Alejandro Zapata-Ospina, Juan Pablo Zapata-Ospina, Diego Zapata-Ospina, Diana Rincón-Riano
{"title":"Prevalence of Lymphedema in Colombia During 2015-2020: A Population-Based Registry Study.","authors":"Alejandro Zapata-Ospina, Juan Pablo Zapata-Ospina, Diego Zapata-Ospina, Diana Rincón-Riano","doi":"10.1177/15578585251382549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251382549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Lymphedema is a chronic, intractable, and irreversible disease. It consists of insufficiency of the lymphatic vessels to transport lymph, leading to edema and fibrosis. In developing countries and Colombia, the current prevalence of lymphedema is unknown. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A descriptive cross-sectional study based on population registries. Secondary sources available in Colombia for epidemiological surveillance were revised, and period and point prevalences were calculated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 49,185 cases with a diagnosis of lymphedema were identified in Colombia between 2015 and 2020, resulting in a prevalence of 96.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for this period. An increase in the annual point prevalence was found from 2015 to 2019. Lymphedema is more prevalent in women and in the population over 60 years of age. Postmastectomy lymphedema is more prevalent in people aged 60 years or older, and a differential distribution among the different regions of the country was observed. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> It is the first known prevalence study of lymphedema in Colombia. It shows that the frequency of the disease is increasing, mostly secondary lymphedema, which mainly affects women and people over 35 years of age.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145199875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research Matters.","authors":"","doi":"10.1177/15578585251385907","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251385907","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness of Biker Shorts-Style Compression Garments for the Treatment of Secondary Lower Limb Lymphedema.","authors":"Kazuyo Kamiyama, Akira Shinaoka, Yoshihiro Kimata","doi":"10.1177/15578585251378442","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251378442","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Gradient compression garments are a standard treatment for lower limb lymphedema. However, few reports exist on the indications, effectiveness, and limitations of a biker shorts-style compression garment providing only proximal local compression of the thigh and lower abdomen for lymphedema treatment. This pilot study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of using biker shorts-style compression garments for lower limb lymphedema treatment. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> We retrospectively analyzed 40 limbs that received treatment using biker shorts-style compression garments. The primary endpoint was the volume change in the thigh (compression region) and the lower leg (non-compression region) after 6 months of using biker shorts-style compression garments. The control was the volume change in the same patients during an equivalent time period when gradient compression garments were worn. Changes in lymphedema-related symptoms and patients' subjective comments were secondary endpoints. Of the 40 limbs analyzed, 33 limbs were early-stage cases classified as stage 1 or lower by the International Society of Lymphology. Twenty-one limbs had pain and heaviness associated with lymphedema in the thigh or groin. After 6 months of using biker shorts-style compression garments, there was a significant reduction in thigh volume compared to that after using gradient compression garments during the same period. Lymph-related pain improved in all limbs. Significantly poorer thigh volume improvement was observed in patients with a missing posterolateral pathway on lymphangiography and a history of radiation therapy. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Compared to gradient compression garments, biker shorts-style compression garments may improve thigh volume and symptoms in lower limb secondary lymphedema.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Johanna Mahler, Vaughan Keeley, Doha Obed, Alperen Bingöl, Peter M Vogt, Catarina Hadamitzky
{"title":"Validation of the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire for German Patients with Lipedema.","authors":"Johanna Mahler, Vaughan Keeley, Doha Obed, Alperen Bingöl, Peter M Vogt, Catarina Hadamitzky","doi":"10.1177/15578585251382110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251382110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Lipedema, a chronic condition affecting mostly women, involves painful bilateral increase of subcutaneous adipose tissue. The societal impact of this disease is still poorly understood. This study aimed to validate the Lymphedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (LYMQOL) for lipedema patients in Germany, assessing its feasibility, reliability, and validity. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> A total of 81 German-speaking stage II lipedema patients were asked to complete both the LYMQOL (arm and leg versions) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires twice, and this was 2 weeks apart. Feasibility was evaluated through response rates, scale structure via factor analysis, validity through SF-36 correlations, and reliability through internal consistency and test-retest reliability analysis. A valid 68% response rate was achieved. Both arm and leg versions demonstrated construct validity with significant correlations to SF-36 subscales. Internal consistency for the leg version was acceptable to excellent, and good to excellent for the arm version. Test-retest reliability was very good for both versions. