The Utilization of e-Health in Lymphedema Care: A Narrative Review.

Background: Electronic health (e-Health), refers to technologies that can be utilized to enhance patient care as well as collect and share health information. e-Health comprises several umbrella terms, including telehealth, mobile health, e-Health, wearables, and artificial intelligence. The types of e-Health technologies being utilized in lymphedema (LE) care are unknown. Method: In this narrative review, a search of published research on the utilization of e-Health technologies in LE-related care was conducted. Results: Five different types of e-Health modalities were found (robotics, artificial intelligence, electronic medical records, smart wearable devices, and instructive online information) spanning 14 use cases and 4 phases of care (preventative, diagnostic, assessment, and treatment phases). Broad e-Health utilization examples were found including robotic-assisted surgery to reduce the likelihood of LE after lymphadenectomy, machine learning to predict patients at risk of filarial-related LE, and a novel wearable device prototype designed to provide lymphatic drainage. Conclusions: e-Health has reported merit in the prevention, diagnoses, assessment, and treatment of LE with utilization demonstrating cutting edge applicability of e-Health for achieving optimal patient care and outcomes. As technology continues to advance, additional research into the utilization of e-Health in LE care is warranted.

Seasonal Variation in Upper Limb Size, Volume, Fluid Distribution, and Lymphedema Diagnosis, Following Breast Cancer Treatment.

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication of breast cancer treatment. Anecdotal and qualitative research suggests that heat and hot weather cause an exacerbation of BCRL; however, there is little quantitative evidence to support this. The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between seasonal climate variation and limb size, volume, fluid distribution, and diagnosis in women following breast cancer treatment. Methods and Results: Women older than the age of 35 years who had undergone treatment for breast cancer were invited to participate. Twenty-five women aged between 38 and 82 years were recruited. Seventy-two percent received surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy as part of their breast cancer treatment. Participants completed anthropometric, circumferential, and bioimpedance measures and a survey on three occasions: November (spring), February (summer), and June (winter). Diagnostic criteria of >2 cm and >200 mL difference between the affected and unaffected arm, and a positive bioimpedance ratio of >1.139 for a dominant arm and >1.066 for nondominant arm was applied across the three measurement occasions. No significant correlation between seasonal variation in climate and upper limb size, volume, or fluid distribution were found in women diagnosed with or at risk of developing BCRL. Lymphedema diagnosis depends on the season and diagnostic measurement tool utilized. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant variation in limb size, volume, or fluid distribution in this population across spring, summer, and winter, although there were linked trends in these values. The diagnosis of lymphedema, however, varied between individual participants throughout the year. This has important implications for the implementation/commencement of treatment and management. Further research with a larger population in different climates is required to explore the status of women with respect to BCRL. The use of common clinical diagnostic criteria did not result in consistent diagnostic classification of BCRL for the women involved in this study.

The Lymphatic System, Lymphoedema, and Medical Curricula-Survey of Australian Medical Graduates.

The aim of this study was to survey the perceptions of recent (i.e., within the past 12 months) Australian medical graduates regarding (i) their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, and (ii) the extent to which the lymphatic system and lymphoedema were covered as part of their medical degree. Medical graduates were invited to participate in a 17-item online survey that asked respondents to rate their level of agreement (using a 5-point Likert scale; higher scores = higher agreement) to statements that explored their understanding and comprehensiveness of their medical degree. Responses to each item were described using n (%). Subscale scores for understanding and medical degree were computed by summing scores of individual items, described using means (SD) and compared by participant characteristics. Medical graduates (n = 230) perceived their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be low, and comprehensiveness of medical curricula specific to the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be lacking. Subscale scores did not differ by participant characteristics. Improvement of medical graduates understanding of lymphoedema may facilitate greater awareness of lymphoedema, thus optimizing the timeliness of diagnosis and access to treatment.

