EVALUATION OF SEQUENTIAL INTERMITTENT PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION FOR FILARIAL LYMPHOEDEMA

Lympha Press® treatment effectively reduced severe lymphedema caused by lymphatic filariasis, and significantly reduced the incidence of adenolymphangitis in these patients.  The effect was not maintained after treatment was discontinued, indicating the need for ongoing therapy.

Lympha Press® was applied to 28 patients with unilateral grades II (n=17) and III (n=11) filarial lymphoedema in a planned 4-week session. The patients were followed up for 6 months after compression therapy by water displacement volumetry.12 patients with grade II filarial lymphoedema had >26% reduction in oedema volume immediately after compression, but this reduction (>26%) was maintained in only 7 at 6 months. The corresponding figures for grade III filarial lymphoedema were 6 and 4, respectively. The effect in grade III was less sustained than grade II. No complications attributable to Lympha Press treatment were seen. There was a significant decrease in attacks of adenolymphangitis after treatment when compared to pre-treatment frequency. These observations were seen even with non-compliance to both foot care measures and use of bandages to maintain reduction in edema volume.

RESULTS: Treatment with Lympha Press® reduced morbidity in filarial lymphedema, including reduction in episodes of acute infection.  The effect was not sustained after treatment was discontinued.  It is simple, easy to use and could form part of the morbidity control programme for lymphatic filariasis.