title: Pneumatic compression device treatment of lower extremity lymphedema elicits improved limb volume and patient-reported outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Examine the effectiveness of an advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD) in reducing limb volume (LV), and to evaluate clinician and patient-reported outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Device registry study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected prospectively for 196 lower extremity lymphedema patients prescribed an APCD. Baseline and post-treatment LVs were calculated and clinical outcomes (skin changes, pain, and function) were assessed. Patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction utilizing a pre- and post-treatment survey were also evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  90% of APCD-treated patients experienced a significant reduction in LV with 35% enjoying a reduction >10%. Mean LV reduction was 1,150 mL or 8% (p < .0001). Greater baseline LV and BMI were strong predictors of LV reduction (p < .0001). Clinician assessment indicated that the majority of patients experienced improvement in skin fibrosis and function. Patient-reported outcomes showed a significant increase in ability to control lymphedema through APCD treatment, with an increase in function and a reduction in the interference of pain. 66% were "very satisfied" with the APCD treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  APCD use is associated with consistent reductions in LV, with favorable patient-reported outcomes. Results demonstrate that reduction in LV and pain, combined with functional improvement and patient satisfaction can be achieved, providing tangible benefit for lower extremity patients.
authors: Temple University School of Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Electronic address: muluk@usa.net.
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Muluk
authors: A T
authors: AT
authors: Hirsch
authors: E C
authors: EC
authors: Taffe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012042:Registries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Lymphedema; Pneumatic compression device; Quality of life