A Comparison of the Quality of Life in Patients With Primary and Secondary Lower Limb Lymphedema

Abstract

Patients with lower-limb lymphedema experience symptoms that may differ in intensity and distress. This mixed-methods study compares symptom intensity and distress and the impact of lymphedema on patients’ quality of life by primary and secondary (cancer and non-cancer) lymphedema groups. Individuals completed an online questionnaire (i.e., demographic form, Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Leg, and an open-ended question). Analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics (quantitative data) and content analysis (qualitative data). Participants differed statistically significantly by gender, employment status, and lymphedema location. Groups differed significantly in lack of self-confidence (χ2(df=2) =9.19; p=.010). Cancer patients reported higher intensity and distress scores for some symptoms, but these differences were not statistically significant. Patients reported lacking psychosocial well-being and resources and experiencing physical and functional impairments and treatment and care challenges. Patients with lower-limb lymphedema experience psychosocial impairments and problems with quality of and access to care.

Funcionalidade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior: um estudo transversal

“…There are a number of questionnaires specifically for lymphedema available internationally, but to date this is the only one that has been translated and culturally adapted for Brazil. 11,16,17 The Lymph-ICF-LL was used to assess physical, mental, and social abilities in relation to lymphedema. It does not classify patients, but provides a score which indicates greater health consequences from lymphedema the closer it approaches to 10.…”

“…5,[10][11][12][13][14] Studies evaluating functionality and quality of life in lymphedema do so using assessment methods such as questionnaires, whether disease-specific or generic, and also using physical tests to identify and quantify issues related to the disease and its effects on the different domains of patients' lives. 11,12,[15][16][17][18] A review study conducted in 2013 18 with the objective of identifying questionnaires focused on lymphedema related the concepts they covered to concepts from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The results showed that several different questionnaires are used to assess a range of aspects among patients with lymphedema.…”

Gross‐dependent lower limb lymphoedema

“…Lymphovenous anastomosis can improve signs and symptoms but this is only valuable in early disease. Patients’ quality of life [, ] is profoundly effected by lymphoedema. Simple tasks we all take for granted can be extremely challenging for those with lymphoedema.…”

Long Term Results of Innovative Procedure in Surgical Management of Chronic Lymphedema

“…Lymphedema is a disease that in the congenital (primary) and acquired (secondary) forms causes numerous problems in the individual life [1-3]. Despite of many attempts that have been accomplished in order to cure this disease, but no certain cure has been still mentioned for it.…”