Complex decongestive physiotherapy decreases capillary fragility in lipedema.

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Complex decongestive physiotherapy decreases capillary fragility in lipedema.
Abstract
Lipedema is a disproportional obesity featuring frequent hematoma formation due to even minor traumatic injuries. On the basis of clinical observations, complete decongestive physiotherapy diminishes the incidence of hematomas due to minor injuries beyond leg volume reduction. Hematoma development may be caused by altered capillary resistance (CR) or altered capillary fragility (CF). We measured capillary fragility (CF) before and after complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) to examine, whether CDP could reduce CF. 38 women with lipedema were included in the study. Twenty-one (21) patients were treated with CDP and 17 using exclusively moisturizers as the control group. CDP comprised once daily manual lymph drainage, intermittent pneumatic compression and multilayered short-stretch bandaging performed throughout a 5-day-course. CF was evaluated with the vacuum suction method (VSM) using Parrot's angiosterrometer in both groups. Decongestive therapy resulted in a significant reduction of the number of petechiae while no change was detected within the control group. Complete decongestive physiotherapy significantly reduced CF in patients with lipedema and this reduction may lead to reduced hematoma formation.
Publication
Lymphology
Volume
41
Issue
4
Pages
161-166
Date
2008 Dec
Journal Abbr
Lymphology
Language
eng
ISSN
0024-7766 0024-7766
Extra
Place: United States
Citation
Szolnoky, G., Nagy, N., Kovács, R. K., Dósa-Rácz, E., Szabó, A., Bársony, K., Balogh, M., & Kemény, L. (2008). Complex decongestive physiotherapy decreases capillary fragility in lipedema. Lymphology, 41(4), 161–166.