Lymphedema and Elephantiasis of the Lower Limbs: Normalization or Nearly Normalization.

Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from a failure in the drainage of the lymphatic system and the consequent formation of edema and is a chronic progressive condition; its development is an active dynamic process. Physiotherapy techniques are the most widely used method for such cases. However, novel concepts and treatment techniques have emerged in recent years. Godoy & Godoy have developed novel therapy concepts proposing the normalization or near normalization of all clinical stages of lymphedema, including elephantiasis.The Godoy & Godoy method has undergone continual evolution, with the improvement of established and the emergence of novel concepts making contributions to the understanding of the causes and treatment of lymphedema. These researchers developed a novel concept of manual lymphatic drainage based on linear movements, cervical lymphatic therapy, a novel concept in mechanical lymphatic drainage, and hand-crafted stockings made with grosgrain material. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to report the new concepts of treatment for lymphedema and the maintenance of such results by the Godoy & Godoy technique in all stages. The Godoy & Godoy method enables the normalization or near normalization of lymphedema in all clinical stages, including elephantiasis.

Synthesis and Physiological Remodeling of CD34 Cells in the Skin following the Reversal of Fibrosis through Intensive Treatment for Lower Limb Lymphedema: A Case Report.

A novel type of cell underwent identification between 2005 and 2008 and was denominated the "telocyte" in 2010. In 2012, transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of telocytes in the dermis. The aim of the present study was to report important changes in immunostained CD34 cells following the treatment of lower limb lymphedema using a specific lymphatic therapy technique. A clinical trial involving the evaluation of changes in immunostained CD34 cells in the epidermis and dermis (10 randomly selected histological fields) of a patient before and after intensive treatment for clinical stage II lymphedema was conducted using the Godoy Method, which was adapted to the treatment of skin fibrosis. The evaluation involved the use of the Weibel multi-point morphometric method. Comparisons were performed using the t-test with a 95% significance level. An important increase in CD34 cells was found with redistribution occurring following treatment. The treatment of primary lymphedema of the lower limbs resulted in the clinical reversal of fibrosis and an increase in the number of immunomarked CD34 cells.

Mortality and Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Gamma Variant of Covid 19 and Lung Injury.

Purpose: The SARS-CoV-2 disease predisposes infected individuals to thrombosis, the underlying mechanisms of which are not fully understood. The balance between pro-coagulant factors and natural coagulation inhibitors in critically ill patients with Covid-19 is fundamental to the prevention and treatment of complications. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pulmonary injury patterns in Covid-19 having higher mortality in the presence of deep vein thrombosis in comparison to patients without venous thrombosis and determine the Gamma variant. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving the evaluation of 200 medical records of patients with Covid-19 and a clinical suspicion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at the intensive care unit of a public hospital. The sample was divided into two groups of patients were formed - those positive and those negative for DVT. Statistical analysis involved the use of Fisher's exact test, the paired t-test and chi-square test. Results: Patients with DVT had more severe lung injuries (greater than 70%) compared to those without DVT (p = 0.003). Lesions affecting 50% to 70% of the lung area occurred in little more half of the group with DVT and just under half in the group without DVT (p = 0.5). Pulmonary lesions affecting less than 50% of the lung occurred more in patients without DVT (p = 0.0001). The Gamma variant increased prevalence of the both DVT and mortality (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Deep vein thrombosis is an aggravating factor of mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2, and the Gamma variant is an aggravating factor of both thrombotic events and mortality.

Reduction of Arm Lymphedema Using Manual Lymphatic Therapy (Godoy Method).

BACKGROUND: The manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) technique used during the early stages following surgical treatment of breast cancer can help prevent the progression of clinical lymphedema. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual lymphatic therapy (MLT) (Godoy method) in reducing the development of lymphedema immediately after breast cancer treatment. METHOD: A randomized, blind, crossover, clinical trial was conducted involving 66 women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), who underwent one hour of manual physical therapy and one hour of the control procedure. To evaluate the volume before and after the application of the MLT technique, volumetry, a water displacement technique was used. For statistical analysis, the paired t-test with 5% alpha error by Stats Direct 3(StatsDirect Ltd, Wirral, UK) was used. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the volume of the limb was found in all patients (p-value = 0.0001, paired t-test). CONCLUSION: MLT is effective in reducing lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.

Mortality and Change in the Prevalence of Deep Vein Thrombosis Associated With SARS-CoV-2 P.1 Variant.

