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The aim of this study is to identify the lymphedema characteristics and the efficacy of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) in 29 patients with malignant lymphedema. After CDP, total decreased volume of lymphedema was 306 mL, percentage of excess volume (PEV) changed from 43.4% to 22.7%, and lymphedema severity improved from severe to moderate status. The CDP efficacy-percentage reduction in excess volume (PREV) was 46.6%. The stage of lymphedema (P = .004), range of motion (P < .001), pain, heaviness, and tension scores (P < .001) were significantly improved after CDP. This shows that CDP is efficacious and useful in malignant lymphedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the influence of compression bandages, manufactured using materials with different elastic properties, on the impaired venous pumping function in patients with venous insufficiency. Methods: Ejection volume (EV) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured using strain gauge plethysmography distal from the patella without and with elastic and inelastic compression bandages in a total of 30 patients with major venous reflux in the great saphenous vein. The interface pressure of the bandages was measured simultaneously in the medial gaiter area. Normal values of EV and EF were obtained from 15 healthy controls. Results: Patients with venous insufficiency showed a statistically significant reduction of EV and EF compared to controls. Elastic bandages with an average pressure of 42mmHg in the supine position achieved a moderate increase of EV and a significant improvement of EF (p < .01), while inelastic bandages applied with comparable resting pressure (41mmHg) raised EV and EF into a normal range (p < .001). The improvement of the ejection fraction correlates well with the pressure differences between standing and lying (Static Stiffness Index) and between muscle systole and diastole during exercise (Pearson r = 0.69 and 0.74 respectively, p < .001). Elastic bandages applied with high stretch in order to achieve standing pressures comparable to those of inelastic bandages (>60mmHg) led only to a minor improvement of the venous pumping function. Conclusions: Ejected volume and ejection fraction, which are severely reduced in venous insufficiency, can be increased by compression therapy. Inelastic compression is much more effective than elastic bandages, and is able to normalize venous pumping function. With elastic bandages EV and EF always remain below the normal range even when applied with high stretch producing a resting pressure that is barely tolerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Venous leg ulcers represent a major clinical problem, with poor rates of healing. Ideal treatment is compression bandaging. The effect of compression on neurovascular tissues involved in wound repair is unclear. This study aims to assess the effect of four-layer compression therapy (40 mmHg) on neurovascular function and wound healing in people with chronic venous leg ulcers – 15 people (55 years or older) with venous leg ulcers for more than six weeks. Methods: Basal microvascular perfusion measurement (MPM), oxygen tension (tcpO2) measured at sensor temperatures of 39°C and 44°C and sensory nerve function using electrical cutaneous perception thresholds (ECPT) at 5, 250 and 2000 Hz (corresponding to C, Aδ and Aβ fibres) were assessed adjacent to the ulcer site, and at a mirror location on the non-ulcerated limb. Testing was undertaken before and after therapy for 5–12 weeks of four-layer compression bandaging. Results: There was significant improvement in tcpO2 at 44°C and ECPT at 2000 Hz (P<0.05) compared with pre-intervention. Changes in basal MPM, tcpO2 at 39°C and ECPT at 5 and 250 Hz after compression therapy did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Four-layer compression bandaging in people with venous leg ulcers improved some components of neurovascularture in people with chronic venous leg ulcers. Whether this improvement has contributed to wound healing in this study requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]