Lymphatic research and biology最新文献

{"title":"Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Arm in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Reliability and Validity of Turkish Version.","authors":"Aysel Ozge Kemer, Esra Uzelpasaci, Turkan Akbayrak, Serap Ozgul, Ayşegul Yaman, Ceren Gursen","doi":"10.1177/15578585261486508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261486508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the lymphedema symptom intensity and distress survey-arm (LSIDS-A) in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The LSIDS-A was translated and culturally adapted following international guidelines. Reliability was examined via internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest analysis (ICC). Validity was assessed in five steps: (1) face and content validity through participant feedback, (2) construct validity via confirmatory factor analysis, (3) criterion validity by correlating LSIDS-A-Tr with the Lymphoedema Functioning Disability and Health Questionnaire for Upper Limb Lymphoedema, Quality of Life Scale Upper Limb Lymphedema, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Quick Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF-UL, ULL-27, and Quick-DASH, (4) concurrent validity through correlation with bioimpedance spectroscopy (L-Dex), and (5) known-groups validity by comparing patients with and without BCRL.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The LSIDS-A-Tr demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.87-0.91) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.91-0.95; <i>p</i> = 0.001). Participants found the scale easy to complete. Construct validity was confirmed, showing the same factor structure as the original scale. Moderate to strong correlations were observed with Lymph-ICF-UL, ULL-27, and Quick-DASH (<i>r</i> = 0.74-0.84, <i>p</i> = 0.001). The LSIDS-A-Tr soft tissue subscale correlated significantly with L-Dex (<i>r</i> = 0.46; <i>p</i> < 0.01). Patients with lymphedema had significantly higher LSIDS-A-Tr scores (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The LSIDS-A-Tr is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate the presence, intensity, and distress of the symptoms in Turkish BCRL patients. It can be used for assessing, monitoring, and screening of the symptoms of BCRL in clinical and research settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261486508"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148968944","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":"Surgical Lymphedema Management: Past, Present, and Future.","authors":"Shayan M Sarrami, James E Fanning, Michael Mazarei, Bernard T Lee, Dhruv Singhal, Carolyn De La Cruz","doi":"10.1177/15578585261484014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261484014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lymphedema remains a chronic, progressive, and currently incurable condition. Historically, surgical treatment options were severely limited and largely palliative. Over recent decades, however, advances in the understanding of lymphatic anatomy and innovations in surgical equipment, imaging, and technique have reshaped operative management. Early operations were largely ablative, aiming to reduce limb bulk without addressing lymphatic physiology. Subsequent innovations introduced physiologic reconstruction aimed at restoring and redirecting lymphatic drainage pathways. Notably, supermicrosurgical operating microscopes, enabled reliable submillimeter anastomoses, catalyzing the broader adoption of lymphaticovenous anastomosis and preventive strategies such as immediate lymphatic reconstruction. Despite an expanding armamentarium-spanning ablative, physiologic, and adjunctive approaches combined with lymphatic surgery-consensus on optimal procedure selection and timing remains limited, in part due to heterogeneity in staging systems, patient phenotypes, and outcome measures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review traces the historical progression of surgical management for lymphedema from ablative to physiologic and preventive strategies, emphasizing the impact of key advancements in diagnostic imaging and microsurgery. We then consider how these developments have shaped present-day clinical practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>By situating current techniques within their historical context, we aim to clarify prevailing practice patterns and highlight priorities for future research in lymphedema surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261484014"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148969192","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":"William Repicci","doi":"10.1177/15578585261486917","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261486917","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261486917"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901044","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":"Prediction Models for Lower Limb Lymphedema after Surgery in Patients with Gynecological Malignancies: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Hongli Li, Yawen Zhang, Wen Li, Hong Yang","doi":"10.1177/15578585261470704","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261470704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The incidence of gynecological malignancies continues to increase worldwide. Lower limb lymphedema is perhaps the most dreaded long-term complication related to gynecological malignancy surgery. Identifying the early risk factors for lower limb lymphedema can facilitate targeted prevention and improve the prognosis of patients. To systematically review and evaluate existing studies on prediction models for lower limb lymphedema after surgery in patients with gynecological malignancies. