Treatment of Post-mastectomy Lymphedema with Herbal Medicine
| Autor: | King-Fai Cheng, Ping-Chung Leung, Shun-Ling Kong, Tor-Wo Chiu |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
medicine.medical_specialty
lcsh:Surgery 030230 surgery 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Quality of life Post mastectomy hemic and lymphatic diseases Internal medicine Statistical significance medicine Effective treatment Adverse effect biology business.industry lcsh:RD1-811 Reconstructive medicine.disease biology.organism_classification humanities body regions Clinical trial Astragalus Lymphedema 030220 oncology & carcinogenesis Original Article Surgery business |
| Zdroj: | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open, Vol 8, Iss 6, p e2915 (2020) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open |
| ISSN: | 2169-7574 |
| Popis: | Background:. Lymphedema of the arms or legs is a difficult clinical problem yet devoid of effective treatment. Lymphedema is the result of obstructed lymphatic flow secondary to chronic infection, parasitic infestation, or postsurgical obstruction (eg, after axillary dissections). We arranged this clinical trial to investigate whether patients with limb lymphedema can benefit from a standard dose of Astragalus plus Paeoniae rubra to improve the symptomatology, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL). Method:. The pilot study was designed as a self-control clinical trial. Patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema were recruited. A double-herb formulation (Astragalus, Paeoniae rubra) with standard dosage was administered orally in a powdered form, 6 times per week for 6 months. Outcome measurements included standard limb volume changes measured by water displacement method; handgrip strength; and QOL for limb lymphedema questionnaire (LYMQOL). Results:. There were no reported adverse effects or complications; there were no episodes of infection during the period of study. There was a tendency of limb volume reduction by 6 months, which, however, did not reach statistical significance. There was a significant improvement in appearance and symptom scores as was assessed with the LYMQOL questionnaire. Conclusions:. The oral herbal formula improved the symptomatology and QOL among the pilot group of patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema. Side effects were absent, and there was a trend of lymphedema reduction. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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