Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

BMC Infect Dis 2019 Apr 23;19(1):332. Epub 2019 Apr 23.

MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease and a major cause of disability worldwide. To effectively plan morbidity management programmes, it is important to estimate disease burden and evaluate the needs of patients. This study aimed to estimate patient numbers and characterise the physical, social and economic impact of LF in in rural Nigeria. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2019 Apr 22. Epub 2019 Apr 22.

Department of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Background: The majority of patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma will have a negative SLN. The long-term sequelae of a negative result are important when discussing this staging investigation with patients. The objective of this study was to assess rates of lymphoedema and quality of life for these patients. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):253

J Oncol Pract 2019 Apr 22:JOP1800141. Epub 2019 Apr 22.

1 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a potentially debilitating and often irreversible complication of breast cancer treatment. Risk of BCRL is proportional to the extent of axillary surgery and radiation. Other risk factors include obesity and infections. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2019 Apr 3. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Sud Francilien Hospital University Paris Sud XI Evry, France

Ann Plast Surg 2019 Apr 3. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki.

Background: Upper limb lymphedema is a common problem after axillary lymph node dissection. Lymphatic drainage can be improved by microvascular lymph node transfer, whereas liposuction can be used to reduce arm volume and excess of adipose tissue. We present the results of chronic lymphedema patients who have undergone lymph node transfer and liposuction simultaneously in 1 operation and compare the results with patients who have undergone lymph node transfer without liposuction. Read More

Urology 2019 Apr 18. Epub 2019 Apr 18.

Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Urology. Electronic address:

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of full thickness penile skin grafting (FTSG) for phalloplasty during acquired buried penis repair.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing complex genital reconstruction for buried penis between January 2013 and April 2018 was performed. Patients undergoing FTSG were identified. Read More

Eur J Breast Health 2019 Apr 15;15(2):111-118. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.

Objective: The aim the study is to assess relationships between caregiver burden, quality of life, arm disability, grip strength, and lymphedema symptoms in women with postmastectomy lymphedema.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-two patients with postmastectomy lymphedema were recruited. Burden Interview, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-30 and EORTC QLQ BRE-23) were used for the assessments of caregiver burden, arm disability, and quality of life. Read More

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019 Apr 18. Epub 2019 Apr 18.

Turk J Med Sci 2019 Apr 18;49(2):610-616. Epub 2019 Apr 18.

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to present the results of modified combined decongestive therapy (CDT) in patients with lower extremity lymphedema (LEL).

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 95 patients aged 55.84 ± 15. Read More

J Surg Case Rep 2019 Apr 12;2019(4):rjz105. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Department of General Surgery, Brandon Regional Hospital, Brandon, FL 33511, USA.

Chronic lymphedema (CL) due to failure of lymphatic drainage harbors an immunologically vulnerable environment for the development of various neoplasms. Independently, either melanoma or basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arising from CL has only been reported, but synchronous melanoma and BCC originating from CL is never reported. We report a very rare case of synchronous melanoma and BCC arising from the lymphedematous upper extremity developed secondary to axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):211-220

9 Centre for Research & Implementation of Clinical Practice, London, United Kingdom.

This study was undertaken as part of the UK LIMPRINT international study to determine the number of people with chronic edema (CO) and its impact on health services. Overall 7436 with CO were recruited in the main UK study from a range of health settings. Factors relating to subjective control of arm and leg CO were defined in the UK. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):141-146

4 Montpellier Medecine Vasculaire, EA2992, Universite Montpellier I, CHU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France.

There is no standardized international model for specialist lymphedema services, which covers the types of lymphedema treated and the treatments provided. The aim of this study was to provide a profile of patients attending specialist lymphedema services in different countries to explore similarities and differences. The LIMPRINT core tool was used in specialist lymphedema services in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Turkey. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):195-201

2 Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

This was a part of LIMPRINT (Lymphoedema IMpact and PRevalence-INTernational), an international study aimed at capturing the size and impact of lymphedema and chronic edema in different countries and health services across the world. The purpose of this study was to clarify the prevalence and the impact of chronic edema in Japan. This was a two-phase facility-based study to determine the prevalence and functional impact of chronic edema in the adult population in Japan between 2014 and 2015. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):187-194

1 Copenhagen Wound Healing and Lymphoedema Centre, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The International Lymphedema Framework developed an international study, Lymphedema Impact and Prevalence International (LIMPRINT), to estimate the prevalence and impact of chronic edema (CO) in heterogeneous populations. A validation study using the LIMPRINT methodology was undertaken in Denmark. Participants with CO were identified from inpatient services and compared with those identified within a specialist lymphedema service and three primary care settings. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):202-210

