BACKGROUND: New, less-bulky, short-stretch compression bandages could be a valuable alternative in the management of lymphedema of the leg. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a two-component compression (2CC) system in the treatment of leg lymphedema with that of the traditional treatment with conventional inelastic multicomponent compression bandages (IMC). METHODS:Thirty hospitalized patients with moderate to severe unilateral lymphedema (stage II-III) of the leg were included. Patients were divided in two groups; one (n=15) received a 2CC, and the other (n=15) received IMC. Primary outcome was volume reduction of the affected leg; secondary outcome was loss of interface pressure. RESULTS:Median leg volumes before bandaging were 4,150 mL (2CC) and 4,360 mL (IMC). Median volume reduction after 2 hours was 120 mL (2.9%) with the 2CC system and 80 mL (1.8%) with IMC (p>.05). After 24 hours, volume reduction was 8.4% and 4.4% respectively (p>.05). Interface pressure dropped significantly within 2 hours of bandage application in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the 2CC system forms a suitable alternative to IMC in the conventional treatment of moderate to severe lymphedema.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: New, less-bulky, short-stretch compression bandages could be a valuable alternative in the management of lymphedema of the leg. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a two-component compression (2CC) system in the treatment of leg lymphedema with that of the traditional treatment with conventional inelastic multicomponent compression bandages (IMC). METHODS: Thirty hospitalized patients with moderate to severe unilateral lymphedema (stage II-III) of the leg were included. Patients were divided in two groups; one (n=15) received a 2CC, and the other (n=15) received IMC. Primary outcome was volume reduction of the affected leg; secondary outcome was loss of interface pressure. RESULTS: Median leg volumes before bandaging were 4,150 mL (2CC) and 4,360 mL (IMC). Median volume reduction after 2 hours was 120 mL (2.9%) with the 2CC system and 80 mL (1.8%) with IMC (p>.05). After 24 hours, volume reduction was 8.4% and 4.4% respectively (p>.05). Interface pressure dropped significantly within 2 hours of bandage application in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the 2CC system forms a suitable alternative to IMC in the conventional treatment of moderate to severe lymphedema.
Authors: Valente Flávia Mariana; Guerreiro Godoy Maria de Fátima; Pereira de Godoy José Maria Journal: J Res Med Sci Date: 2011-11 Impact factor: 1.852