL scores (P<0.05), and higher QoL scores (P<0.05). Personalized rehabilitation exercises reduced the postoperative upper limb complications experienced by breast cancer patients, improved their immune function, shoulder joint mobility and upper limb function, and improved their ADL and QoL.

Malignant Wounds in Hospitalized Oncology Patients: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Associated Factors.

Epidemiological and descriptive research on malignant wounds (MWs) is scarce. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of MWs and analyze the characteristics and associated factors of MWs in hospitalized patients at an oncological institution. An epidemiological, cross-sectional, and descriptive study, which was derived from a larger study that collected data on the prevalence of different types of wounds in 341 adults hospitalized in a large oncological hospital, was conducted. The present study comprehensively analyzed data related to MWs. Information was obtained through participant interviews, physical examination, and medical record review. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the institution where the study was conducted. Fourteen MWs were identified in 13 patients, who were primarily married (58%) and men (75%), with a mean age of 60.5 ± 15.1 years. Malignant wounds were predominantly located in the head and neck region (43%) and classified as 1N (50%) according to the Staging of Malignant Cutaneous Wounds instrument. Malignant wounds were characterized as painful (83.3%), with significant pain present during dressing changes (93%). The presence of MWs was associated with the use of antidepressants (odds ratio [OR] = 4.95; p = .012), upper-limb edema (OR = 8.39; p = .003), and infection (OR = 12.16; p = .051). The prevalence of MWs in hospitalized patients was 3.8%. Associated clinical variables were related to the degree of disease progression. This information provides evidence of the need for research identifying and investigating nursing interventions for patients with MW to assist with pain control during dressing changes.

Predicting arterio-venous fistula failure by urea-method derived access blood flow in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Dialysis access is an essential part of hemodialysis. Determining the access blood flow (Qa) can help predict arterio-venous fistula thrombosis. Qa determination by the urea method, which was previously described in the past is simple and is available in most of the dialysis units but was not be able to predict arterio-venous fistula thrombosis. To compare the efficacy of Qa determination by the urea method and by ultrasound dilution methods in predicting arterio-venous fistula failure. Qa was measured by urea method and by ultrasound dilution simultaneously, every 3 months for a period of 1 year, in stable chronic hemodialysis patients with arterio-venous fistula. Arterio-venous fistula failure determined by clinical parameters and confirmed by Doppler ultrasound before sending the patient for interventional angioplasty. This study enrolled a total of 16 patients, with 63% being male, 75% with lower-arm arterio-venous fistula and around 43% with previously done angioplasty. 59-Qa measurements were done, and 6 patients underwent angioplasty (one patient for severe upper limb edema, one for access thrombosis, and four for access dysfunction). Qa determination by the urea method had non-significantly lower Qa, (745 mL/min (interquartile range: 509-1143) and 779 mL/min (interquartile range: 530-1160), (p = 0.58)) and high correlation (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) to Qa by ultrasound dilution. The cut-off criteria with its sensitivity and specificity in predicting the access failure were 440 mL/min, 66.67%, and 96.15% for Qa determination by the urea and 400 mL/min, 66.67% and 90.38% for Qa by ultrasound dilution, respectively, with no difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Measurement of Qa determination by the urea method is well correlated with Qa by ultrasound dilution and can be used to predict vascular access failure.

Cutaneous metastases of lung cancer.

Cutaneous metastases of lung cancer are rare. It was often painless and less likely to be noticed. Similar to SVC syndrome, cutaneous metastases may cause upper limb edema. We need to keep in mind that cutaneous metastases may account for the radiotherapy‐resistant upper limb edema.

Brachial vein transposition: an alternative to hemodialysis arteriovenous graft.

BackgroundThere is currently a worldwide effort to increase the options for autogenous hemodialysis access.ObjectivesTo evaluate patency and complications of brachial vein transposition compared to other autogenous hemodialysis accesses.MethodsA retrospective evaluation of 43 patients and 45 procedures. Patients who did not have adequate superficial veins according to duplex scanning were allocated to brachial vein transposition. The sample was thus divided in two groups, as follows: A: brachial vein transposition n=10 and B: other autogenous accesses n=35.ResultsThere were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age diabetes, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemias, arteriopathies, neoplasms, kidney disease stage, donor artery diameter, recipient vein diameter, systolic blood pressure in the operated limb, postoperative ischemia, hematoma, or infection. There were no statistical differences in terms of patency on day 7: A 80% vs. B 90% p=0.6, on day 30: A 80% vs. B 86% p=0.6, or on day 60: A 60% vs. B 80% p=0.22. There were statistical differences between the groups for number of previous fistulae A 1.0 ± 0.44 vs. B 0.6 ± 0.3 p = 0.04 and upper limb edema A: 20% x B 0% p = 0.04. A vein with diameter of less than 3 mm was associated with an increased risk of early occlusion (RR = 8 p = 0.0125). During the study period there were no procedures using grafts.ConclusionsTransposition of brachial vein is an alternative to arteriovenous graft.

Vascular access related complications with ipsilateral upper limb oedema in hemodialysis

Background: Central vein-related obstruction is a growing problem in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Prior to central vein temporary access, failure to implement “fistula first policy” is an important contributor for this problem. It interferes with the outcomes in dialysis adding to mechanical vascular perturbations, resulting in limb, facial, and chest wall edema. Keeping them in view, we undertook this study on MHD patients, presented with central vein-related vascular access problems and ipsilateral upper limb edema, with the aim to investigate the vascular anatomical obstructive lesions causing the clinical syndrome and their management. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 25 patients of end-stage renal disease on MHD who manifested with vascular access dysfunction, presented with ipsilateral upper limb edema, and were the study subjects. All patients were evaluated with thorough clinical, laboratory, and computed tomographic (CT) angiography (CTAngio) studies to address the issues. Results: All patients had ipsilateral upper limb edema and 36% of them had in addition facial edema. Fifty percent had difficult cannulation with raising venous pressure during HD sessions and difficulty in securing hemostasis at the end of dialysis. CTAngio revealed central vein stenosis in 48%, peripheral stenosis in 20%, and combined central and peripheral stenosis in 32% patients. Cephalic arch involvement was noted in 16% patients. Depending on the patients preference, dialysis switched over to peritoneal dialysis in 24%, new vascular access was created in 20%, and balloon angioplasty in 16% during management. Conclusions: This study describes the central venous-related problems in MHD patients. We reiterate the importance of three early warning signs: high venous pressure, difficulty to achieve hemostasis at the end of dialysis, and ipsilateral limb, face, chest wall edema as the presage signs to suspect and exclude the underlying central vein obstructions. A continuum of management is discussed.