ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER REDUCTION OF LIMB VOLUME OF LOWER LIMB BY COMPRESSION THERAPY IN LOWER LIMB LYMPHOEDEMA PATIENTS riopankaj@gmail.com

 

ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER REDUCTION OF LIMB VOLUME OF LOWER LIMB BY COMPRESSION THERAPY IN LOWER LIMB LYMPHOEDEMA PATIENTS

4

India

Oral or Poster

A lymphatic filariasis (LF) results in chronic lymphatic system failure, mostly affects the limbs and causes swelling and paralysis. The chronic and disfiguring nature of LF causes physical, mental, and socioeconomic problems that greatly impair the quality of life (QoL).

Clinically diagnosed lower limb lymphatic filariasis were included. Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device with pressure of about 80-120 mmHg for 45 minutes daily for 12-18 months was given. Patients were advised to wear compression stockings with limb massage, after intermittent pneumatic compression and observed the change the size after every six months. Seven domains of quality of life were assessed using the Lymphatic Filariasis Specific QoL Questionnaire.

About one fourth of patients were between 41-50 years with male predominance (62.5%). There was significant difference (p<0.001) in all the QoL domains among different grades of disease. The QoL domains were significantly worsened (p<0.001) in grade III. The QoL score was significantly poor (p<0.001) in patients whom duration of disease was ≥10 years. The quality-of life score was significantly) lower (p<0.001) in the patients of grade III. There was significant difference (< 0.0001) in the change in the limb volume in pre and post-compression patients after follow-up of 6 and 12 months.

The study showed that lymphatic filariasis had a significant negative effect on quality of life, in long-term and advanced stage disease. The quality of life of the patients of lower limb lymphoedema can be better by using pneumatic compression along with use of compression stockings and limb massage.