Control of lymphedema of the lower limbs using grosgrain stockings as monotherapy

Jose Maria Pereira de Godoy; Livia Maria Pereira de Godoy; Stelamarys Barufi; Ana Carolina Pereira de Godoy; Maria de Fatima Guerreiro Godoy

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

Control of lymphedema of the lower limbs using grosgrain stockings as monotherapy

Jose Maria Pereira De Godoy, Livia Maria Pereira De Godoy, Stelamarys Barufi, Ana Carolina Pereira De Godoy, Maria De Fatima Guerreiro Godoy

Abstract :

Background: Lymphedema is a chronic medical condition that has no cure however with specific treatment it is possible to keep the size of the limb normal or close to normal. Aim: aim of this study is to report on the reduction of edema using stockings made of grosgrain as monotherapy. Design: Consecutive patients in a longitudinal study with unilateral leg below–knee lymphedema were included for the evaluation of the grosgrain stockings as monotherapy and evaluated for one year by the weekly volumetry. Setting

The study was developed in Cl�nica Godoy–Sao Jose do Rio Preto–Brazil. Population

Thus, ten male and 33 female patients, with a mean age of 53.12 years were included in this study. Twenty–five patients had mild, 16 had moderate and two had severe lymphedema. Method: They were evaluated by volumetry at weekly return visits and the stocking was adjusted as necessary. The paired t–test was used for statistical analysis with an alpha error of 5% being considered acceptable. Results: There was total or almost total reductions (differences of less than 100 g) of the lymphedema compared to the contralateral leg in 86% of patients at six months and in 93% of patients at one year; reductions did not occur in 7% of the patients (paired t–test: p–value <0.0001). Conclusion: Monotherapy using grosgrain stockings is a therapeutic option in the treatment of lymphedema of the lower limbs