Multidisciplinary preventive intervention for breast cancer-related lymphedema: An international consensus.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a consensus regarding the multidisciplinary prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), taking into account the expert opinion of professional groups from across the world involved in the identification and treatment of breast cancers. METHODS: International consensus study involving a modified nominal group and Delphi process. A total of 50 preventive strategies representing those used by a range of health disciplines involved in breast cancer care were identified by the nominal group. These strategies were categorised into four subgroups (general recommendations, therapeutic approach, rehabilitation medicine and physiotherapy and dietary recommendations) and presented in survey format to a multidisciplinary panel of experts in a two-round Delphi process. Eleven specialist areas and 15 countries were represented on the panel. RESULTS: Twenty-seven experts responded to both Delphi rounds, and the mean overall agreement after Round 2 was 85.7%. Of the 50 proposed strategies for preventing BCRL, 48 yielded consensus among experts. CONCLUSION: We report an international consensus for the multidisciplinary prevention of BCRL, setting out recommendations aimed at systematising the care of women with breast cancer. The consensus could provide a platform for the development of standardised clinical guidelines.

The 10-Min Holistic Self-Care for Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

About 20% of patients with breast cancer are likely to develop breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) following an axillary clearance, and BCRL can be refractory or irreversible to treatment. The aim of this pilot randomized controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-min holistic self-care program for patients with BCRL in Japan. The intervention group (n = 22) practiced the BCRL self-care program including 1) modified Japanese Radio Taiso (Rajio Taiso, national calisthenics in Japan), 2) gentle arm exercises combined with deep breathing, 3) central lymphatic drainage, and 4) skin care using a traditional lymphatic drainage technique daily for 6 months, while the control group (n = 21) received usual care from their hospitals. There was significant group*time interaction in the relative edema volume and relative volume change of the hand, with the intervention group having the better outcome. The intervention group showed significant improvement in transepidermal water loss as well as the mental health component summary score of the SF-8, most of BCRL-related symptoms, self-care time and score, frequencies of exercise, self-lymphatic drainage and skin care, and perceived adherence and effectiveness to self-care, although we were unable to exclude the possibility of the Hawthorne effect. Notably, even in the control group, the self-care was similarly increased, but the significant improvements were detected only in transepidermal water loss on the forearm and upper arm, pain and coldness. In conclusion, the patients who practiced the holistic BCRL self-care for 6 months have shown greater improvement.

Guidelines for teaching yoga to women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: an evidence-based approach.

Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management to prevent the condition worsening and to reduce the threat of infection. Women are affected in all domains of their life. As a holistic practice, yoga may be of benefit by reducing both the physical and psychosocial effects of lymphoedema. Women with BCRL are attending yoga classes in increasing numbers, so it is essential that yoga be based on principles that ensure lymphoedema is controlled and not exacerbated. Two Randomised Controlled Trials with a yoga intervention have had positive results after an 8-week intervention (n=28) and 6-months after a 4-week intervention (n=18). The first study had several significant results and women reported increased biopsychosocial improvements. Both studies showed trends to improved lymphoedema status. The yoga interventions compromised breathing, physical postures, meditation and relaxation practices based on Satyananda Yoga®, with modifications to promote lymphatic drainage and following principles of best current care for those with BCRL. Individual needs were considered. The yoga protocol that was used in the 8-week trial is presented. Our aim is to provide principles for yoga teachers/therapists working with this clientele that can be adapted to other yoga styles. Further, these principles may provide a basis for the development of yoga programs for people with secondary lymphoedema in other areas of their body as the population requiring cancer treatment continues to increase. Whilst the style of yoga presented here has had positive outcomes, further application and research is needed to fully demonstrate its effectiveness.

Strategies for Avoiding Benzopyrone Hepatotoxicity in Lymphedema Management-The Role of Pharmacogenetics, Metabolic Enzyme Gene Identification, and Patient Selection.

