AIRPLANE TRAVEL AND LYMPHEDEMA: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

A single subject prospective study of therelationship between air travel and lymphedemais reported. This proof of concept studywas aimed at assessing the feasibility of usingself-measured, inter-limb impedance ratios asa quantitative measure of lymphedema immediatelyprior to and following flying. Theparticipant, a breast cancer survivor withlymphedema, measured whole arm impedanceprior to and following air travel on 20occasions, varying in duration of between 1and 9 h, over a 12-month period. Althoughthe inter-arm impedance ratio fluctuated overthis time, it generally increased and worsenedfollowing flying. Impedance measurementswere easily performed by the participant andcould be obtained as close to the start andcessation of flying as is practicably possible.These data, when associated with selfassessmentof lymphedema-related symptoms,could provide a comprehensive evidence basefor an assessment of the risks associated withair travel and the provision of appropriateadvice to prospective travelers. Further largescalestudies are recommended.