RESUMO
Objective: To investigate the impact of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) on the severity of frailty and quality of life in individuals suffering from postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome. Methods: Participants who met the inclusion criteria were informed about CDT and informed consent was obtained. Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS), extremity volüme (EV), lymphedema stage(LS), EQ-5D General Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D-5L), and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were evaluated by the same physician before and after treatment. A total of 15 sessions of CDT were performed for 3 weeks, five days a week. During the treatment period, hospitalized patients received guidance from a nurse on protecting the affected arm in their daily routine. Results: Eighty patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Following a period of 3 weeks of practice and training, the specialist physician conducted the final evaluation and assessments. All patients showed a statistically significant reduction in EV, and regression in LS, EFS, and Quick DASH score (p<0.001). Statistically significant improvement was also observed in quality of life and general health status. (p<0.001). Conclusion: The application of 15 sessions of CDT and educational interventions to women with postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome due to breast cancer yielded positive outcomes. This approach led to an enhancement in patients' functional capacity, improving their quality of life and a subsequent reduction in the severity of frailty.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) on cancer-related fatigue, sleep quality, and lymphedema-specific quality of life using validated and reliable questionnaires in cancer patients being commendable. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study includes 94 patients who had postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome. The demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. The participants' stages of lymphedema (The International Society of Lymphology), Hirai Cancer Fatigue Scale (HCFS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Global score, lymphedema-specific quality of life questionnaire (LYMQOL-ARM) score, and Global health status were recorded before and after CDT. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58.49 ± 10.96 years. Strong correlations were found between the severity of edema and global health status. There was a significant positive relationship between the HCFS score, PSQI Global score, LYMQOL-ARM score, and CDT. After decongestive physiotherapy, the majority of the lymphedema stages were downstaging (p < 0.05), respectively. There was also a trend toward improvement in general well-being (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbance can persist for years after surgery in women with breast cancer. This can negatively affect the patient physically, socially and cognitively. Our study, which is the first study to investigate the HCFS score in postmastectomy patients and the relationship between PSQI Global score and CDT. The findings identify the risk factors that affect these outcomes in women with lymphedema and can provide valuable insights for targeted interventions and improved patient care.