Damstra RJ, Halk AB, Dutch Working Group on Lymphedema., et al.
Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders. Date of publication 2017 Sep 1;volume 5(5):756-765.
1. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017 Sep;5(5):756-765. doi:
10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.04.012. Epub 2017 Jun 30.
The Dutch lymphedema guidelines based on the International Classification of
Functioning, Disability, and Health and the chronic care model.
Damstra RJ(1), Halk AB(2); Dutch Working Group on Lymphedema.
Collaborators: Damstra RJ, Halk B, van den Berg JP, Born Y, Butter ESFA, van
Dorst EBL, van Everdingen JJE, Feenstra C, Gielink P, de Haas MJ, van der
Heide-Schoon G, Hendrickx A, Hidding JT, Storm van Leeuwen JB, Nijland S, Oskam
E, Paulusma I, Russell N, Rutgers-van Wijlen K, Sissingh I, Strobbe LJA,
Verhoeff-Braat CJA, Verwaard R, van der Vleuten C, Voesten HGJM, Hartog A, Urgert
MC.
Author information:
(1)Dutch Expertise Centre of Lympho-Vascular Medicine, Hospital Nij Smellinghe,
Drachten, The Netherlands. Electronic address: r.damstra@nijsmellinghe.nl.
(2)Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden,
The Netherlands.
Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition due to an imbalance between
lymphatic filtration and transport capacity. A relative overload of fluid is
caused by lymphatic impairment (afterload impairment); an absolute overload is
caused by increased filtration (preload raised). Lymphedema can result in
considerable disability and loss of quality of life. The Dutch Society of
Dermatology organized a task force to create guidelines using the International
Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. As lymphedema is a chronic
condition, a new approach was chosen according to the chronic care model. In the
development of the guidelines, the following topics of lymphedema care were
proposed: (1) lymphedema detection; (2) clinimetric instruments; and (3) rational
treatment modalities. A systematic review of the literature published up to June
2013 was conducted. Statements were based on scientific evidence and experience.
The guidelines propose recommendations based on an interdisciplinary approach to
lymphedema using a continuum of care from prevention to initial treatment phase,
maintenance phase, and follow-up. An integrated treatment program can be
conservative or surgical. A therapeutic program depends on stage and origin of
lymphedema; International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and
Health-based limitations; needs of the patient; ability to perform
self-management; and ability to reduce patient-related risk factors, such as
overweight and lack of exercise.
Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All
rights reserved.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.04.012
PMID: 28818234 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
