Long-Term Effects of Complex Decongestive Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients With Arm Lymphedema After Axillary Dissection
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
;
: 690-697, 2013.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-114393
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the long-term effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on edema reduction in breast cancer-related lymphedema patients after axillary dissection, according to the initial volume of edema.METHODS:
A retrospective review of 57 patients with unilateral arm after an axillary dissection for breast cancer was performed. The patients, treated with two weeks of CDT and self-administered home therapy, were followed for 24 months. Arm volume was serially measured by using an optoelectronic volumeter prior to and immediately after CDT; and there were follow-up visits at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Patients were divided into two groups according to the percent excess volume (PEV) prior to CDT group 1, PEV or =20%.RESULTS:
In group 1, mean PEV before CDT was 11.4+/-5.0% and 14.1+/-10.6% at 24 months after CDT with no significant difference. At the end of CDT, PEV was 28.8+/-15.7% in group 2, which was significantly lower than the baseline (41.9+/-19.6%). The reduction of PEV was maintained for 24 months in group 2.CONCLUSION:
The long-term effects of CDT were well-maintained for 24 months, but there was a difference in progression of PEV between the two groups. The patients with more initial PEV showed significant volume-reducing effects of CDT. In patients with less initial PEV, the severity of lymphedema did not progress to higher grades.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Arm
/
Breast
/
Breast Neoplasms
/
Retrospective Studies
/
Follow-Up Studies
/
Physical Therapy Modalities
/
Edema
/
Lymphedema
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
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