2 Lymphedema Research and Practice Center, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

Lymphedema and chronic edema is a major health care problem in both developed and nondeveloped countries The Lymphoedema Impact and Prevelance - International (LIMPRINT) study is an international health service-based study to determine the prevalence and functional impact in adult populations of member countries of the International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF). A total of 1051 patients from eight centers in Turkey were recruited using the LIMPRINT study protocol. Data were collected using the core and module tools that assess the demographic and clinical properties as well as disability and quality of life (QoL). Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):135-140

1 Department of Vascular Medicine, EA2992, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.

To estimate the prevalence of lymphedema/chronic edema (CO) and wounds in acute hospital inpatients in five different countries. A point-prevalence study was carried out during working day periods in six general hospitals in four countries (Denmark, France, United Kingdom, and Australia) and one hospital oncology inpatient unit in one other country (Ireland). The study used validated clinical tools for the assessment and collection of data. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):178-186

2 Parkwood Institute Research, St. Joseph's Health Care London, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada.

Chronic edema/lymphedema is defined as edema present for more than 3 months. It is underrecognized and undertreated. The International Lymphedema Framework developed an international study, Lymphedema Impact and Prevalence International (LIMPRINT), to estimate the prevalence and impact of chronic edema in heterogeneous populations. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):163-167

1 CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.

Chronic edema is a condition posing a high burden on patients. The primary aim of the study was to assess the health-related quality of life (QoL) of adult patients living with chronic edema. As part of an international, multicenter, prospective study, we prospectively assessed the health-related QoL of adult patients living with a chronic edema using a disease-specific tool and a generic one. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):119-120

Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):155-162

9 College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University and ACH Group, Adelaide, South Australia.

To estimate the prevalence of chronic edema (CO) and wounds within two vulnerable populations, a male high security prison in the East Midlands (United Kingdom) and residential and nursing homes in the United Kingdom and Australia. Methods for screening for CO and wounds were adapted from the main LIMPRINT methodology. In total, 195 inmates were recruited with 22 (11%) having CO. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):168-172

5 School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Chronic edema is a condition that is biologically complex, distressing for patients and sociopolitically weak. Like many other complex and chronic conditions, it has a low status within health care. The result is that it has a low priority in health policy and consequently is undervalued and undertreated. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):127-134

2 Montpellier Medecine Vasculaire, EA2992, Universite Montpellier I, CHU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France.

The acronym Limprint stands for Lymphedema IMpact and PRevalence INTernational and was run under the auspices of the International Lymphedema Framework (ILF), a charity dedicated to improving provision of care globally. The primary aim was to identify the number of people with chronic edema (chronic edema present for >3 months and due to a range of underlying etiologies and associated risk factors) within diverse health services in nine participating countries and to determine its impact using validated methods. An international protocol and sampling framework, online data capture system, and standard operating procedures were adopted. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):245-252

2 Department of Vascular medicine, CHU Saint Eloi, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.

Limited research has shown the impact lymphedema has on children and families. The aim of this study was to explore the parental experience of caring for a child or adolescent with lymphedema and the daily challenges of self-management and self-efficacy. Participants were recruited during an educational camp for children with lymphedema ( = 26). Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):173-177

7 School of Social Sciences, Nottingham University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Australia was one of nine participating countries in the epidemiology Phase II Lymphoedema Impact and Prevalence - International (LIMPRINT) project to determine the number of people with chronic edema (CO) in local health services. Data collection occurred through questionnaire-based interviews and clinical assessment with provided LIMPRINT tools. Four different types of services across three states in Australia participated. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):221-230

5 Lymph Clinic, Cork, Ireland.

The aim of this study was to explore the professional experience of caring for children and adolescents with lymphedema and to explore the way in which they understand and implement self-management strategies and the influence of their own self-efficacy beliefs on this process. Participants were recruited during an educational camp for children with lymphedema. Three individual semistructured focus groups were undertaken in English, French, and Italian with simultaneous translation. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):147-154

2 Montpellier Medecine Vasculaire, EA2992, Universite Montpellier I, CHU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France.