Background and objective Thrombosis is one of the significant challenges associated with cardiovascular diseases and a prominent cause of death globally. This study aimed to determine the monthly and overall mortality rates by sex and age group in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in those patients. We also investigated whether the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) P.1 variant influenced DVT. Methods We determined the overall prevalence of COVID-19 per sex, age, and monthly mortality using hospital data at the São José do Rio Preto School of Medicine, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data of COVID-19 patients with DVT as determined by echo-Doppler ultrasound (EDU) were analyzed by taking two time periods into account (prior to and after the onset of the predominance of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant) to evaluate whether the viral variant exerted an influence on the prevalence of DVT. Patients with COVID-19 but without DVT comprised the control group. The first period was from March 2020 to February 2021, and the second was from March to June 2021. Results Between March 2020 and June 2021, 6,199 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 at our institution. Of these, 2,805 (45.25%) were women and 3,376 (54.47%) were men. Two hundred fifty-four were diagnosed with DVT based on lower limb EDU. The mean mortality rate was significantly associated with sex (38.36% for men and 27.16% for women; p=0.01). The incidence of DVT in patients with COVID-19 rose significantly from 1.6% during the first study period to 7.7% during the second study period (p=0.0001), when the P.1 variant became the predominant strain. The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 and DVT (58.1%) compared to the control group (33.6%; p=0.0001). Conclusion Based on our findings, the incidence and prevalence of DVT increased with the predominance of P.1. viral variant. Early diagnosis and the reassessment of prophylaxis are the two most important factors to be addressed in this patient population.

Lipedema in Male Progressing to Subclinical and Clinical Systemic Lymphedema.

The aim of the present case study was to report the 3-year follow-up of a male patient with lipedema and subclinical systemic lymphedema evaluated using multi-segment bioimpedance. The report describes the case of a 53-year-old male with a history of oncological surgery involving lymph node clearance in the right inguinal region followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The physical examination revealed lipedema and lymphedema in the right lower limb. The patient was submitted to multi-segment bioimpedance, circumference measurements and volumetry, with the detection of clinical lymphedema of the limb. The patient underwent intensive treatment for lymphedema using the Godoy Method®, which resulted in a substantial reduction in the edema. However, at the 1-year follow-up, the patient had progressed to subclinical systemic lymphedema, followed a year later by clinical systemic lymphedema evaluated using multi-segment bioimpedance. Lipedema is less frequent in men compared to women, but the increase in weight is an aggravating factor in both sexes. This condition initially affects the lower limbs, progressing to subclinical systemic lymphedema, followed by clinical systemic lymphedema determined using multi-segment bioimpedance, demonstrating that edema in patients with lipedema may be systemic.

Case Report: Godoy & Godoy method of cervical lymphatic therapy - indirect evaluation of the effect of the duration of stimulation on ocular edema.

The aim of the present study is to report the indirect evaluation of cervical stimulation considering the effect of the duration of the stimulus on the control of intraocular pressure in a patient with bilateral glaucoma with important ocular edema.  A 47-year-old woman reported the onset of pain and bilateral tearing in the eyes at 35 years of age and was diagnosed with glaucoma. The patient began clinical treatment, but intraocular pressure remained 35 to 40 mmHg even with the use of four eye medications in the form of drops. The patient reported that her vision was always blurred despite the use of the eyedrops. The patient was submitted to the Godoy & Godoy method of cervical lymphatic therapy to reduce the edema. The ophthalmologist measured her intraocular pressure every two and three days. We found that the pressure was maintained below 20 mmHg when lymphatic therapy was performed every two days, but intraocular pressure increased and the vision became blurred when therapy was performed every three days. The Godoy & Godoy method of cervical lymphatic therapy constitutes a novel lymphatic system stimulation strategy that maintains its effect on intraocular pressure for approximately 48 hours, as demonstrated through an indirect evaluation.

Monotherapy for the Treatment of Lymphedema in Children: A Review.

The Godoy Method of cervical lymphatic therapy is the first treatment option as monotherapy for children which facilitates achieving normalization or near normalization of the affected limb as well as the maintenance of the results, which could assist millions of children throughout the world.

Mechanical Lymphatic Drainage (RAGodoy®): Literature Review.

