Lymphatic deseases: geriatrical epidemiological data: the role of rehabilitation

Background

In 1994 the WHO showed about 140 millions cases of lymphedema (Table 1).

Table 1 Statistics WHO 1994

Italian epidemiological studies report that primary lymphedema are more frequent than secondary. The localization of upper limbs recognizes secondary lymphedema; the primary ones can be located in lower limbs. 30-40 y.o. women are more exposed.

In geriatric patients lymphedema is generally secondary and concerned with upper limbs (Mastectomy). In lower limbs it follows cervix carcinoma treatments (46%), urologic diseases (39%), melanoma treatments (6%), Hodgkin lymphoma (3%), venous failures etc.

In geriatric patients lymphedema disabilities make previous pathologies worse and rehabilitative therapies are recommended.

Materials and methods

In UO Medicina Riabilitativa, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Lymphedema is treated throught a Rehabilitative Project performed by a Team.

The treatments are concerned with patient’s impairments and disabilities, according to ICF.

Results

In 2008, 83 new patients have been examined. 10 males and 73 females. Mean age 57,7 y.o.

25 Lymphedema in over 65 y.o. patients: 24 secondary and 1 primary. The secondary were: 44 post-mastectomy; 21 post surgical operation on pelvis or lower limbs; 8 after CVD; 1 post-radiotherapy; 1 post erysipelas. Tables 2, 3 and 4

Table 2 Statistics

Table 3

Table 4

Conclusions

This statistics show that in geriatric patients lymphatic system pathologies are often related both to CVD and to surgery (pelvis operations) with inguinal, iliac and lumbar aortic nodes removal.