Breast Neoplasm, Lymphedema
Conditions
Keywords
breast cancer, lymphedema, manual lymph drainage, near infrared fluorescence imaging
Brief summary
The main scientific objective of this multicentric double-blinded randomised controlled trial entails examining the effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided MLD versus traditional MLD versus placebo MLD, applied as part of the intensive and maintenance phase of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy, for the treatment of BCRL Secondary scientific objectives entail examining the relationship between different variables of lymphoedema at baseline
Detailed description
According to the International Society of Lymphology, lymphoedema needs to be treated with Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (Consensus Document ISL 2013). This is a two-stage treatment programme. During the first or intensive phase, lymphoedema has to be maximally reduced. This phase consists of skin care, manual lymph drainage (MLD), multi-layer bandaging and exercise therapy. The second or maintenance phase aims to conserve and optimise the results obtained in the first phase. It consists of skin care, compression by a low-stretch elastic sleeve, exercises and lymph drainage. Skin care, multi-layer bandaging, elastic sleeve and exercises are treatment modalities that (after instructing the patient) can be performed by the patient herself. MLD has to be applied by a physical therapist and hence entails a big financial cost for the patient and the Health Care (Kärki et al 2009). The effectiveness of MLD applied during the intensive phase has been investigated by 5 randomised controlled trials, but there is conflicting evidence. So, further investigation is warranted to determine the relative benefit of MLD. The effectiveness of MLD applied during the maintenance phase has never been investigated (Devoogdt et al 2010, Oremus et al 2012, Huang et al 2013, Ezzo et al 2015). A possible explanation why MLD is not obviously proven to be effective, is that MLD is applied in an inefficient way: during MLD, hand manoeuvres are applied on all lymph nodes and lymphatics that may be anatomically present. After axillary dissection and/ or radiotherapy (for the treatment of breast cancer), the lymphatic system is damaged: lymph nodes are removed and often fibrosis of the superficial lymphatic system occurs. As a result, rerouting of the lymphatic drainage occurs. Rerouting is patient-specific, consequently, it is possible that the traditional MLD needs be abandoned and a tailored approach needs to be established. Lymphofluoroscopy can aid to apply a more efficient MLD. During lymphofluoroscopy, a fluorescent substance is injected subcutaneously in the hand and it visualizes the transport of lymph from the hand up to the axilla and it demonstrates alternative pathways towards other lymph nodes. A second explanation why the traditional method of MLD is not proven to be effective, is that research has shown that MLD with high pressure (vs low pressure) is more effective to improve lymph transport, as well as gliding (vs no gliding). During the new method of MLD (or fluoroscopy-guided MLD), the therapist only performs hand movements on functional lymphatics and lymph nodes. In addition, the hand movements are applied with higher pressure and lymph transport through the lymph collaterals is stimulated by applying strikes across the skin. Therefore, the main scientific objective entails examining the effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided MLD versus traditional MLD versus placebo MLD, applied as part of the intensive and maintenance phase of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy, for the treatment of BCRL
Interventions
During intensive phase: a leaflet with information about the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, clinical evaluation and conservative treatment of lymphoedema During maintenance phase: two informational sessions about self-management and about compression sleeves and other compression material
The skin is hydrated during the session. If wounds are present, the wound is cared.
During intensive phase: application of multi-layer, multi-component bandages During maintenance phase: wearing custom-made compression garment
Fluoroscopy-guided MLD is applied on patient-specific lymphatic system (known from lymphofluoroscopy) by applying cleaning techniques on lymph nodes, resorption techniques to stimulate resorption of lymph by lymph capillaries and gliding technique to stimulate transport of lymph through lymph collectors
Traditional MLD is applied without knowledge of the patient-specific lymphatic architecture. During MLD no cream or oil is used. A pressure with the hands up to 40 mmHg is applied. Drainage is performed at the level of the jugular and occipital region and the belly (in the depth). Draining techniques are applied on the retroclavicular lymph nodes, axillary lymph nodes, humeral lymph nodes and cubital lymph nodes. At the level of the hand, arm, shoulder and trunk, hand movements are applied to stimulate lymphatic transport through the lymph collectors. The therapist's hands perform 'pumping-movements' while stretching the skin.
