Increases in arm volume predict lymphoedema and quality of life deficits after axillary surgery: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymphoedema develops after axillary clearance (ANC) in 25% of patients. This prospective, multi-centre study compared multi-frequency bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) with arm volume measurement to: (1) determine which test has better diagnostic accuracy, (2) identify factors predicting development of lymphoedema, and its effect on quality-of-life.

Methods

Participants (N = 1100) underwent measurements pre and post-ANC surgery for breast cancer. Relative arm volume increase (RAVI) of >10% diagnosed lymphoedema. Predictors of lymphoedema were determined using logistic regression. Optimal diagnostic method was assessed using diagnostic accuracy. Quality-of-life was assessed using the FACT B + 4 questionnaire.

Results

Lymphoedema was diagnosed in 22.8% women us

SUBMITTER: Bundred N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7341763 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature