Effect of Metabolic Syndrome on Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy Outcomes in Lymphedema Patients

This study was planned to investigate the effects of metabolic syndrome seen in patients with lymphedema on the results of complex decongestive physiotherapy. Lymphedema is a chronic disease characterized by the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space. Among all the treatment approaches known in the field, Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDT) is accepted as the gold standard in the treatment of lymphedema. CDT is a treatment approach consisting of manual lymph drainage, skin care, compression bandage and exercises. In clinical studies conducted to date, the effectiveness of CDFT in the treatment of lower and upper extremity lymphedema has been clearly demonstrated.

Metabolic syndrome is a medical term that describes the combination of various cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus, obesity, abdominal fat accumulation, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Obesity, the cardinal component of the metabolic syndrome, is a well-known risk factor for lymphedema, and increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with the frequency and severity of lymphedema. Obesity often accompanies lymphedema due to the effect of lymphedema and the characteristics of patients with lymphedema.

Our aim in this study, which was planned in the light of these data, is to examine whether the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with lymphedema changes the effectiveness of CDT.

Inclusion criteria

• Those between the ages of 18-65,
• To be diagnosed with lymphedema in the lower or upper extremities
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Getting >24 points from the Standardized Mini mental test

Exclusion criteria

• Having a score of <24 on the Standardized Mini Mental Test
• Finding any problem preventing communication