Intravenous pamidronate for refractory lymphedema.
BACKGROUND
Based on beneficial reports of pamidronate use for reflex sympathetic dystrophy in reduction of pain and swelling, this drug can be studied as a novel treatment for refractory lymphedema. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of pamidronate on lymphedema and its possible side effects.


METHODS
Twelve cases of lower limb refractory lymphedema were enrolled. They received intravenous pamidronate monthly for 3 consecutive months and were followed by measuring any discomfort with visual analog scale (VAS) and physician global assessment, based on objective signs of limb volume and circumference.


RESULTS
The limb volume, circumference, and satisfaction of the patients improved significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Pamidronate when is added to conservative treatments may reduce lymphedema and improve the patient's comfort.
Department of Vascular Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.
A A
AA
Beigi
A M
AM
Sadeghi
H
H
Masoudpour
S
S
Shirazinejad
P
P
Mottaghi