best practice for the management of lymphoedema ... - EWMA
best practice for the management of lymphoedema ... - EWMA best practice for the management of lymphoedema ... - EWMA
SKIN CARE BOX 18 Principles of home- or hospital-based management of acute cellulitis/erysipelas Exclude: ■ other infections, eg those with a systemic component ■ venous eczema, contact dermatitis, intertrigo, microtrauma and fungal infection ■ acute deep vein thrombosis ■ thrombophlebitis ■ acute lipodermatosclerosis ■ lymphangiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves syndrome) Swab any exudate or likely source of infection, eg cuts or breaks in the skin Before commencing antibiotics establish: ■ extent and severity of the rash – mark and date the edge of the erythema ■ presence and location of any swollen and painful regional lymph nodes ■ degree of systemic upset ■ erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count Commence antibiotics as soon as possible (Table 4), taking into account swab results and bacterial sensitivities when appropriate During bed rest, elevate the limb, administer appropriate analgesia (eg paracetamol or NSAID), and increase fluid intake Avoid SLD and MLD If tolerated, continue compression at a reduced level or switch from compression garments to reduced pressure MLLB Avoid long periods without compression Recommence usual compression and levels of activity once pain and inflammation are sufficiently reduced for the patient to tolerate Educate patient/carer – symptoms, when to seek medical attention, risk factors, antibiotics 'in case', prophylaxis if indicated TABLE 4 Antibiotics for cellulitis/erysipelas in lymphoedema (developed by the British Lymphology Society and Lymphoedema Support Network) 57 Situation Home care Acute cellulitis/ erysipelas Hospital admission Acute cellulitis/ erysipelas + septicaemia Prophylaxis to prevent recurrent cellulitis/ erysipelas (≥two attacks per year) Emergency supply of antibiotics, 'in case of need' (when away from home) History of animal bite First-line antibiotics* Amoxicillin 500mg eight hourly +/flucloxacillin 500mg six hourly† Amoxicillin iv 2g eight hourly (or benzylpenicillin iv 1200-2400mg six hourly) plus gentamycin iv 5mg/kg daily Phenoxymethylpenicillin 500mg once daily (1g once daily if weight >75kg) Amoxicillin 500mg eight hourly Co-amoxiclav 625mg six hourly If allergic to penicillin* Clindamycin 300mg six hourly Clindamycin iv 1.2g six hourly Erythromycin 250mg once daily Clindamycin 300mg six hourly Ciprofloxacin 500mg twelve hourly Second-line antibiotics* Clindamycin 300mg six hourly If fails to resolve, convert to iv regimen as for hospital admission Clindamycin iv 1.2g six hourly (if poor or no response by 48 hours) Clindamycin 150mg once daily or clarithromycin 250mg once daily If fails to resolve, or constitutional symptoms develop, convert to iv regimen as for hospital admission Consult microbiologist NB Local guidelines may determine which antibiotics may be used. *Dosages are for oral treatment unless stated otherwise; iv = intravenously. †Add if infection with Staphylococcus aureus is suspected, eg if folliculitis, pus formation, and/or crusted dermatitis are present. Comments* Treat for at least 14 days or until signs of inflammation have resolved Switch to amoxicillin 500mg eight hourly when: ■ temperature down for 48 hours ■ inflammation much resolved ■ CRP 75kg) Causes may be Pasteurella multocida, Eikinella corrodens or Capnocytophaga canimorsus 28 BEST PRACTICE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF LYMPHOEDEMA
Antibiotic regimens Antibiotic regimens for cellulitis/erysipelas in lymphoedema vary according to the clinical situation (Table 4). Antibiotics should be continued for at least 14 days after an acute episode has responded clinically to treatment. It may take one to two months of antibiotic treatment to achieve complete resolution. Antibiotics 'in case' The risk of further attacks of cellulitis/erysipelas in lymphoedema is high. It is recommended that patients who have had an attack of cellulitis/erysipelas carry a two week supply of oral antibiotics, particularly when away from home for any length of time, eg on holiday. Patients should be advised to Lymphatic massage Lymphatic massage – manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) – aims to reduce swelling by encouraging lymph flow. The efficacy of MLD and SLD remains to be proven, but there is no doubt that they are of immense value in providing psychological and symptomatic benefits. MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE C MLD and compression can reduce and control lymphoedema of the head, neck and body. