Stout NL, Brantus P, Moffatt C, et al.
Global public health. Date of publication 2012 Jan 1;volume 7(2):107-23.
1. Glob Public Health. 2012;7(2):107-23. doi: 10.1080/17441692.2010.549140. Epub
2011 May 24.
Lymphoedema management: an international intersect between developed and
developing countries. Similarities, differences and challenges.
Stout NL(1), Brantus P, Moffatt C.
Author information:
(1)Breast Care Department, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889,
USA. Nicole.stout@med.navy.mil
Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling condition that contributes to disability,
dysfunction and lost quality of life. Significant disparities exist worldwide
regarding the availability of resources necessary to identify, treat and manage
lymphoedema. This disparity transcends socio-economic status and is a common
problem in both developed and developing countries. The overall impact of
lymphoedema as a public health problem, however, is underestimated, principally
due to the lack of epidemiologic data. These problems pose barriers to optimal
identification and management of this disabling, lifelong condition. In 1997, the
World Health Organization (50.29) resolved that lymphatic filariasis should be
eliminated as a public health problem. A component of this strategy focuses on
disability management for those suffering from lymphatic filariasis-related
morbidity. This initiative has enhanced lymphoedema awareness in developing
countries. However, significant deficits persist in health care providers'
knowledge, educational initiatives and basic disease identification and
treatment. In developed countries, lymphoedema continues to be an underrecognised
condition and assumed to be only cancer-related. Health care resources allocated
to treat and manage the disease are insufficient for basic and ongoing care,
resulting in disease progression and disability. The International Lymphoedema
Framework project, established in 2002, seeks to establish a consensus for best
practices in the management of lymphoedema worldwide to reduce this disability
burden. A basic global construct for lymphoedema management is needed to decrease
morbidity and promote optimal disease management across all cultural and
socio-economic boundaries. Many countries are unaware of the importance of
lymphoedema management and have not defined a national strategy with respect to
this problem. The objective of this article is to define similarities and
differences in strategies for lymphoedema management between developed and
developing countries and advocate for a cohesive and concerted approach to
disease management.
DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2010.549140
PMID: 21360379 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