Chronic edema (CO) is believed to be a major clinical problem within community nursing services in the United Kingdom. This study was undertaken as part of the LIMPRINT international study to determine the number of people with CO and its impact on health services. Three urban-based community nursing services participated in the United Kingdom with prospective evaluation for 4 weeks of all patients receiving nursing care using a questionnaire-based interview and clinical assessment using the LIMPRINT tools. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):231-244

2 Department of Vascular Medicine, EA2992, CHU Saint Eloi, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.

The aims of this study were to explore, using visual art methodology, how children and adolescents perceive their lymphedema and conceptualize the barriers and enablers in self-management and to explore the role of an educational camp in promoting self-efficacy. Participants (speaking English, French, and Italian) were recruited during an educational camp for children with lymphedema. Children and adolescents used different methodologies to depict living and self-managing their condition. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2019 Apr;17(2):121-126

2 Montpellier Medecine Vasculaire, EA2992, Universite Montpellier I, CHU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France.

Lymphedema has always been a neglected global health care problem. A central requirement for the development of any chronic disease is the clear use of public health definitions that can be used internationally to define populations. The term "lymphedema" has historically been defined as either primary, resulting from failure of lymphatic development, or secondary, following damage to the lymphatics (e. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2019 Apr 15. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Department of Lymphatic Surgery AZ Sint-Maarten Mechelen, Belgium Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery National Center for Global Health and Medicine Tokyo, Japan.

JAAD Case Rep 2019 Apr 3;5(4):326-328. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.

Clin Nucl Med 2019 Apr 12. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Centre for Surgical Treatment of Lymphedema, Plastic Surgery Department, Agostino Gemelli Hospital, Cattolica del Sacro Cuore University, Rome.

Stress-lymphoscintigraphy evaluates the effects of exercise on lymph drainage. Results may predict outcomes of complex physical therapy as a first-line lymphedema treatment. Microsurgical approaches are best in patients with lymphangectasia or dermal backflow. Read More

Clin Nucl Med 2019 Apr 12. Epub 2019 Apr 12.

Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the role of Ga-NOTA-Evans Blue (NEB) time-of-flight (TOF) PET/MR in evaluating lower limb lymphedema by visual analysis and novel parameters.

Methods: Thirteen patients with unilateral lower limb lymphedema were divided into 3 groups according to the clinical severity: minimal (4 patients), moderate (5 patients), and severe (4 patients). All patients underwent Ga-NEB TOF PET/MR lymphoscintigraphy. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2019 Apr 11. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Servicio de Dermatología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, España. Electronic address:

Background And Objective: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a staging, not a therapeutic, procedure. The benefits of SLN biopsy have been more modest than expected and could be outweighed by the risks, which remain unclear. The aim of this study was to describe complications and sequelae observed in patients with melanoma who underwent routine SLN biopsy at our hospital. Read More

Support Care Cancer 2019 Apr 13. Epub 2019 Apr 13.

Department of Lymphology, Hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 15, rue Eugène-Millon, 75015, Paris, France.

Background: The professional impact of upper limb lymphedema, which affects 15-20% of women after breast cancer treatment, has been poorly evaluated.

Objective: To analyze lymphedema characteristics and global lymphedema- and/or sleeve-attributed impact (mildly inconvenient to severely debilitating) on professional activities, workplace relationships, and workstation ergonomics.

Methods: Patients received a standardized, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire at consultation/hospitalization for treatment in a specialized lymphedema management center. Read More

J Clin Med 2019 Apr 11;8(4). Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Vascular Biology Center, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.

The lymphatic network is well known for its role in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of dietary lipids, trafficking of immune cells, and adaptive immunity. Aberrant lymphatic function has been linked to lymphedema and immune disorders for a long time. Discovery of lymphatic cell markers, novel insights into developmental and postnatal lymphangiogenesis, development of genetic mouse models, and the introduction of new imaging techniques have improved our understanding of lymphatic function in both health and disease, especially in the last decade. Read More

Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019 Mar 15;7(6):937-942. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Acibadem Sistina Hospital, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia.

Background: Erysipelas is a common infectious skin disease. A typical feature of erysipelas, especially on the lower limbs, is the tendency to reoccur and the study aimed to define the comorbidities associated with it.

Aim: We aimed to investigate systemic and local comorbidities in patients diagnosed with erysipelas on the lower limbs. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2019 Apr 11;12(1):162. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

IRD UMI 233, INSERM U1175, Université de Montpellier, Unité TransVIHMI, 911 Avenue Agropolis, P.O. Box 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France.

