Abstracts LymphForsch 1/2021

– full text in German –

Causes and therapy of head, face and neck lymphedema

F.-J. Schingale
LymphForsch 25 (1) 2021, 6-13

Summary:
The diagnosis and therapy of head, face and neck lymphedema still constitutes a huge challenge for attending physicians, therapists, and medical supply stores. Patients suffer from an altered appearance, which may even be disfiguring, as well as from considerable psychological stress and the consequences of congestion in the brain with all its ramifications, such as increased headaches, convulsions and even apathy. Other problems in addition to lymphedema after oncological therapy are dry mouth, tooth enamel erosion due to the lack of saliva, loss of taste and, in some cases, altered smell function
after radiotherapy, as well as limited cervical spine mobility and polyneuropathy after chemotherapy.

Keywords:
lymphedema of the head, face and neck; risk factors; causes; diagnostics; complex physical decongestive therapy; psychological stress; lymphatic congestion in the brain

E-Mail: franz-josef.schingale@lympho-opt.de
www.lympho-opt.de


Genetic diagnostics of primary lymphedema

C.-E. Ott, M. Danyel, C. Kemper, R. H Gerling
LymphForsch 25 (1) 2021, 14-20

Summary:
Primary lymphedema is a genetic, inherited condition caused by insufficient drainage of interstitialfluid due to malformation or dysfunction of the lymphatic vascular system. Both peripheraland systemic manifestations contribute to the clinical phenotype. Clinical manifestations and features vary depending on the causative gene and the underlying genetic mutation. The genetic analysis and multi-step diagnostics of primary lymphedema is presented in a case of a four-month-old girl with bilateral lymphedema of the feet and
lower legs.

Keywords:
lymphedema, molecular diagnostics, lymphovascular diseases, syndromal diseases, genetics

E-Mail: Rene.Haegerling@charite.de 


Exercise is indicated in patients with lymphedema

S. Wagner
LymphForsch 25 (1) 2021, 21-25

Summary:
In 1996, a study on dragon boat racing first showed that women who had undergone breast cancer surgery did not develop initial manifestations or deterioration of existing arm lymphedema despite intensive training of the upper extremities. All publications on exercise and lymphedema appearing between 1998 and 2019 confirm these observations. Most studies investigated upper extremity lymphedema. Only one study focused on lower extremity lymphedema. In general, patients with lymphedema are recommended to exercise because it is linked to improved quality of life. Walking and hydrotherapy were shown to decrease volume. Whether patients should exercise with or without compression garments should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Keywords:
lymphedema and sports, walking, exercise and strength training, hydrotherapy

E-Mail: stephan.wagner@zurzachcare.ch