The study, titled The clinical characteristics of lower extremity lymphedema in 440 patients, was a 3-year, single-center retrospective cohort study conducted by
Despite a likely referral bias favoring the cancer population, researchers found that chronic venous insufficiency was the most common cause of lymphedema, responsible for 41.8% of lower extremity lymphedema cases, followed by cancer-related lymphedema (33.9%), primary lymphedema (12.5%) and lipedema with secondary lymphedema (11.8%). Based on these findings they concluded that chronic venous insufficiency, not cancer-related therapy, may be the most common cause of lower extremity lymphedema in the U.S.
In a 2016 study, Rasmussen et al.1 provided insight into the lymphatic connection to CVI. Using near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI), they showed lymphatic dysfunction in CVI patients with very early stages of the disease, and certainly when the patient exhibited changes to the visible dermal (skin) layer. Dean et al. suggest that the prevalence of lymphedema due to CVI is approximately 16 million in
“The clinical literature has continually cited a U.S. lymphedema prevalence at between 3 to 5 million,” said lead author
“The findings of this study highlight the potentially large, underdiagnosed and underserved patient population living with phlebolymphedema, and the need for increased awareness of this condition across the medical community,” said
The study is available with open access and may be found online at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvsv.2019.11.014
*
References:
- Rasmussen JC, Aldrich MB, Tan IC, et al. Lymphatic transport in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers following sequential pneumatic compression. J Vasc Surg Venous and Lymphat Disord. 2016;4(1):9-17.
- Moffatt CJ, Franks PJ, Doherty DC, Williams AF, Badger C, Jeffs E, Bosanquet N, Mortimer PS. Lymphoedema: an underestimated health problem. QJ Med 2003; 96(10): 731–738.
Stout NL , Weiss R, Feldman JL, Stewart BR,Armer JM , Cormier JN, Shih Y-CT. A systematic review of care delivery models and economic analyses in lymphedema: health policy impact (2004-2011). Lymphology 2013; 46 (1), 27-41- Lerman M, Gaebler JA, Hoy S, Izhakoff J, Gullett L, Niecko T, Karaca-Mandic P, O'Donnell T, Rockson SG. Health and economic benefits of advanced pneumatic compression devices in patients with phlebolymphedema. J Vasc Surg. 2019 Feb;69(2):571-580.
About Tactile Medical
Tactile Medical is a leader in developing and marketing at-home therapy devices that treat chronic swelling conditions such as lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. Tactile Medical’s Mission is to help people suffering from chronic diseases live better and care for themselves at home. The Company’s unique offering includes advanced, clinically proven pneumatic compression devices, as well as continuity of care services provided by a national network of product specialists and trainers, reimbursement experts, patient advocates and clinicians. This combination of products and services ensures that tens of thousands of patients annually receive the at-home treatment necessary to better manage their chronic conditions. Tactile Medical takes pride in the fact that our solutions help increase clinical efficacy, reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.
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Source: Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.