Factors associated with lymphedema volume in patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema

Abstract

Objective

We aimed to investigate demographic and clinical characteristics associated with lymphedema volume in this patient population.

Methods

This was a single centre, cross-sectional study. Eighty-six patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema were included. The dependent variable was lymphedema volume. The independent variables were age, body mass index, gender, employment status, smoking status, duration of lymphedema, history of infection, type of lymphedema, and the interactions between history of infection and smoking status and between history of infection and type of lymphedema.

Results

The interactions between history of infection and smoking status (B = 25.04, 95% CI [8.87, 41.22], p < .01) and between history of infection and type of lymphedema (B = 13.11, 95% CI [0.62, 25.60], p = .04) were associated with lymphedema volume. Being employed was associated with lower lymphedema volume (B = −10.53, 95% CI [−18.36, −2.70], p < .01). Age, body mass index, gender, and duration of lymphedema were not associated with lymphedema volume (p > .05).

Conclusions

In patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema, smokers or patients with primary lymphedema tend to have higher lymphedema volume when they experience an infection. Employed patients exhibit lower lymphedema volume compared to non-employed patients. Age, body mass index, gender, and duration of lymphedema are not associated with lymphedema volume.