Wang W, Keast DH, et al.
Journal of wound care. Date of publication 2016 Apr 1;volume 25(4):S11-2, S14-5.
1. J Wound Care. 2016 Apr;25(4):S11-2, S14-5. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2016.25.Sup4.S11.
Prevalence and characteristics of lymphoedema at a wound-care clinic.
Wang W(1), Keast DH(2).
Author information:
(1)Western University 1151 Richmond Street London, Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada.
(2)Parkwood, Institute Research Parkwood Institute, Main Building, Suite B3-187A
550 Wellington Road London ON, Canada.
OBJECTIVE: Lymphoedema is estimated to affect up to 300,000 Canadians but remains
underrecognised and undertreated. A retrospective chart review was conducted to
determine the clinical characteristics and treatment practices of lymphoedema in
a Canadian wound care clinic.
METHOD: Data were collected retrospectively from dictated clinic notes of 326
lymphoedema patients at a wound clinic in a regional rehabilitation hospital.
RESULTS: The mean age (±SD) of diagnosis was 66.8 (±15.5). Patients had 7.3
(±3.3) comorbidities and took 8.4 (±4.6) concomitant medications. The most common
comorbidities were venous disease (73%), hypertension (60%), and obesity (46%).
Clinic patients were less likely to be women, have arm lymphoedema, or have
cancer-related aetiology compared with previous studies, reflecting a two-tiered
model of care delivery in the area. Treatments prescribed by the clinic were
consistent best practice recommendations for conservative treatment.
CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the wound clinic's patients had
lymphoedema. Lack of resources, lack of awareness among primary care providers,
and patient adherence are barriers to lymphoedema care.
DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2016.25.Sup4.S11
PMID: 27068342 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