INTRODUCTION: Benzopyrones are plant-derived chemicals which have an evidenced degree of clinical efficacy in lymphedema management indicated in past trials. Unfortunately, in some of these cases idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity have been documented in a minority of patients. This review aims to tackle the problem of benzopyrone (particularly coumarin) toxicity by considering their metabolic pathways and identifying relevant alleles needed to take a targeted pharmacogenetic approach in its future use. METHODS AND RESULTS: The nontoxic 7-hydroxylation and the toxic heterocyclic "ring-splitting" epoxidation pathways are the two main detoxification pathways in the hepatometabolism of coumarin, the former catalyzed by CYP2A6 and the latter by possibly CYP1A and CYP2E. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) clears toxic aldehyde intermediates. CYP2A6 polymorphism screening methods, including genotyping, by real-time polymerase chain reaction and chromatography-mass spectroscopy functional metabolite assays; efficiency of these techniques are continually improving. ALDH polymorphisms have also been implicated, with clinically viable screening tests, rapid genotyping, and sensitive questionnaires already available for ALDH2*1/ALDH2*2. Dysfunctional polymorphisms of the above genes and others are significantly more prevalent in Eastern Asian populations, uncommon in Caucasian populations. The role of other enzymes/genes in the pathway is yet to be clarified. CONCLUSION: Although screening techniques are becoming increasingly clinically feasible, uncertainty remains on the link between the genotype, metabolic phenotype, and the exact gene products involved. These must be elucidated further before a targeted pharmacogenomic approach is fully viable. In the meantime, treatment should be avoided in those with vulnerable familial and ethnic descents if used.

A high-resolution tape sensor improves the accuracy of applied pressure profiles during lower-leg bandaging - results from a study using a fibre-optic sensing tape.

Compression bandaging is a mainstay practice in the treatment of conditions such as chronic wounds and lymphoedema. However, the ability of practitioners to measure bandage application to a desired pressure profile is difficult because of sensor limitations. We have used a novel fibre-optic-based, high-resolution sub-bandage pressure monitor to measure adherence to a target pressure gradient during compression bandaging. Participants of various experience (n = 46) were asked to bandage a lower-leg manikin to a gradient of 40 (ankle) to 20 mmHg (proximal calf) in both a blinded trial and subsequently with sensor feedback. Mean pressures across all sensors for both the blind and sensor-guided trials approximated a target mean of 30 mmHg. However, the mean gradient achieved in the blinded trial showed an inverse pressure gradient to the target with a high-pressure region at the mid-calf (44 ± 19 mmHg). Correlation to the target gradient improved from R2 = 0·62 during the blind trial to 0·93 using sensor feedback, with a gradient that closely approximated the target. This demonstrates the use of high-resolution sub-bandage pressure sensing in improving the ability of practitioners to achieve a target pressure gradient in compression bandaging for clinical use and training.

The Lymphatic Response to Injury with Soft-Tissue Reconstruction in High-Energy Open Tibial Fractures of the Lower Extremity.

BACKGROUND: Severe compound tibial fractures are associated with extensive soft-tissue damage, resulting in disruption of lymphatic pathways that leave the patient at risk of developing chronic lymphedema. There are limited data on lymphatic response following lower limb trauma. Indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography is a novel, real-time imaging technique for superficial lymphatic mapping. The authors used this technique to image the superficial lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs in patients with severe compound tibial fracture. METHODS: Baseline demographics and clinical and operative details were recorded in a prospective cohort of 17 patients who had undergone bone and soft-tissue reconstruction after severe compound tibial fracture between 2009 and 2014. Normal lymphatic images were obtained from the patients' noninjured limbs as a control. In this way, the authors investigated any changes to the normal anatomy of the lymphatic system in the affected limbs. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, eight had free muscle flaps with split-thickness skin grafting, one had a free fasciocutaneous flap, one had a full-thickness skin graft, six had local fasciocutaneous flaps, and one had a pedicled gastrocnemius flap. None of the free flaps demonstrated any functional lymphatic vessels; the fasciocutaneous flaps and the skin graft demonstrated impaired lymphatic vessel function and dermal backflow pattern similar to that in lymphedema. Local flaps demonstrated lymphatic blockage at the scar edge. CONCLUSION: Severe compound fractures and the associated soft-tissue injury can result in significant lymphatic disruption and an increased risk for the development of chronic lymphedema.

