Mobilization of Fluids in the Intensive Treatment of Primary and Secondary Lymphedemas

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from the accumulation of macromolecules in the interstitial space with a consequent buildup of fluids. AIM: The objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic response to treatment that mobilizes fluids between primary and secondary lymphedemas. METHOD: Thirty-three patients with severe leg lymphedema who underwent intensive treatment for five consecutive days in 2013 and 2014 at the Clínica Godoy were evaluated in a prospective clinical trial. Diagnosis was based on the patient's history and physical examination. Treatment consisted of eight hours/day of Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy using an electromechanical device (RAGodoy®) that performs plantar flexion and extension associated with 15 minutes of Cervical Lymphatic Therapy, a technique developed by Godoy and Godoy that involves stimulation in the cervical region and a grosgrain compression stocking alternated with elastic bandages. The unpaired t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis with an alpha error of 5% (p value < 0.05) being considering acceptable. Secondary lymphedema was more prevalent in women (Fisher exact test p value < 0.01). RESULTS: The age of patients with secondary lymphedema was greater than those with primary lymphedema (unpaired t-test: p value < 0.03). The mean volume losses were 64.62% and 48.35% for the patients with secondary and primary lymphedema, respectively (p value < 0.03). CONCLUSION: Women are more prevalent and older in the secondary lymphedema group. Volumetric reductions below the knee are faster with intensive treatment for secondary rather than for primary lymphedema.