LNTRALYMPHATIC STEROID THERAPY FOR LYMPHOEDEMA: PRELIMINARY STUDIES

NCM Fyfe, DL Rutt, JM Edwards, JB Kinmonth

Abstract


Lymph node fibrosis is a significant feature in pat
ients with primary lymphoedema. Its importance
in causing obstruction to the flow of lymph has
lead to this study which is an attempt to reduce the
effect of fibrosis by treatment with a corticosteroid
preparation administered by direct intralymphatic
infusion.
In a pilot study, twenty patients received an intralymphatic
infusion of Clobetasol propionate in Ultrafluid
Lipiodol (18 lower limb, 2 face).
Clinical in'lprovernent occurred in eight of the patients
with leg oedema over a period of up to nine
months. Both face-affected patients were helped by
this form of therapy.
In patients with lymphoedema of the lower limb
with lymph node abnormalities, it was advantageous
if the lymph vessels leading up to the nodes were
patent.


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