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, medRxiv, and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to December 1, 2024. Studies were appraised critically, and data were extracted by two authors independently based on the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modeling Studies. A total of 9 studies were included, involving 10 relevant prediction models. Five studies reported calibration; validation involved internal (<i>n</i> = 7) or both (<i>n</i> = 2). Discrimination varied across models (the area under the curve [AUC] range: 0.63-1.00), with 9 of 10 models reporting AUC values >0.70. However, calibration reporting was incomplete, and all studies were rated as high risk of bias. Although all studies demonstrated good applicability, all were rated as high risk of bias. Across all included studies, age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, tumor stage, postoperative drainage time, lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy were the most frequently reported predictors. Among them, lymph node dissection-related variables were included in eight of the ten models, while radiotherapy was included in 7 of 10 models. Although several models reported moderate to good discrimination, overall methodological quality was limited. The predominance of high risk of bias, scarce external validation, and restricted geographic diversity constrains the strength of the current evidence. More rigorously designed and externally validated models are needed before routine clinical implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261470704"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148673727","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":"Watershed of Collecting Lymphatic Vessels of The Hip; Between Back and Thigh.","authors":"Hayahito Sakai, Toko Umamoto, Maya Kanasaki, Reiko Tsukuura, Takumi Yamamoto","doi":"10.1177/15578585261461969","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15578585261461969","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gluteal lymphedema is often developed by proximal edematous type of lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) and severe LEL. This study aimed to clarify the watershed of collecting lymph vessels in the gluteal region using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Medical records of cancer survivors who underwent ICG lymphography for secondary lower lymphedema screening from November 2020 to September 2023 were reviewed. Non-lymphedematous limbs without a dermal backflow pattern on ICG lymphography (ICG stage 0) were included. 0.1 mL of ICG was injected intradermally at five points; the tip of the coccygeal bone, the gluteal fold, the crosspoint connecting those points and the mid-lateral thigh, and the midpoints of them in a prone position and named H₁-H₅ from medial to lateral. Based on ICG lymphography findings, the posteromedial and posterolateral pathway directions of collecting lymph vessels, shown as linear patterns, from each point were investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 20 limbs of 15 cancer survivors were included. The posterolateral pattern lymphatic pathway from H₁/H₂/H₃/H₄ was observed in 16/15/3/4 limbs. The posteromedial pattern lymphatic pathway from H₂/H₃/H₄/H₅ was observed in 13/15/18/10 limbs. Anteromedial pattern lymphatic pathway from H₅ was observed in 6 limbs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Multiple ICG injections enhanced the watershed line of collecting lymphatic vessels in the gluteal region, which would be affected for gluteal lymphedema diagnosis and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"15578585261461969"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148412501","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":"Formulation and Characterization of Patent Blue Dye Nanoliposome Labeled with ^99mTc-HMPAO and <i>In Vivo</i> Evaluation by Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping.","authors":"Najmeh Heidari, Hamideh Abbasian, Pegah Sahafi, Atena Aghaee, Somayeh Beheshti, Azam Abbasi, Ali Badiee, Seyed Rasoul Zakavi, Mahmoud Reza Jaafari, Ramin Sadeghi, Kayvan Sadri","doi":"10.1177/15578585261419374","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261419374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective(s): </strong>Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping commonly involves presurgical administration of a radioactive colloid and intraoperative injection of a blue dye near the tumor. Combining gamma scintigraphy and visual inspection could reduce false-negative rates. This study introduces novel imaging agents-radioactive nanoliposomes (NLs) encapsulating patent blue dye-for lymph node scintigraphy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>PEGylated (PEG-NLs) and non-PEGylated (non-PEG-NLs) NLs were prepared using the thin-film hydration method with patent blue dye and labeled with ^99mTc-hexamethylpropylene-amine-oxime (^99mTc-HMPAO). Lymphatic drainage of the radiolabeled liposomes was assessed in BALB/c mice following subcutaneous footpad injections. Planar imaging was performed at 0.5 and 1 hour postinjection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean diameter, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of the PEG-NLs were 130.7 ± 0.348 nm (<i>n</i> = 3), -22.4 ± 0.54 mV, and 0.118 ± 0.12, respectively. These values for the non-PEG-NLs were 120.46 ± 0.506 nm (<i>n</i> = 3), 7.5 ± 0.65 mV, and 