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The Concept of Chronic Edema—A Neglected Public Health Issue and an International Response: The LIMPRINT Study

Moffatt, Christine J.; Keeley, Vaughan; Quere, Isabella

Authors

Christine J. Moffatt

Vaughan Keeley

Isabella Quere



Abstract

Lymphedema has always been a neglected global health care problem. A central requirement for the development of any chronic disease is the clear use of public health definitions that can be used internationally to define populations. The term “lymphedema” has historically been defined as either primary, resulting from failure of lymphatic development, or secondary, following damage to the lymphatics (e.g., cancer treatment, injury, or filariasis). Attempts to integrate causes of edema arising from damage to the venous system or the effects of gravity, immobility, and systemic disease have rarely been integrated. More recently, the prominent role of the lymphatics in tissue fluid homeostasis in all forms of chronic edema has been recognized. These advances led to the development of the term: “Chronic edema: a broad term used to describe edema, which has been present for more than three months.” It can be considered an umbrella term that includes not only conventional “lymphedema” but also chronic swelling, which may have a more complex cause. This definition has been adapted in the international epidemiology study (LIMPRINT) that identified people throughout the health and social care systems in participating countries. Clearer definitions will allow for examination of this important public health problem that is likely to escalate given the projections of an aging population with multiple comorbidities. It will be possible to define both the hidden mortality and morbidity associated with complications, such as cellulitis and the impact on health-related quality of life. This evidence is urgently required to lobby for increased resource and effective health care in an increasingly competitive health care arena in which more established conditions have greater priority and funding.

Citation

Moffatt, C. J., Keeley, V., & Quere, I. (2019). The Concept of Chronic Edema—A Neglected Public Health Issue and an International Response: The LIMPRINT Study. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 17(2), 121-126. https://doi.org/10.1089/lrb.2018.0085121

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 1, 2017
Online Publication Date Apr 22, 2019
Publication Date 2019-04
Deposit Date Oct 3, 2017
Publicly Available Date Apr 22, 2019
Journal Lymphatic Research and Biology Supplement
Print ISSN 1539-6851
Electronic ISSN 1557-8585
Publisher Mary Ann Liebert
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 17
Issue 2
Pages 121-126
DOI https://doi.org/10.1089/lrb.2018.0085121
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/863245
Publisher URL https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/lrb.2018.0085
Contract Date Sep 27, 2017

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