Immobilization, Lymphedema, and Obesity are Predictive Factors in the Development of Adhesive Capsulitis in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective Adhesive capsulitis is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and stiffness. Breast cancer treatment has been linked to the development of this condition, but its mechanisms are still little known. This study's objective was to identify predictors factors associated with the development of adhesive capsulitis in breast cancer patients.

Methods A case control study was performed with women undergoing treatment for breast cancer in a single center. The sampling was nonprobabilistic and consecutive. Adhesive capsulitis was defined as constant pain associated with decreased active and passive shoulder movement in anterior elevation, external rotation at 0°/90° abduction, and internal rotation at 90° abduction. The study group consisted of patients with shoulder pain and range of motion limitations, while the control group consisted of women without any shoulder abnormalities. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected. A univariate logistic regression was used to assess the influence of variables on the studied outcome. For p < 0.20, a multivariate logistic regression was used. The probability of null hypothesis rejection was 5%.

Results A total of 145 women were assessed, with 39 (26.9%) on the study group and 106 (73.1%) on the control group. The majority was under 60 years old. In the multivariate analysis, variables correlated to the outcome under study were shoulder immobilization (OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.33–7.18; p = 0.009), lymphedema (OR = 5.09; 95% CI: 1.81–14.35; p = 0.002), and obesity (OR = 3.91; 95% CI: 1.27–12.01; p = 0.017).

Conclusion Lymphedema, postsurgery immobilization, and obesity are predictive factors for the development of adhesive capsulitis in breast cancer patients.

Resumo

Objetivo Capsulite adesiva é uma afecção caracterizada por dor e limitação dos movimentos do ombro. O tratamento do câncer de mama está relacionado ao desenvolvimento dessa doença por meio de mecanismos ainda pouco conhecidos. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento de capsulite adesiva em pacientes com câncer de mama.

Métodos Um estudo caso-controle foi realizado com mulheres em tratamento para câncer de mama em um centro único. A amostra foi consecutiva e não-probabilística. A capsulite adesiva foi pré-definida como dor constante e diminuição da amplitude de movimentos em elevação anterior, rotação externa em 0°/90° abdução e rotação interna em 90° abdução. O grupo caso foi constituído por pacientes com dor e limitação de todos os movimentos do ombro, enquanto o controle por pacientes sem qualquer alteração nesta articulação. Variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas foram coletadas. Foi realizada uma análise de regressão logística univariada para avaliar a influência das variáveis em relação ao desfecho estudado. Para valores de p < 0,20, realizou-se a análise de regressão logística multivariada. A probabilidade de se rejeitar a hipótese nula foi de 5%.

Resultados Foram avaliadas 145 mulheres, sendo 39 casos (26,9%) casos e 106 controles (73,1%). Na análise multivariada, as variáveis associadas ao desfecho estudado foram imobilização do ombro (OR = 3,09; 95% IC: 1,33–7,18; p = 0,009), linfedema (OR = 5,09; 95% IC: 1,81–14,35; p = 0,002) e obesidade (OR = 3,91; 95% IC: 1,27–12,01; p = 0,017).

Conclusão Linfedema, imobilização pós-cirúrgica e obesidade são fatores preditores associados ao desenvolvimento de capsulite adesiva em pacientes com câncer de mama.

Keywords

breast cancer - shoulder - adhesive capsulitis - obesity - lymphedema

Palavras-chave

câncer de mama - ombro - capsulite adesiva - obesidade - linfedema

Contributions

All of the authors contributed with the project and data interpretation, the writing of the article, the critical review of the intellectual content, and with the final approval of the version to be published.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 29. November 2022

Angenommen: 14. Juli 2023

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
09. November 2023

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