Morgan PA, Franks PJ, Moffatt CJ, et al.
International wound journal. Date of publication 2005 Mar 1;volume 2(1):47-62.
1. Int Wound J. 2005 Mar;2(1):47-62.
Health-related quality of life with lymphoedema: a review of the literature.
Morgan PA(1), Franks PJ, Moffatt CJ.
Author information:
(1)Centre for Research and Implementation of Clinical Practice (CRICP), Thames
Valley University, London, UK. phil.morgan@tvu.ac.uk
This article reviews qualitative and quantitative studies that evaluate
health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in lymphoedema. Qualitative studies reveal
a number of factors that can affect HRQoL. These include a lack of understanding
of lymphoedema by health professionals and poor information provided to patients.
Emotional responses include shock, fear, annoyance, frustration and negative body
image. Treatment can be costly in terms of time and disruption to lifestyle.
Quantitative studies show that patients with lymphoedema experience greater
levels of functional impairment, poorer psychological adjustment, anxiety and
depression than the general population. Increased limb volume is poorly related
to the impact of lymphoedema on the patient. Factors leading to deficits in
quality of life include the frequency of acute inflammatory episodes, the
presence of pain, skin quality, lymphoedema in the dominant hand and reduced limb
mobility. There is some evidence that the adoption of patient-centred guidelines
can improve quality of life in patients with breast-cancer-related lymphoedema.
HRQoL is an important outcome in the management of patients with lymphoedema.
Further studies must examine how lymphoedema impacts on patients other than those
with breast-cancer-related lymphoedema and the consequences to patients of
different approaches to care.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4801.2005.00066.x
PMID: 16722853 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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