Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance augments the diagnosis and management of lymphoedema in post-mastectomy patients.
The value of multiple frequency bioelectric impedence analysis (MFBIA) in the monitoring and management of post-mastectomy lymphoedema of the arm was evaluated in 15 patients and controls. The technique was found to produce quantitative agreement with a clinical diagnosis of lymphoedema and with the currently-used measure (limb volume calculated from circumferential measurements) of limb size. The significance of this finding lies in MFBIA being diagnostically informative: it indicates when an observed change in limb volume is directly, albeit theoretically, attributable to accumulation of extracellular fluid. MFBIA potentially offers the means for earlier definitive diagnosis and more-accurate monitoring of extracellular fluid changes during and after treatment.
Ward
L C
LC
Department of Biochemistry, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia.
Bunce
I H
IH
Cornish
B H
BH
Mirolo
B R
BR
Thomas
B J
BJ
Jones
L C
LC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged