lymphedema Flashcards
(44 cards)
What are the components of the lymphatic system?
Lymph vessels and lymphatic organs
Lymphatic organs include primary organs like bone marrow and thymus, and secondary organs like spleen, lymph nodes, and MALT.
What is the function of lymph vessels?
Formation of lymph from interstitial fluid and conduction of lymph to the venous system
What is lymph composed of?
Protein, water, fatty acids, cellular components
How do lymph vessels promote lymph flow?
Valves promote one-way flow and smooth muscle contractions help move lymph
What does Starling’s law of equilibrium describe?
The pressure difference between the interstitial space and lymph capillaries determines the direction of lymph flow
What is the definition of lymphedema?
Chronic, inflammatory disease caused by mechanical failure of the lymphatic system
What are the primary and secondary causes of lymphedema?
- Primary lymphedema: Congenital malformation of the lymphatic system
- Secondary lymphedema: Acquired due to obstruction or damage to the lymphatic system
What are common signs and symptoms of lymphedema?
- Swelling in a limb
- Feeling of fullness or heaviness
- Restricted ROM
- Skin changes
- Pitting and non-pitting edema
- Positive Stemmer sign
What are risk factors for developing lymphedema?
- Prolonged inactivity
- Obesity
- Trauma
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Cellulitis and infections
- Other health conditions
What are the stages of lymphedema?
- Stage 0: Subclinical stage
- Stage I: Early accumulation of fluid
- Stage II: Persistent pitting edema
- Stage III: Elephantiasis
What diagnostic tests are used for lymphedema?
- Fluid displacement
- Limb circumference
- Lymphoscintigraphy
- MRI
- Bioimpedance spectroscopy
- Diagnostic ultrasound
What is the Pitting Edema Scale?
- 1+: 2mm or less; disappears immediately
- 2+: 2-4mm; rebound in <15 seconds
- 3+: 4-6mm; rebounding in 60 seconds
- 4+: 6-8mm; rebounding
Why is lymphedema problematic?
- Increases risk of infection
- Delays bone and tissue healing
- Significant impacts on quality of life
What is the current gold standard treatment for lymphedema?
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT)
What does manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) aim to achieve?
Stimulate lymphatic activity & create negative pressure gradient
What is the recommended frequency for MLD during Stage 1 of treatment?
5-7 times per week
What is the goal of lymphedema treatment?
Increase transport capacity and reduce signs and symptoms, aiming for Stage 0
What are some alternative treatments for lymphedema?
- Pneumatic compression pumps
- Kinesiology tape
- Low-level laser therapy
What are absolute contraindications for exercise in lymphedema patients?
- Hemoglobin < 8 g/dL
- Hematocrit < 25%
- WBC < 5000/mm with fever
What psychosocial issues are commonly reported in lymphedema patients?
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Negative perception of body image
- Fatigue and weakness
Fill in the blank: Lymphedema can be caused by _______.
[mechanical failure of the lymphatic system]
lymphedema
What is stage 0
insufficient lymph transport but swelling andclinical symptoms not apparent
lymphedema
what is stage I
early accumulation of fluid that subsides with limb elevation
lymphedema
what is stage II
persistent, pitting edema; does not fully reduce with elevation; development of fibrosis