0.055 ± 0.009, respectively. ^99mTc-HMPAO-PEG-NLs had a significantly higher lymph node uptake at earlier times after injection (28.27 ± 5.22% ID/g at 1 hour and 16.65 ± 4.23% ID/g at 2 hours), which was followed by fast washout at 4 hours postinjection and showed fast migration of PEGylated NLs through lymphatic system. ^99mTc-HMPAO-non-PEG-NLs had an increased lymph node accumulation through entire time after injection (11.95 ± 0.8% ID/g, 22.95 ± 4.56% ID/g, 29.71 ± 2.16% ID/g at 1, 2, and 4 hours, respectively). Encapsulation efficiency of patent blue dye was determined to be 1.26 ± 0.1%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>^99mTc-HMPAO PEG-NLs and non-PEG-NLs containing Paten Blue dye are promising agents for SLN mapping, offering distinct advantages in uptake kinetics and retention for lymphatic imaging and visual detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"138-144"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147775535","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":"Lipedema: Exploring Relationship Between Physical and Psychological Symptoms in Affected Patients-A Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Bastien Seynhaeve, Velika Stoichkova, Jean-Paul Belgrado, Estelle Janssens, Eline Lison, Jennifer Foucart","doi":"10.1177/15578585261454789","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261454789","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recent studies have consistently shown that patients with lipedema are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety. The aim of this study is to identify the psychological factors associated with lipedema syndrome (LS) and their link to the patient's psychological symptomatology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative component involved anonymous online questionnaires, including a Health and Demographic Questionnaire, the body satisfaction and global self-perception questionnaire (BSGSPQ), the lymphedema quality of life questionnaire (LYMQOL), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The qualitative component consisted of oral interviews to explore the complexity of the phenomenon. Participants included those with \"easy bruising,\" a waist-to-hip ratio ≤0.7 (W/H), and pain levels ≥4/10 on the visual analogue scale (VAS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings indicate that the level of depression is positively correlated with spontaneous pain (<i>p</i> = 0.002; <i>r</i> = 0.331) and the lack of medical understanding (<i>p</i> = 0.011; <i>r</i> = 0.229). Anxiety scores are inversely correlated with body satisfaction (<i>r</i> = -0.317) and global self-perception (<i>r</i> = -0.393); similarly, depression scores show similar correlations with body satisfaction (<i>r</i> = -0.445) and global self-perception (<i>r</i> = -0.608), all with <i>p</i> value of <0.0001.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>This study highlights significant connections between the physical symptoms and mental health in patients with LS. The more affected the self-perception, the greater the depression and anxiety levels. These multiple contributing factors may explain the decline in quality of life (QOL) and deterioration of mental health. It is therefore crucial to proactively integrate mental health management into the care of LS patients. Future research should focus on identifying concrete, actionable methods to support women experiencing LS.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"180-187"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148176073","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":"Pathophysiological Changes in Primary Lymphedema: A Comprehensive Analysis of Histological and Molecular Alterations and Lymphatic Reconstruction Outcomes.","authors":"Jacqueline Plau, Carlo Cassina, Stefan Wolf, Lisanne Grünherz, Carmen E Zurfluh, Pietro Giovanoli, Epameinondas Gousopoulos, Nicole Lindenblatt","doi":"10.1177/15578585261452772","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261452772","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Primary lymphedema is a rare, chronic condition characterized by impaired lymphatic function, leading to the development of edema. It is caused by genetic mutations affecting lymphatic vessel development, and its clinical presentation is highly variable. While research has focused on identifying genetic causes, the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood, limiting the efficacy of available therapeutic strategies. In this monocentric case-control study, we investigate the histological and molecular characteristics of primary lymphedema patients and microsurgical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>Biopsies from affected and unaffected extremities of 15 primary lymphedema patients undergoing lymphatic reconstructive surgery were collected, analyzed, and compared with eight healthy control samples. Histological and molecular markers were assessed on skin and fat samples, respectively. In addition, clinical data, pre- and postoperative volume measurements, and patient-related outcomes following lymphatic reconstructive surgery were evaluated. Our findings reveal significantly reduced cutaneous fibrosis as well as downregulation of <i>CLDN5</i> and <i>VEGFD</i> expression in primary lymphedema patients. Notably, expression of <i>TJP1</i> was significantly decreased in the affected, but not the unaffected side of these patients. Microsurgical outcomes, including volume loss and patient-reported quality of life measures, showed notable variability, being inconclusive.