Lymphatic drainage is the main form of therapy for lymphedema, as it affects the pathophysiology of this clinical condition. The two main objectives of lymphatic drainage are the formation and drainage of lymph. In recent years, Godoy & Godoy developed a novel concept of mechanical lymphatic drainage involving a device denominated RAGodoy®, which performs passive exercises of the lower and upper limbs as a form of lymphatic drainage. The aim of the present study was to address the concept of this therapy as well as perform a literature review on its forms of use and the results obtained. All studies analyzed show that this technique used as monotherapy enables the treatment of lymphedema, but superior results are achieved when combined with compression mechanisms.

Mortality of Patients Infected by COVID-19 with and without Deep-Vein Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence points to a state of hypercoagulability (consequence of hyperinflammation) as an important pathogenic mechanism that contributes to the increase in mortality in cases of COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of deep-vein thrombosis on mortality patient's infected with SARS-CoV-2. METHOD: A clinical trial was conducted involving 200 consecutive patients with COVID-19-100 patients who were positive for deep-vein thrombosis (venous Doppler ultrasound) and 100 who were negative for deep-vein thrombosis at a public hospital. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 67% in the group positive for DVT and 31% in the group negative for DVT. CONCLUSION: Deep-vein thrombosis is associated with an increase in mortality in patients with COVID-19 and failures can occur with conventional prophylaxis for deep-vein thrombosis.

Intensive Treatment for Upper Limb Lymphedema.

Introduction Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a complication of treatment for breast cancer. The aim of the present study is to report a form of intensive treatment for BCRL. Method A crossover study was conducted involving the evaluation of the change in the volume of the upper limbs of 45 women with BCRL who underwent the intensive Godoy Method® (eight hours/day for five days). Volumetric analyses were performed before and after treatment and differences were analyzed using the paired t-test. Reductions in volume were found in all patients. Results The average reduction was 45.38%. The reduction was between 15% and 20% in 6.67% of the women (n = 3); 20% to 30% in 13.33% (n = 6); 30% to 40% in 20% (n = 9); 40% to 50% in 40% (n = 18); and more than 50% in 20% of the women (n = 9). Conclusion The intensive form of treatment for lymphedema is highly effective in a short period of time, with a 40% to 50% reduction in volume in five days, but requires specialized centers adapted to this form of therapy. This is an option for reference centers in the treatment of lymphedema and the formation of human resources.

Exercising and Compression Mechanism in the Treatment of Lymphedema.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adjustments to a compression stocking on reductions in leg volume during walking in patients with lymphedema. METHOD: Fourteen women and three men suffering from leg lymphedema with ages between 21 and 68 years old (mean 45.68 years) were randomly enrolled in this study. Evaluations were made by volumetry before and after each session of controlled walking. Patients were subjected to three one-hour sessions of walking slowly on the flat ground monitored by a professional. For the first session, the patients used a well-adjusted cotton-polyester compression stocking, for the second they used a badly adjusted compression stocking made of the same fabric, and for the third, no compression garment was used. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: On comparing the volume before and after walking for one hour with the well-adjusted cotton-polyester compression stocking, there was a mean reduction of 46.2 mL ± 66.95 mL (p-value < 0.02) in the volume of the lymphedema. In the one-hour session of walking without any compression, the volume of the leg increased by 74.4 mL ± 99.75 mL (p-value < 0.007). On walking with the compression stocking badly adjusted, there was a mean increase in the volume of 31.6 mL ± 46.9 mL (p-value < 0.14). CONCLUSION: Walking is a type of muscle activity that can be transformed into a type of daily exercise when you are guided by how it is going to be performed. The exercise, in this study specifically, walking, with a strict control of speed and time of realization using a compression mechanism is well adjusted to the volume of the limb and surely effective in reducing edema.

Primary Congenital Lymphedema with More Than 10 Years of Treatment Using the Godoy Method Through to Adolescence.

Introduction: Lymphedema is a specific type of edema that affects regions of the body in a chronic, progressive manner. Aim: The aim of the present study was to describe the therapeutic evolution of more than ten years of treatment for primary congenital lymphedema using the Godoy and Godoy method. Method: Ten children with primary congenital lymphedema with more than ten years of treatment at the Godoy Clinic were evaluated. Children with a clinical diagnosis of primary congenital lymphedema in treatment for more than 10 years with the Godoy Method. Cervical stimulation is the first treatment option of the method and is performed as monotherapy. The patients were reevaluated with weekly, bi-weekly and monthly frequencies and then every three months or when the family was able to return to the clinic. Results: For cases in which cervical stimulation was not possible, grosgrain stockings as monotherapy was the second therapeutic option. Conclusion: The Godoy and Godoy Method is effective at reducing edema in cases of primary congenital lymphedema, with the maintenance of the results throughout the treatment period.