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique that is recognised as a key component of decongestive therapy. MLD aims to encourage fluid away from congested areas by increasing activity of normal lymphatics and bypassing ineffective or obliterated lymph vessels. Although there is a wealth of clinical opinion advocating the benefits of MLD, there are little start antibiotics immediately when familiar symptoms of cellulitis/erysipelas arise and to seek a medical opinion as soon as possible. Recurrent cellulitis/erysipelas Antibiotic prophylaxis should be offered to patients who have two or more attacks of cellulitis/erysipelas per year (Table 4). After two years of successful prophylaxis the antibiotics can be discontinued. However, if cellulitis/erysipelas recurs, lifelong antibiotic prophylaxis is required. The risk of recurrent cellulitis/erysipelas can be reduced by controlling swelling, and by treating interdigital scaling, fungal infections, folliculitis, dermatitis, open wounds (including leg ulcers) and weeping lymphangiectasia. research data to conclusively support its use 2,58-60 . The most appropriate techniques, optimal frequency and indications for MLD, as well as the benefits of treatment, all remain to be clarified. MLD remains a specialist skill that needs regular practice in order to maintain competence. Deep, heavy-handed massage should be avoided because it may damage tissues and exacerbate oedema by increasing capillary filtration. Indications MLD may be indicated as part of intensive therapy, transition management, long-term management or palliative care (Box 19). MLD on its own is not sufficient treatment for lymphoedema; it should be combined with compression therapy to support and maintain its effects. However, where compression is difficult or is not well tolerated, eg in lymphoedema of the head, neck, trunk, breast and genitalia, MLD may be the only realistic option. LYMPHATIC MASSAGE BOX 19 Indications for MLD and SLD ■ Swelling at the root of a limb ■ Trunk and midline oedema (eg chest, breast, back, abdomen, genitalia, head and neck) ■ Provision of comfort and pain relief when other physical therapies are no longer appropriate ■ Adjunctive treatment to pain management BEST PRACTICE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF LYMPHOEDEMA 29
- Page 1 and 2: INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS BEST PRACTI
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- Page 5 and 6: Introduction Lymphoedema is a progr
- Page 7 and 8: Identifying the patient at risk C P
- Page 9 and 10: C Patients Healthcare professional
- Page 11 and 12: ASSESSMENT (a) (b) ■ micro-lympha
- Page 13 and 14: ASSESSMENT BOX 12 Severity of unila
- Page 15 and 16: ASSESSMENT FIGURE 3 Method for obta
- Page 17 and 18: ASSESSMENT FIGURE 5 Stemmer sign In
- Page 19 and 20: Treatment decisions B Patients with
- Page 21 and 22: LOWER LIMB LYMPHOEDEMA - INITIAL MA
- Page 23 and 24: FIGURE 7 Intensive therapy options
- Page 25 and 26: FIGURE 8 Transition management - up
- Page 27 and 28: MANAGEMENT OF MIDLINE LYMPHOEDEMA T
- Page 29 and 30: FIGURE 13 Hyperkeratosis FIGURE 14
- Page 31: Lymphangiosarcoma In the most sever
- Page 35 and 36: Intermittent pneumatic compression
- Page 37 and 38: TABLE 5 Components of MLLB (in orde
- Page 39 and 40: BOX 26 Principles of MLLB MLLB ■
- Page 41 and 42: Addressing specific problems FIGURE
- Page 43 and 44: Compression garments C Correctly fi
- Page 45 and 46: (a) (b) Measurements required for a
- Page 47 and 48: Checking fit A trained practitioner
- Page 49 and 50: TABLE 7 Compression garment recomme
- Page 51 and 52: Exercise/movement and elevation Exe
- Page 53 and 54: Palliative care The needs of patien
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- Page 57 and 58: References 1. Badger C, Preston N,
SKIN CARE<br />
BOX 18 Principles <strong>of</strong> home- or hospital-based <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> acute cellulitis/erysipelas<br />
Exclude:<br />
■ o<strong>the</strong>r infections, eg those with a systemic component<br />
