[Members lymphedema in CNHU-HKM of Cotonou: Results of the rehabilitation treatment].

AIM: To report results of patients followed in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) in CNHU-HKM of Cotonou.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Retrospective, transversal study, aimed to be descriptive and analytical type. Were enrolled, 39 files of patients treated in PMR / CNHU-HKM, from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2018, for unilateral lymphedema, who had done beginning and ending evaluations. Were excluded, venous, systemic or lipid edema. The severity and the result of the sessions were assessed taking into account the reports of perimeters of the member segments. Factors associated with the result were sought, by the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The localization of lymphedema was in thoracic and pelvic limbs, respectively in 64.1 and 35.9%. Were associated with the oedema functional difficulties (61.54%), muscle paresis (33.33%) and joint stiffness (30.77%). Patients benefited from 5 to 20 physiotherapy sessions. Has been associated with physiotherapy, the use of compression stockings (58.97%). The results have been satisfactory, mainly influenced by the development time.

CONCLUSION

Satisfactory results in the physiotherapy management of lymphedema have been noted in our context, especially in patients seen early.