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study validates the LYMQOL as a robust tool for assessing lipedema patients' quality of life, and also validates the German translation contained in this article. We hope to fill a critical research gap and support future clinical studies aiming at enhancing patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Changes in the Diameter of Lymphatic Vessels and Veins Due to Body Position, Evaluated by Ultrasound.","authors":"Hisako Hara, Makoto Mihara","doi":"10.1177/15578585251382108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251382108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> The purpose of this study was to clarify how lymphatic vessels and veins change when body position is changed in lower limbs affected by lymphedema. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a retrospective study of 18 consecutive patients (33 limbs) who underwent lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for lower limb lymphedema. We performed ultrasound to detect the suitable lymphatic vessels and veins preoperatively, applying the index of D-CUPS (Doppler, Crossing, Uncollapsible, Parallel, and Superficial fascia) to identify lymphatic vessels. We measured the vertical diameter of the lymphatic vessels and veins in each incision site for LVA using ultrasound with the patients lying, sitting, and standing, and a Student's <i>t test</i> was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The mean age of the participants was 61.8 years old, and the mean body mass index was 21.7 (range: 18.3-28.1). Thirty-eight sites on the 30 thighs and 21 sites on the 18 calves were evaluated. The diameter of veins increased significantly when changing from a lying to a sitting or a standing position (thigh: <i>p</i> < 0.01, calf: <i>p</i> = 0.016 and 0.015, respectively), but lymphatic vessels did not (thigh: <i>p</i> = 0.65, calf: <i>p</i> = 0.60 and 0.36, respectively). A weak correlation was found between dilatation rates of veins and lymphatic vessels in the calf (r = 0.39, <i>p</i> = 0.030). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The veins dilated significantly when the body changed from the supine to standing position, but the lymphatic vessels did not. Similar studies with a larger number of cases are desirable in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Time-Dependent Changes in the Skin Hardness in Taxane-Induced Swollen Arms.","authors":"Kotaro Suehiro, Saiko Honda, Takasuke Harada, Yuriko Takeuchi, Takahiro Mizoguchi, Ryunosuke Sakamoto, Ryo Suzuki, Hiroshi Kurazumi, Kimikazu Hamano","doi":"10.1177/15578585251378108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251378108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> We aimed to clarify the time-dependent changes in skin hardness in taxane-induced arm swelling. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> Fifteen patients with unilateral arm swelling that developed during or within 3 months from the termination of postoperative taxane-containing chemotherapy were studied. The patients were followed up every 3-6 months for 24 months from the initial visit. During each visit, arm circumference and skin hardness were assessed using a scale ranging from 1 (softest) to 7 (hardest). Ultrasonography of the skin and subcutaneous tissues was performed at 0, 6, 12, and 24 months from the initial visit. In the initial visit, the mean skin hardness in the affected and contralateral arms was 3.8 versus 2.8 (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the medial/lateral upper arm, 5.0 versus 2.8 (<i>p</i> < 0.01) in the medial forearm, and 4.3 versus 2.8 (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the lateral forearm. In 12 patients whose arm swelling resolved, the difference in skin hardness between the arms disappeared in 9 patients until 9 months from the initial visit, whereas a mild difference in skin hardness persisted in the remaining 3 patients. Even in three patients whose arm swelling persisted, a certain improvement was observed until 9-12 months from the initial visit. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We found that the majority of skin hardening associated with taxane-induced arm swelling improved until approximately 9-12 months from the initial visit, including complete resolution in 60% of patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145040669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Lower-Limb Lymphedema Markers in Patients with Lymphedema Secondary to Gynecological Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Yuriko Matsunaga-Myoji, Kimie Fujita, Satomi Tanaka, Miyuki Izumi, Urara Hirata, Kiyoko Kato","doi":"10.1177/15578585251376172","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251376172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Lower-limb lymphedema (LLL) secondary to gynecological cancer is a serious health condition that negatively affects physical activity (PA). We investigated the association between objectively measured PA and lymphedema markers in patients with LLL after gynecological cancer treatment. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> This cross-sectional study included 56 patients (mean age: 62.0 years) with LLL attending a lymphedema center. The degree of lymphedema was evaluated based on lower-limb water content (extracellular water content/whole body water content: ECW/TBW). The amount and intensity of PA were measured using an accelerometer. Thirty-three patients (61.1%) with ECW/TBW ≥0.4 were older, had significantly more sedentary time, and spent lesser time on moderate-to-vigorous activity than patients with ECW/TBW <0.4 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). A generalized linear model using the rate of change in ECW/TBW showed an association with older age, longer time since cancer diagnosis, and lower activity level. The severity of subjective symptoms measured using a visual analog scale did not differ between patients with high and low ECW/TBW. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Patients with LLL spent approximately half of the time in sedentary behavior, with more severe cases exhibiting longer sedentary durations. In older patients who have a long-standing cancer diagnosis, medical professionals should evaluate their activity and self-care status in addition to evaluating LLL and use this information to provide individualized interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145033783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joyce Teng, Jeff Martini, Michael Kelly, Megha Tollefson, Alexander Greer
{"title":"Sirolimus for Venous Malformations: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety.","authors":"Joyce Teng, Jeff Martini, Michael Kelly, Megha Tollefson, Alexander Greer","doi":"10.1177/15578585251377562","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251377562","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Venous malformations can cause substantial morbidity and long-term complications. There are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies for the treatment of venous malformations. However, off-label use of sirolimus has demonstrated clinical benefit in these patients. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the management of venous malformations. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> A systematic literature search identified 26 studies comprising 98 patients treated with sirolimus for venous malformations. Most studies were case reports or case series (77%), with 15% prospective trials and 8% retrospective analyses. Sirolimus, primarily administered orally, yielded some level of clinical improvement in 72% of reported patients, with consistent symptomatic relief observed in coagulopathy, bleeding, anemia, pain, and improved function. However, reduction in the size of the malformation varied and treatment-limiting side effects were observed. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Oral sirolimus is a promising treatment option for venous malformations, especially for those with deep venous malformations. A direct, targeted topical treatment could provide clinical benefit for the cutaneous manifestation without the risk of off-target effects as occur with oral sirolimus. Further prospective, controlled studies are warranted to elucidate sirolimus's role in managing venous malformations.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145033806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"<i>Letter:</i> Tips for Treatment and Following Secondary Upper Extremity Lymphedema.","authors":"Takahiro Heshiki, Hayahito Sakai","doi":"10.1177/15578585251376743","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251376743","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144959611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Usefulness of Ultrasound Assessment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.","authors":"Doyoung Yuk, Kyungmin Kim, Kyeong Eun Uhm","doi":"10.1177/15578585251370750","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585251370750","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer treatments, affects 20%-40% of patients. Ultrasound evaluation measures structural change as well as skin and subcutaneous tissue thicknesses to assess lymphedema severity. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of ultrasound evaluation as an outcome measure of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> Thirty-one patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema were enrolled. Arm circumferences were measured at four points, as the Relative Metric Coefficient of Arm Lymphedema (RMCAL). The thickness of the skin and subcutaneous tissue was measured using ultrasound at four points of the upper arm and forearm, comparing both sides. Subcutaneous echogenicity grade (SEG) and subcutaneous echo-free space (SEFS) grade were assessed following the method described by Suehiro et al. Lymphoscintigraphy evaluated axillary lymph node uptake and dermal backflow. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Breast Cancer Module 23 (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Increase ratios of skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness, SEG, and SEFS were well correlated with RMCAL value. Additionally, the increase ratio of subcutaneous tissue was significantly different according to the abnormality of axillary lymph node uptake on lymphoscintigraphy. However, ultrasound parameters did not significantly associate with functional and symptom scales of EORTC QLQ-BR23. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Ultrasound parameters were well correlated with arm circumferences. Furthermore, subcutaneous tissue thickness on ultrasound was significantly related to lymphatic function assessed by lymphoscintigraphy.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144959667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}