Background: Little is known regarding risk factors for lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Central Africa. To expand on what is known, we studied the epidemiology of LF in two endemic villages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods: Dependent variables were Wuchereria bancrofti antigenaemia detected with filarial test strips (FTS) and microfilaraemia detected by night blood smears. Read More

J Cardiothorac Surg 2019 Apr 11;14(1):72. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

Department in cardiac surgery hospital of Damascus university, Damascus, Syria.

Background: Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease with unknown etiology, Attributed to functional anomalies or disturbance in lymphatic drainage. This condition is characterized by triad of nail discoloration, respiratory or intrathoracic manifestations and lymphedema.

Case Presentation: Twenty days after mitral valve replacement for severe rheumatic mitral valve stenosis, 39 years old woman presented with face tenderness and hearing problems besides stuffy and clogged nose and underwent routin rhinosinusitis therapy. Read More

PLoS One 2019 10;14(4):e0214846. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Evidence suggests physical activity (PA) is beneficial for people diagnosed with cancer. Clinical practice guidelines provide specific recommendations based on available research and are useful in informing evidence-based practice and guiding future research. Little is known on the extent and quality of guidelines on PA targeted to the cancer population. Read More

Br J Community Nurs 2019 Apr;24(Sup4):S30-S31

Lymphoedema Clinical Nurse Manager, Compton Care, Wolverhampton Associate Lecturer, University of Wolverhampton.

Br J Community Nurs 2019 Apr;24(Sup4):S3

Clinical Advisor, Sigvaris Britain Ltd; Honorary Lymphoedema Clinical Nurse Specialist, University Hospitals of North Midlands.

Br J Community Nurs 2019 Apr;24(Sup4):S22-S28

Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist, Florence Nightingale Hospice.

Haddenham Easywrap has been available since 2016 and since then case studies have been presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the product in clinical practice. The aim of the article is to demonstrate how its use in chronic oedema, and wound care is beneficial and cost effective and how versatile one product can be in treating both of these conditions. Information gained from the evaluation of easywrap in wound care and management of chronic oedema, demonstrates that easywrap can be a suitable cost effective alternative to traditional compression therapy modalities, whilst improving concordance and quality of life. Read More

Br J Community Nurs 2019 Apr;24(Sup4):S36

Interim Vice Chair, British Lymphology Society.

#LymphoedemaAwareness. Read More

Br J Community Nurs 2019 Apr;24(Sup4):S38

Is the chief executive of the lymphoedema support network. For more information about any aspect of our work, please contact us on 0207 351 0990.

Sci Rep 2019 Apr 9;9(1):5840. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, Georgia.

Lymphedema, a disfiguring condition characterized by an asymmetrical swelling of the limbs, is suspected to be caused by dysfunctions in the lymphatic system. A possible source of lymphatic dysfunction is the reduced mechanosensitivity of lymphangions, the spontaneously contracting units of the lymphatic system. In this study, the entrainment of lymphangions to an oscillatory wall shear stress (OWSS) is characterized in rat thoracic ducts in relation to their shear sensitivity. Read More

J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2019 Apr 5. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Drs. Mohammad and Hunter), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. Electronic address:

The surgical treatment of vulvar cancer has undergone many changes over the last century. The morbidity of open inguinal incisions prompts the search for a minimally-invasive approach to lymph node dissection. This study reports the outcomes of four patients with vulvar cancer, undergoing robotic sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and lymph node (LN) dissection with near-infrared fluorescence. Read More

Breast Dis 2019 Mar 26. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

Faculty of Nursing, AL-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan.

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most common complications among women with breast cancer.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the oncology nurses' knowledge about lymphedema assessment, prevention, and management among women with breast cancer, and identify the relationships between oncology nurses' academic qualification, years of experience, and level of knowledge.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Read More

J Vasc Nurs 2019 Mar 31;37(1):11-17. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Abant Izzet Baysal University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Bolu, Turkey. Electronic address:

The aim of this study was to translate the original English version of the Lymph Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (LYMQoL) into Turkish language and test its reliability and validity in patients with lower limb lymphedema (LLL). A total of 119 patients (86 women and 33 men) with LLL were enrolled in this study. The Turkish version of the Nottingham Health Profile was used to evaluate the criterion validity of related domains in LYMQoL. Read More

Cir Cir 2019 ;86(1):77-80

Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.

Lymphedema is the result of an alteration of the lymphatic drainage, and its most common worldwide cause is filariasis. In our practice usually is associated to neoplasic, inflammatory and granulomatous processes, radiotherapy, hydroelectrolytic disbalances, and idiopathic. It can affect any part of the body, including the penis and scrotum. Read More