The effects of yoga on shoulder and spinal actions for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema of the arm: A randomised controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the effect of an 8-week yoga intervention on the shoulder and spinal actions of women with breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema. METHOD: A randomised controlled pilot trial. The intervention group (n = 12) completed eight weeks of daily yoga sessions while the control group (n = 11) continued with best current care including information on compression sleeves, skin care, risks of temperature variations and recommended safe use of affected arm. Lumbo-pelvic posture, range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder and spine, and strength in shoulder and pectoral major and minor, and serratus anterior were taken at baseline, week 8 and after a 4-week follow-up. Outcome assessors were blinded to allocation. RESULTS: At week eight the intervention group had an improvement in lumbo-pelvic posture, as indicated by a reduction in pelvic obliquity compared to the control group (mean difference = -8.39°, 95 % CI: -15.64 to -1.13°, p = 0.023). A secondary finding was that strength in shoulder abduction significantly increased following the yoga intervention in both the affected (9.5 kg; CI: 0.34 to 18.66, p = 0.042) and non-affected arm (11.58 kg; CI: 0.25 to 22.91; p = 0.045). There were no significant between group changes in any ROM measures as a result of the yoga intervention. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates that participation in yoga may provide benefits for posture and strength in women with Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema. The improvements may be attributed to the focus of yoga on overall postural and functional movement patterns. Further trials with longer intervention that follow this methodology are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000202965 .

Inter-Changeability of Impedance Devices for Lymphedema Assessment.

Impedance technology is a popular technique for the early detection of lymphedema. The preferred approach is to use bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), with measurements being made with the subject lying supine, although attempts have been made to use single or multiple frequency impedance measurements obtained while the subject is standing. The aim of the present study was to determine the equivalence of these different approaches. Impedance measurements of the individual limbs of 37 healthy individuals were determined using both a stand-on, multi-frequency impedance device and a supine impedance spectroscopy instrument. Significant differences were found between the instruments in both absolute impedance values and, importantly, inter-limb impedance ratios. Since impedance ratios in healthy individuals provide the reference standard for detection of lymphedema, these data indicate that the methods are not interchangeable. Consideration of the errors associated with each method indicates that the BIS remains the preferred method for lymphedema detection.

Development and validation of a custom made indocyanine green fluorescence lymphatic vessel imager.

Lymphoedema is a chronic progressive condition often producing significant morbidity. An in-depth understanding of an individual's lymphatic architecture is valuable both in the understanding of underlying pathology and for targeting and tailoring treatment. Severe lower limb injuries resulting in extensive loss of soft tissue require transposition of a flap consisting of muscle and/or soft tissue to close the defect. These patients are at risk of lymphoedema and little is known about lymphatic regeneration within the flap. Indocyanine green (ICG), a water-soluble dye, has proven useful for the imaging of lymphatic vessels. When injected into superficial tissues it binds to plasma proteins in lymph. By exposing the dye to specific wavelengths of light, ICG fluoresces with near-infrared light. Skin is relatively transparent to ICG fluorescence, enabling the visualization and characterization of superficial lymphatic vessels. An ICG fluorescence lymphatic vessel imager was manufactured to excite ICG and visualize real-time fluorescence as it travels through the lymphatic vessels. Animal studies showed successful ICG excitation and detection using this imager. Clinically, the imager has assisted researchers to visualize otherwise hidden superficial lymphatic pathways in patients postflap surgery. Preliminary results suggest superficial lymphatic vessels do not redevelop in muscle flaps.

Yoga management of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomised controlled pilot-trial.

BACKGROUND: Secondary arm lymphoedema continues to affect at least 20% of women after treatment for breast cancer requiring lifelong professional treatment and self-management. The holistic practice of yoga may offer benefits as an adjunct self-management option. The aim of this small pilot trial was to gain preliminary data to determine the effect of yoga on women with stage one breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL). This paper reports the results for the primary and secondary outcomes. METHODS: Participants were randomised, after baseline testing, to receive either an 8-week yoga intervention (n = 15), consisting of a weekly 90-minute teacher-led class and a 40-minute daily session delivered by DVD, or to a usual care wait-listed control group (n = 13). Primary outcome measures were: arm volume of lymphoedema measured by circumference and extra-cellular fluid measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy. Secondary outcome measures were: tissue induration measured by tonometry; levels of sensations, pain, fatigue, and their limiting effects all measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life based on the Lymphoedema Quality of Life Tool (LYMQOL). Measurements were conducted at baseline, week 8 (post-intervention) and week 12 (four weeks after cessation of the intervention). RESULTS: At week 8, the intervention group had a greater decrease in tissue induration of the affected upper arm compared to the control group (p = 0.050), as well as a greater reduction in the symptom sub-scale for QOL (p = 0.038). There was no difference in arm volume of lymphoedema or extra-cellular fluid between groups at week 8; however, at week 12, arm volume increased more for the intervention group than the control group (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week yoga intervention reduced tissue induration of the affected upper arm and decreased the QOL sub-scale of symptoms. Arm volume of lymphoedema and extra-cellular fluid did not increase. These benefits did not last on cessation of the intervention when arm volume of lymphoedema increased. Further research trials with a longer duration, higher levels of lymphoedema and larger numbers are warranted before definitive conclusions can be made.

