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Lymphoedema is a clinical manifestation of an impaired lymphatic drainage with accumulation of lymphatic fluid. Lipoedema is characterized by bilateral enlargement of the legs and/or arms due to abnormal deposition of fatty tissue, which accumulates fluid. Conservative treatment including compressions garments and lymphatic drainage is suitable to prevent ongoing clinical deterioration although both diseases cannot be cured. The ability to properly diagnose lymphoedema and lipoedema is crucial to prevent the significant morbidity and loss of quality of life that is associated with this condition. It is imperative that patients with lymphoedema are referred to specially trained healthcare professionals to ensure optimal treatment. Continuous therapy with strict compliance of the patients is essential, and premature interruption is the most frequent mistake. Lipoedema is a different entity but patients are still fighting for acceptance. The mutual relation of lipoedema and obesity and the poor knowledge of the underlying mechanisms limit the acceptance of lipoedema as a relevant disease.
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The population of morbidly obese patients, along with the incidence of lymphedema and massive localized lymphedema associated with this condition, is increasing. A 5-year retrospective review of data (2000-2005) shows that the percentage of patients >350 lb in the authors' clinic population increased from approximately 7% to 11% and 75% of their morbidly obese patients (body mass index >40) had or have lymphedema. After a differential diagnosis between lipedema and lymphedema (primary or secondary) has been made, lymphedema management options include compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage, and localized surgeries. The treatment of morbidly obese lymphedema patients requires additional staff time and specialized equipment to move or position them and may be confounded by other conditions (eg, heart failure and venous insufficiency) that contribute to edema. Lymphedema treatments have been found to be useful, providing patients are able to follow treatment guidelines, especially with regard to weight control. In the authors' experience, massive localized lymphedema will recur unless the primary issue of obesity is addressed. Establishing clear criteria and patient participation guidelines before initiating a comprehensive localized lymphedema program will improve outcomes.
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Lymphatic disease is quite prevalent, and often not well clinically characterized. Beyond lymphedema, there is a broad array of human disease that directly or indirectly alters lymphatic structure and function. The symptomatic and objective presentation of these patients can be quite diverse. In this review, we have attempted to provide a systematic overview of the subjective and objective spectrum of lymphatic disease, with consideration of all of the categories of disease that primarily or secondarily impair the functional integrity of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema is discussed, along with chromosomal disorders, lymphangioma, infectious diseases, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, lipedema, heritable genetic disorders, complex vascular malformations, protein-losing enteropathy, and intestinal lymphangiectasia.
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Introduction: Complaints of lipoedema are mainly referred to as pressure pain or tension in the scientific literature. Objective: The objective was to enable a further differentiation of the quality of the perceived discomfort and provide a preliminary quantification of pain severity. Methods: 50 patients with Stage II lipoedema were asked to complete a questionnaire containing 30 items corresponding to sensory and affective pain sensations. For these items, they could choose between “completely applicable”, “largely applicable”, “somewhat applicable”, or “not applicable”. The patients were also asked to describe their complaints in their own words. Results: The items pressing and dull were specified most frequently. The following were indicated to a lesser extent: severe, tearing, nagging, unnerving, fierce, unbearable, exhausting, and sharp. Compared to patients with chronic pain, the mean values of all the patients’ sensory and affective scores yielded an average pain severity. However, when the patients used their own formulations, the complaints were often described as being very pronounced. Conclusion: Only a small portion of the adjectives offered was suitable for characterising the sensations of lipoedema. There were considerable inter-individual variations in how the pain was perceived. The severe symptoms, which are partially subjective, should be considered when characterising lipoedema.
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