KRONİK VENÖZ YETMEZLİK HASTALARINDA MANUEL LENF DRENAJININ LOKAL DOKUDAKİ SU ORANLARI VE YAŞAM KALİTESİ ÜZERİNE ETKİLERİ: PİLOT ÇALIŞMA

Abstract

Background: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an alternative treatment approach that can be used in patients with a diagnosis of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). This study aimed to examine the effects of MLD on local tissue water and quality of life (QoL) in CVI patients. Methods: Ten patients were included in the study. The patients with venous reflux greater than 0.5 seconds enrolled in the CVI group, and individuals without venous reflux were categorized as the Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) group. The water percentages in the local tissue were measured with the MoistureMeterD Compact device. QoL was assessed with the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (VEINES-QOL/Sym). Results: Symptom score increased from 32.60±5.68 to 36.40±6.95, and total QoL score increased from 51.8±5.89 to 55.6±5.32 significantly in patients with CVD. Symptom score increased from 29.00±5.96 to 34.00±6.12, and total QoL score increased from 47.20±8.58 to 52.00±5.96 significantly in patients with CVI. No more significant improvement in quality of life in either CVI or CVD group (p>0.05). MLD has an effect on the water absorption from the local tissue in the CVD although this decrease was not statistically significant, and it was insufficient in the CVI stage (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was thought that MLD could provide relief in the symptoms and an improvement in QoL, independent of the presence of venous reflux. In future studies, the change in the local tissue water with MLD should be examined in patients with CVI with a larger number of patients.