The effect of yoga on women with secondary arm lymphoedema from breast cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Women who develop secondary arm lymphoedema subsequent to treatment associated with breast cancer require life-long management for a range of symptoms including arm swelling, heaviness, tightness in the arm and sometimes the chest, upper body impairment and changes to a range of parameters relating to quality of life. While exercise under controlled conditions has had positive outcomes, the impact of yoga has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of yoga in the physical and psycho-social domains, in the hope that women can be offered another safe, holistic modality to help control many, if not all, of the effects of secondary arm lymphoedema. METHODS AND DESIGN: A randomised controlled pilot trial will be conducted in Hobart and Launceston with a total of 40 women receiving either yoga intervention or current best practice care. Intervention will consist of eight weeks of a weekly teacher-led yoga class with a home-based daily yoga practice delivered by DVD. Primary outcome measures will be the effects of yoga on lymphoedema and its associated symptoms and quality of life. Secondary outcome measures will be range of motion of the arm and thoracic spine, shoulder strength, and weekly and daily physical activity. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, weeks four, eight and a four week follow up at week twelve. Range of motion of the spine, in a self-nominated group, will be measured at baseline, weeks eight and twelve. A further outcome will be the women's perceptions of the yoga collected by interview at week eight. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will provide information on the safety and effectiveness of yoga for women with secondary arm lymphoedema from breast cancer treatment. It will also inform methodology for future, larger trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12611000202965.

Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of the Maternity Emergency Care course in remote Australia.

BACKGROUND: The Council for Remote Area Nurses of Australia deliver the MEC course which is the only short-course on maternity emergencies offered to non-midwifery qualified remote area nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers. The aim of the course is to improve the maternity emergency skills and knowledge of health service providers who do not have midwifery qualifications. There has been no long-term evaluation of the course since its inception. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: To review the longer-term effectiveness of the maternity emergency care (MEC) course which was developed in consultation with the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) and rural and remote practitioners in 2003. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven clinicians who completed the MEC course since 2003 responded to a survey. Seven remote area health managers and two course facilitators were interviewed. RESULTS: This study provides an evaluation of the experiences of non-midwives who manage maternity emergencies in the rural and remote setting; their perception of the skills, knowledge and confidence acquired through participation in the MEC program. CONCLUSIONS: The MEC course is valued by both remote health managers and practitioners. The learning activities, skills and knowledge gained are reported to be very beneficial and used by remote health practitioners.

Estimating survival in patients with cancer receiving palliative care: is analysis of body composition using bioimpedance helpful?

BACKGROUND: This research investigated whether bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) has the potential to improve prognostication in an outpatient clinic for patients with cancer receiving palliative care. METHODS: Survival time, and BIS measures of basal metabolic rate and 11 body composition parameters (extracellular fluid [ECF], intracellular fluid [ICF], ratio of ECF to ICF, fluid in trunk and each arm and leg, protein mass, mineral mass, and percent body fat) were recorded for 84 oncology patients. RESULTS: None of the BIS measures showed a linear association with survival time. However, threshold values associated with short survival were identified for basal metabolic rate and 6 of the body composition measures related to fluid (ECF, ratio of ECF to ICF, fluid in right and left arms, and right and left legs). In addition, almost all patients who died within 6 weeks of assessment reached the threshold values for ECF and/or ECF:ICF ratio. CONCLUSION: Results confirm that elevated metabolic rate and accumulation of body fluid are indicators of a poor prognosis in patients with cancer receiving palliative care. Because BIS is simple for clinicians to use, is noninvasive, and allows early detection of these parameters, it has the potential to improve prognostication.