Treatment Approaches with Compression Therapy for Lipedema

Abstract

Background Compression therapy is recommended as a therapeutic option for the treatment of lipedema. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of treatment approaches with compression therapy on pain in patients with lipedema.

Methods A systematic literature review, single-arm as well as a comparative meta-analyses were performed.

Results A total of three studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The single-arm meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in pain by a treatment approach including compression therapy. Furthermore, a significantly greater reduction in pain (Mean Difference: -2.15 [95: CI: -3.06; -1.24]; p≤0.01; I² =0.00 %) was calculated for a treatment approach with compression therapy compared to treatment without compression therapy.

Conclusion A multimodal treatment approach with compression therapy has a positive effect on pain in patients with lipedema. Further studies with more patients are needed to support the findings of this meta-analysis.

Keywords

medical compression therapy - lipedema - lipoedema - pain

Publication History

Article published online:
12 February 2024

• Literatur

• 1 Herpertz U. Entstehungszeitpunkt von Lipödemen. LymphForsch 2004; 8: 79-81
• 2 Reich-Schupke S, Schmeller W, Brauer WJ. et al. S1 guidelines: Lipedema. JDDG J der Dtsch Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 2017; 15: 758-767
• 3 Bertsch T, Erbacher G, Elwell R. et al. Lipoedema: a paradigm shift and consensus. J Wound Care 2020; 29: 1-51
• 4 Mendoza E, Amsler F. Wie ist die Wirksamkeit der apparativen Kompression bei Beinen mit Ödem unter Anwendung von schenkellangen und wadenlangen Stiefeln im Vergleich?. Phlebologie 2019; 48: 112-122
• 5 Atan T, Bahar-Özdemir Y. The Effects of Complete Decongestive Therapy or Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy or Exercise Only in the Treatment of Severe Lipedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Lymphat Res Biol 2021; 19: 86-95
• 6 Higgins JPT, Altman DG, Gotzsche PC. et al. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ 2011; 343: d5928-d5928
• 7 The Cochrane Collaboration. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5. 2011 https://handbook-5–1.cochrane.org
• 8 Higgins JPT, Thompson SG. Quantifying heterogeneity in a meta-analysis. Stat Med 2002; 21: 1539-1558
• 9 Wallace BC, Dahabreh IJ, Trikalinos TA. et al. Closing the Gap between Methodologists and End-Users: R as a Computational Back-End. J Stat Softw 2012; 49
• 10 Wright T, Scarfino CD, O’Malley EM. Effect of pneumatic compression device and stocking use on symptoms and quality of life in women with lipedema: A proof-in-principle randomized trial. Phlebol J Venous Dis 2023; 38: 51-61
• 11 Szolnoky G, Varga E, Varga M. et al. Lymphedema treatment decreases pain intensity in lipedema. Lymphology 2011; 44: 178-182
• 12 Berszakiewicz A, Kasperczyk J, Sieroń A. et al. The effect of compression therapy on quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease: a comparative 6-month study. Adv Dermatology Allergol 2021; 38: 389-395
• 13 Salaffi F, Stancati A, Silvestri CA. et al. Minimal clinically important changes in chronic musculoskeletal pain intensity measured on a numerical rating scale. Eur J Pain 2004; 8: 283-291
• 14 Suzuki H, Aono S, Inoue S. et al. Clinically significant changes in pain along the Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale in patients with chronic low back pain. PLoS One 2020; 15: e0229228