Funcionalidade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior: um estudo transversal / Functionality and quality of life of patients with unilateral lymphedema of a lower limb: a cross-sectional study

O linfedema de membros inferiores é uma doença crônica decorrente de dano no sistema linfático que influencia a mobilidade, a funcionalidade e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Questionários e o teste físico são métodos bastante práticos, de fácil aplicação e baixo custo, que fornecem dados importantes para a avaliação desses pacientes. Objetivos Avaliar a influência do linfedema unilateral de membro inferior na funcionalidade e na qualidade de vida, correlacionando três ferramentas de avaliação. Métodos Estudo descritivo com 25 indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior, de ambos os sexos. Foi avaliada a perimetria e foram aplicados The Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) para avaliação da qualidade de vida, Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) para estudo das habilidades físicas, mentais e sociais relacionadas ao linfedema e o Timed Up and Go (TUG) para avaliação da funcionalidade. Resultados Houve a presença de linfedema em todo o membro inferior dos participantes. Os domínios mais prejudicados pelo linfedema foram os aspectos físicos (25,0 ± 31,4) e emocionais (36,0 ± 42,9) no SF-36 e o domínio mobilidade (6,0 ± 2,6) no Lymph-ICF-LL. O TUG foi realizado em 9,88 ± 1,98 s. Houve correlação entre o TUG e os questionários e entre os dois questionários utilizados. Conclusões Indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior apresentam um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida e na funcionalidade avaliadas através de questionários, que correlacionam entre si. Não foi encontrada alteração no TUG, mas houve correlação entre ele e os questionários utilizados

Lymphedema of the lower limbs is a chronic disease caused by damage to the lymphatic system that influences people's mobility, functionality, and quality of life. Questionnaires and physical test are very practical, easy to apply, and low cost methods that provide important data for evaluation of these patients. Objectives To evaluate the influence of unilateral lower limb lymphedema on functionality and quality of life, correlating 3 assessment tools. Methods This was a descriptive study investigating 25 patients of both sexes with unilateral lymphedema in a lower limb. Limb volume was assessed using circumferential tape measurements, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life, the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) was used to assess physical, mental, and social skills related to lymphedema, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used for functional assessment. Results Lymphedema was present throughout the affected lower limb of participants. The domains most affected by lymphedema were physical aspects (25.0 ± 31.4) and emotional aspects (36.0 ± 42.9) from the SF-36 and the mobility domain (6.0 ± 2.6) from the Lymph -ICF-LL. Patients performed the TUG in 9.88 ± 1.98 seconds. The TUG was correlated with the questionnaires and the questionnaires were correlated with each other. Conclusions People with unilateral lower limb lymphedema exhibited negative impacts on quality of life and functionality, as evaluated by questionnaires, which were correlated with each other. TUG performance was within normal limits, but results correlated with the questionnaires used

Use of complex decongestive therapy with low cost material in a patient with lymphedema living in an endemic area for filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis affects millions of people around the world and may have disabling consequences. Lymphedema stands out as a chronic manifestation in patients with this disease, affecting the lower limbs and limiting motor function. This study aimed to propose a treatment protocol to decrease lower limb lymphedema of treated patients and to show the efficacy of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as an auxiliary resource for this condition. This is a case study of a patient treated with CDT, making use of compression methods with alternative materials and instructions for asepsis during 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that this treatment reduced lymphedema in the right lower limb of the patient from grade V to grade III, with areas of measurement reduction of up to 41%. In addition, acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA) manifestations stopped in the treated patient. CDT associated with low-cost compression material, has been shown to be effective in reducing lower limb lymphedema and ADLA crises, as well as in promoting improved locomotion and performance of daily activities by the patient