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings highlight a distinct pathophysiological profile in primary lymphedema, characterized by unexpected extracellular matrix alterations and increased vascular permeability, both locally and systemically. These insights improve our understanding of the disease mechanisms and potentially suggest a novel link between lymphatic dysfunction and fibrosis development. Further research is needed to address the demand for individualized treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"153-162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148031709","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":"Neuropathic Pain Features in Lipedema Compared to Lymphedema: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Seçil Pervane, Öznur Uzun","doi":"10.1177/15578585261454778","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261454778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lipedema is a chronic connective tissue disorder characterized by painful subcutaneous adipose accumulation, mainly in the lower extremities. Pain is a hallmark feature, yet its mechanisms remain poorly defined. Neuropathic components may contribute, but direct comparisons with lymphedema are scarce.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this exploratory cross-sectional study, 118 female patients with lipedema (<i>n</i> = 62) or bilateral lower extremity lymphedema (<i>n</i> = 56) were assessed. Pain intensity was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Neuropathic pain was evaluated with painDETECT and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS). Psychological status was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), cognitive-emotional aspects with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and health-related quality of life with the WHOQOL-BREF.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Lipedema patients reported higher pain severity (VAS 6.2 ± 1.4 vs. 5.5 ± 1.5, <i>p</i> = 0.02) and greater neuropathic pain prevalence (42% vs. 21%, <i>p</i> < 0.01) than lymphedema. painDETECT and LANSS scores were significantly higher in lipedema (<i>p</i> < 0.001). HADS-Anxiety (10.2 ± 3.8 vs. 7.8 ± 3.5, <i>p</i> = 0.005) and PCS scores (29.5 ± 7.2 vs. 25.4 ± 6.5, <i>p</i> = 0.03) were also elevated, while HADS-Depression was slightly higher in lymphedema without significance. WHOQOL-BREF scores were similarly reduced in both groups compared to population norms. Correlation analyses showed strong associations between pain intensity, neuropathic features, catastrophizing, and anxiety, particularly in lipedema.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A substantial proportion of lipedema patients exhibit neuropathic pain features and higher pain severity compared with lymphedema, while anxiety and pain catastrophizing appear to amplify symptom burden; however, quality-of-life impairment is substantial in both conditions, and the findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating with implications for more individualized management approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"174-179"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199501","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":"Inflammatory Markers in Lipedema: A Comparative Analysis of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Mean Platelet Volume.","authors":"Ayla Cagliyan Turk, Ender Erden, Pinar Borman","doi":"10.1177/15578585261454779","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15578585261454779","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Although various distinctive morphological features such as hyperproliferation of adipocytes, fibrosis, and inflammation have been described in the progression of lipedema, the underlying mechanisms of these changes are not yet fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) to demonstrate the role of inflammation in lipedema.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The retrospective study consisted of 60 lipedema patients (Group 1) and 40 healthy controls (Group 2). The age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of all participants were recorded, along with the lipedema type and stage for Group 1. Laboratory results, including complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were obtained for all participants. Hemoglobin, leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts, NLR, PLR, MPV, PDW, CRP, and ESR were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 45.45 ± 10.17 years in Group 1 and 44.90 ± 10.69 years in Group 2; the BMI was 32.15 ± 5.05 in Group 1 and 30.94 ± 4.98 in Group 2, with no significant difference between the groups (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The most common type was Type 2 lipedema. Platelet counts, CRP, NLR, and PLR levels were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in MPV and PDW values (<i>p</i> > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between BMI and both leukocyte count and CRP levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In our study investigating inflammation in lipedema-an etiology that is still not fully understood-NLR, PLR, platelet count, and CRP levels were found to be significantly higher in the patient group. The increase in BMI was correlated with leukocyte count and CRP levels. This finding is important for elucidating the etiopathogenesis of the disease, and we believe it may guide future research in this area.</p>","PeriodicalId":18168,"journal":{"name":"Lymphatic research and biology","volume":" ","pages":"188-195"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148205302","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}