■ venous eczema, contact dermatitis, intertrigo, microtrauma and fungal infection<br />
■ acute deep vein thrombosis<br />
■ thrombophlebitis<br />
■ acute lipodermatosclerosis<br />
■ lymphangiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves syndrome)<br />
Swab any exudate or likely source <strong>of</strong> infection, eg cuts or breaks in <strong>the</strong> skin<br />
Be<strong>for</strong>e commencing antibiotics establish:<br />
■ extent and severity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rash – mark and date <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ery<strong>the</strong>ma<br />
■ presence and location <strong>of</strong> any swollen and painful regional lymph nodes<br />
■ degree <strong>of</strong> systemic upset<br />
■ erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count<br />
Commence antibiotics as soon as possible (Table 4), taking into account swab results and bacterial sensitivities when appropriate<br />
During bed rest, elevate <strong>the</strong> limb, administer appropriate analgesia (eg paracetamol or NSAID), and increase fluid intake<br />
Avoid SLD and MLD<br />
If tolerated, continue compression at a reduced level or switch from compression garments to reduced pressure MLLB<br />
Avoid long periods without compression<br />
Recommence usual compression and levels <strong>of</strong> activity once pain and inflammation are sufficiently reduced <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> patient to tolerate<br />
Educate patient/carer – symptoms, when to seek medical attention, risk factors, antibiotics 'in case', prophylaxis if indicated<br />
TABLE 4 Antibiotics <strong>for</strong> cellulitis/erysipelas in <strong>lymphoedema</strong> (developed by <strong>the</strong> British Lymphology Society and Lymphoedema<br />
Support Network) 57<br />
Situation<br />
Home care<br />
Acute cellulitis/<br />
erysipelas<br />
Hospital admission<br />
Acute cellulitis/<br />
erysipelas<br />
+ septicaemia<br />
Prophylaxis to prevent<br />
recurrent cellulitis/<br />
erysipelas<br />
(≥two attacks per year)<br />
Emergency supply<br />
<strong>of</strong> antibiotics,<br />
'in case <strong>of</strong> need'<br />
(when away from home)<br />
History <strong>of</strong> animal bite<br />
First-line antibiotics*<br />
Amoxicillin 500mg<br />
eight hourly +/flucloxacillin<br />
500mg<br />
six hourly†<br />
Amoxicillin iv 2g<br />
eight hourly<br />
(or benzylpenicillin iv<br />
1200-2400mg six hourly)<br />
plus gentamycin iv 5mg/kg<br />
daily<br />
Phenoxymethylpenicillin<br />
500mg once daily (1g once<br />
daily if weight >75kg)<br />
Amoxicillin 500mg<br />
eight hourly<br />
Co-amoxiclav 625mg<br />
six hourly<br />
If allergic to penicillin*<br />
Clindamycin 300mg<br />
six hourly<br />
Clindamycin iv 1.2g<br />
six hourly<br />
Erythromycin 250mg<br />
once daily<br />
Clindamycin 300mg<br />
six hourly<br />
Cipr<strong>of</strong>loxacin 500mg<br />
twelve hourly<br />
Second-line antibiotics*<br />
Clindamycin 300mg<br />
six hourly<br />
If fails to resolve, convert<br />
to iv regimen as <strong>for</strong><br />
hospital admission<br />
Clindamycin iv 1.2g<br />
six hourly (if poor or no<br />
response by 48 hours)<br />
Clindamycin 150mg<br />
once daily or<br />
clarithromycin 250mg<br />
once daily<br />
If fails to resolve, or<br />
constitutional symptoms<br />
develop, convert to iv<br />
regimen as <strong>for</strong> hospital<br />
admission<br />
Consult microbiologist<br />
NB Local guidelines may determine which antibiotics may be used.<br />
*Dosages are <strong>for</strong> oral treatment unless stated o<strong>the</strong>rwise; iv = intravenously.<br />
†Add if infection with Staphylococcus aureus is suspected, eg if folliculitis, pus <strong>for</strong>mation, and/or crusted dermatitis are present.<br />
Comments*<br />
Treat <strong>for</strong> at least 14<br />
days or until signs <strong>of</strong><br />
inflammation have<br />
resolved<br />
Switch to amoxicillin<br />
500mg eight hourly<br />
when:<br />
■ temperature down<br />
<strong>for</strong> 48 hours<br />
■ inflammation much<br />
resolved<br />
■ CRP 75kg)<br />
Causes may be<br />
Pasteurella multocida,<br />
Eikinella corrodens or<br />
Capnocytophaga<br />
canimorsus<br />
28 BEST PRACTICE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF LYMPHOEDEMA
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