Factors Associated with the Evolution in Quality of Life and Volume During the Maintenance Phase After a Multidisciplinary Intensive Treatment Program in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema
An-Kathleen Heroes, Tessa De Vrieze, Inge Fourneau, Sarah Thomis, Laura Spincemaille, Beate Bechter-Hugl, Carol Swinnen, Karen Geeroms, Karolien Vervloesem, Jasmien Cools, Nele DevoogdtRationale:
To evaluate which factors are associated with change in lymphedema-specific quality of life (QoL) and relative volume difference in the maintenance phase after a multidisciplinary intensive treatment program in patients with lower limb lymphedema(LLL).
Methods and Results:
In this retrospective study, patients received a multidisciplinary intensive treatment followed by a maintenance phase. In this maintenance phase, patients were advised to perform skin care and exercises and to wear compression garments. Circumferential measurements and the Lymph-ICF-LL questionnaires to determine volume and the lymphedema-specific QoL, respectively, were collected at the start and end of the intensive treatment and at 6 months follow-up. Patient-, lymphedema-, and treatment-related variables were collected to investigate their association with change in lymphedema-specific QoL and relative volume in the maintenance phase. Mann–Whitney U and Spearman rank correlation tests were applied. Patients (
Conclusions:
Patients without physiotherapy around 5–6 months follow-up or with limited physical capacity at the start may perceive better improvements in certain lymphedema-specific QoL domains, while younger age, concomitant lipedema, and less initial volume reduction appear to be less predisposed to volume regain during the maintenance phase.