Multilayer bandaging followed by compression hosiery was more effective than hosiery alone in reducing lymphoedema of the limb
QUESTION: Is a course of multilayer bandaging (MLB) followed by compression hosiery more effective than hosiery alone for reducing limb volume in patients with unilateral lymphoedema of the limb?
Design
Randomised {allocation concealed}*, controlled, blinded {outcome assessors and data analysts}* trial with final follow up at 24 weeks.
Setting
A lymphoedema clinic with hospital sites in London and Surrey, UK.
Patients
90 consecutive patients who had unilateral upper or lower limb lymphoedema, with swelling ≥20% excess volume over the normal limb. For patients with cancer, at least 12 months had to have elapsed since cancer treatment with no sign of active disease. Exclusion criteria were paralysis, history of compromised arterial flow in the affected limb, or limbs too big for hosiery. 83 patients (mean age 57 y, 92% women) were included in the analysis; 54 had upper limb lymphoedema and 29 had lower limb lymphoedema.
Intervention
38 patients were allocated to 18 days of MLB: …
