Evolution of Lymphedema in an Obese Diabetic Patient Using Grosgrain Stockings as Monotherapy

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to show the evolution of lymphedema in an obese diabetic patient using grosgrain stockings as monotherapy. A 51-year-old obese male with diabetes since childhood did not perform adequate control of the condition, progressing to vision loss and diabetic neuropathy. About 10 years ago, he began to have edema in the left leg, which progressed. Therefore, bioimpedance analysis was used, which demonstrated generalized lymphedema. The use of compression stockings made of grosgrain fabric was proposed to which the patient presented good tolerability for 1 year. At one of the evaluations, the generalized edema had returned but subsequently improved again. However, the lymphedema of the trunk and lower limbs remained, despite the weight loss. Systemic clinical lymphedema evaluated by electrical bioimpedance analysis was reduced with the weight loss of the patient throughout treatment.