Stimulation of Synthesis and Lysis of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Fibrosis Associated with Lymphedema.

Background: Fibrotic diseases pose a problem for overall health due to their chronic, progressive nature; the lack of a cure; and the fact that such conditions are largely refractory to current medical and surgical treatment practices. Objective: The aim of the present study was to report the physiological stimulation of synthesis and lysis of extracellular matrix proteins during the treatment of primary lymphedema. Material and Methods: A clinical trial was conducted involving the analysis of changes in type I and III collagen fibers and elastic fibers as well as the thickness of the epidermis and dermis in 10 histological fields. Samples were taken from the skin before and after intensive treatment using the Godoy Method® and adapted to the treatment of fibrosis in a patient with a clinical diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema. Slides were stained with orcein, hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red, and Gomori's reticulin stains. Weibel's multipoint method was used for the morphometric evaluation. The data were compared using the t-test with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Significant changes were detected in all aspects of interest (thickness of the epidermis and dermis, type I and III collagen fibers, and elastic fibers). Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate the physiological stimulation of synthesis and lysis of the main components of an extracellular matrix, such as type I and III collagen fibers and elastic fibers, as well as a reduction in the thickness of the epidermis and dermis in cases of fibrosis through adequate stimulation of the lymphatic system.

Lipedema and the Evolution to Lymphedema With the Progression of Obesity.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical and clinical systemic lymphedema in patients with lipedema and different body mass index (BMI) values. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of subclinical systemic lymphedema and clinical lymphedema of the lower limbs detected by bioimpedance (InBody S10 device, Seoul, Korea) in 258 women with clinically diagnosed lipedema. The patients were divided into three groups based on BMI: Group I - BMI below 30 kg/m2; Group II - BMI between 30 and 40 kg/m2; and Group III - BMI 40 to 50 kg/m2. RESULTS:  Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant difference between Group I and both Groups II and III (p = 0.0001) regarding the occurrence of lower limb lymphedema. CONCLUSION: Patients with lipedema can develop edema even when their weight is within the standards of normality. However, obesity is an aggravating factor, as the prevalence of lipedema increases progressively with the increase in weight.

Intensive Treatment of Lower-Limb Lymphedema and Variations in Volume Before and After: A Follow-Up.

Background and objective Lymphedema is a clinical condition resulting from a failure in the drainage of the lymphatic system and the consequent formation of edema. The aim of the present study was to report the results of five days of intensive treatment for lymphedema and the maintenance of such results at the first follow-up evaluation. Method A clinical trial was conducted involving 409 patients with primary or secondary unilateral, lower-limb lymphedema who underwent intensive treatment with the Godoy method. The treatment consisted of eight hours per day of mechanical lymphatic drainage, 15 minutes per day of cervical stimulation, and compression mechanics involving the use of laced grosgrain (non-elastic) stockings alternated with bandages. Volumetric evaluations were performed at baseline, after five days of intensive treatment, and at the first follow-up evaluation performed one to three months after intensive treatment. Results The mean volume was 2,083.43 ml at baseline and 937.55 ml after five days of intensive treatment, corresponding to a 55% reduction. The mean was 800.83 ml at the follow-up evaluation, corresponding to a reduction of 137 ml [17.12 non-significant difference (p = 0.1)]. Conclusion The intensive treatment of lymphedema leads to considerable reductions in edema within a short period of time, facilitating the continuity of treatment and demonstrating the credibility of the method.

Prevalence of Subclinical Systemic Lymphedema in Patients Following Treatment for Breast Cancer and Association with Body Mass Index.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical systemic lymphedema in patients with lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer and the association with the body mass index (BMI). A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of subclinical systemic lymphedema using bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer. One hundred women with lymphedema of the upper limbs resulting from treatment for breast cancer were evaluated at the Godoy Clinic in 2019. Fisher's exact test demonstrated a significant association between BMI higher than 30 kg/m2 and subclinical systemic lymphedema (p=0.01). The prevalence of subclinical systemic lymphedema is high among patients with lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer and is associated with the increase in BMI.