Sequential pneumatic compression for lymphedema. A controlled trial.
We examined prospectively the effect of a new compression device for lymphedema, which utilizes a short duration and high-pressure cycle, that provides a sequential milking pattern to the limb through multiple compartments. Twenty-five patients (seven patients for upper-extremity and 18 for lower-extremity problems) underwent 24 hours of treatment. All extremities showed a decrease in circumferential measurements with the maximal reduction occurring at the wrist (45%) for the upper extremities and at the mid-calf (47%) for the lower extremities. Lower-extremity leg volume was reduced by 45%. Despite the high pressures no elevation in serum muscle enzyme levels was noted. This device reduced lymphedematous limbs rapidly and safely.
D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005121:Extremities / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D005634:Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / Q000097:blood; D005676:Gravity Suits; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D009132:Muscles / Q000201:enzymology; D011446:Prospective Studies
D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D005634:Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase