QOL of the Patients with Lymph Edema: Evaluation of Japanese Patients using SF-36

Abstract

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the healthrelated quality of life (QOL) of Japanese patients with lymphedema. Methods:A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted. Twenty-seven patients with lymphedema of the upper or lower limb(s) who presented the two institutions between January and December 2010 completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36: a generic health-related QOL measure).Results: All components and summary scores of the generic health-related QOL reported by the patients were statistically worse than that of the Japanese norms. The patients with symptom duration of longer than 1 year, who underwent radiation therapy, or those undergoing chemotherapy reported significantly lower QOL. Conclusion:Lymphedema significantly deteriorates the QOL of the patients. Further evaluation with longitudinal design, increased number of cases and disease-specific QOL scale is warranted to better understand the QOL of the patients.