During placebo MLD a superficial massage with massage cream is performed on the patient's contralateral arm and on the belly.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Age \>18y (since the treatment with MLD and the investigation using ICG is not dangerous for pregnant women, women with child bearing age are included) * Women/ men with breast cancer-related lymphoedema * Chronic lymphoedema (\>3 months present), stage I to IIb * At least 5% difference between both arms and/ or hands, adjusted for dominance * Written informed consent obtained
Exclusion criteria
* Allergy for iodine, sodiumiodine, ICG * Increased activity of the thyroid gland; benign tumors of the thyroid gland * Age \<18y * Oedema of the upper limb from other causes * Active metastasis of the cancer * Surgery of the lymphatic system in the past (lymph node transplantation, lymphovenous shunt) * Cannot participate during the entire study period * Mentally or physically unable to participate in the study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand | Primary endpoint = After 3 weeks of intensive treatment | = the ratio at the different time points; The (inter-limb) ratio = Relative excessive lymphoedema volume of the arm/ hand = \[(volume arm + volume hand affected side) / (corrected volume arm + corrected volume hand healthy side)\]; Volume arm is determined by performing circumference measurements and calculating the volume with the formula of the truncated cone; Volume hand is determined by the water displacement method; The volume of the non-dominant hand/arm is on average 3.3% smaller than the dominant hand/arm, therefore is the volume of the arm at the healthy side corrected for hand dominance |
| Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk | Primary endpoint = After 3 weeks of intensive treatment | Ratio PWC% at the different time intervals = PWC% affected side / PWC% healthy side Measured with the MoistureMeterD compact at the level of shoulder and trunk where after a mean ratio PWC% is calculated |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up | L-Dex score, measured with Impedimed BIS device at the different time points Amount of extracellular fluid = represented by L-Dex score This outcome is calculated and displayed on the Impedimed BIS device, and represents the difference in the amount of extracellular fluid in the affected upper limb compared to the unaffected upper limb. Normal L-Dex scores range between -10 and +10. A score outside this range, represents lymphedema. A higher number, represents a worse score. |
| Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment and 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up | Analyses for change in thickness of cutis + subcutis were performed: Relative excessive thickness of the cutis+subcutis (inter-limb ratio of cutis+subcutis in mm) = Thickness of cutis+subcutis (mm) affected side / thickness of cutis+subcutis (mm) healthy side Arm: Reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 where after a mean ratio thickness of cutis+subcutis is calculated |
| Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up | Different scores are obtained from the questionnaire. Each of the 29 questions has to be scored on a 11-point Likert scale between 0 and 10 (instead of a VAS between 0 and 100). The total score of the Lymph-ICF-UL is equal to the sum of the scores on the questions divided by the total number of answered questions and multiplied by 10. In addition, a score is determined for each of the five domains of the Lymph-ICFUL: (1) physical function, (2) mental function, (3) household activities, (4) mobility activities, and (5) life and social activities. Thus, the total score on the Lymph-ICF-UL and the score on the five domains range between 0 and 100. The higher the score, the more problems in functioning. |
| Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up | Induration force is presented in Newton (N) by the device. Relative difference in skin elasticity (induration force inter-limb ratio) = Skin elasticity affected side / skin elasticity healthy side Arm: Reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 where after a mean induration ratio is calculated |
| Quality of Life Score | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment and 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up | At the end of each assessment, subjects are asked to fill in the questionnaire individually Questionnaire counts 16 + 1 questions, which relate to the following 5 domains: physical symptoms; physical wellbeing, psychological symptoms; existential wellbeing and support A Likert scale with 11 possibilities (0-10) is used for the 16 questions and part D is an open question Each question corresponds to a score between 0 (very bad) and 10 (excellent); a total score and 5 different domain scores are calculated (each between 0 and 10) A lower score indicates a lower Quality of Life |
| Number of Episodes of Erysipelas | Between baseline and the end of the follow-up phase (12 months) | At each clinical evaluation, it was asked to the patient if they had had an episode of erysipelas (which is an infection) between today and the previous evaluation. The numbers of episodes were counted, and the causes of this episode of erysipelas were described. The numbers of episodes were compared between the groups. |
| Overall Treatment Satisfaction | Between baseline and the end of the follow-up phase (12 months) | The number patients presented as a percentage that indicated that their complaints have been slightly (3), much (2) or very much improved (1) during 12 months of time |
| Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)-Specific Treatment Satisfaction | Between baseline and the end of the follow-up phase (12 months) | The mean rating of the perceived effect of the manual lymph drainage (MLD) that patients received during the study (between 0-10). The higher the score, the higher the satisfaction about the effect of the manual lymph drainage received. |
| Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment phase, after 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatments and after 6 months of follow-up | Ratio PWC% at the different time intervals = PWC% affected side / PWC% healthy side Measured with the MoistureMeterD compact at different measurement points where after a mean ratio PWC% is calculated Arm: Reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 where after a mean ratio PWC% is calculated |
| Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up | In total, six reference points (located at the hand (1 reference point) and arm (5 reference points)) are being evaluated and scored (0 or 1) A reference point is scored with 1 in case the skin fold thickness at the affected side is increased compared to the reference point at the non-affected side The final outcome for the arm score is the (cumulated) total score of six reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 (range 0-6), a higher score indicates more presence of thickened skin |
| Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up | In total, six reference points (located at the hand (1 reference point) and arm (5 reference points)) are being evaluated and scored (0 or 1) A reference point is scored with 1 in case fibrosis of the skin is present The final outcome for the arm score is the (cumulated) total score of six reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 (range 0-6), a higher score indicates more presence of fibrosis |
| Lymphatic Architecture and Function | After 3 weeks of intensive treatment and 6 months of maintenance treatment | 1. Total dermal backflow score (0-39). The higher the score, the more dermal backflow is present 2. Amount of efferent lymphatics leaving dermal backflow areas 3. Presence of visible lymph nodes after the break Raw data is currently still being analyzed in order to be able to report on the described outcome measures. At present (March 2022) these analyses are not yet performed. Therefore these results will be reported later on this year (anticipated date: July 2022). |
Countries
Belgium
Participant flow
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD Information, skin care, compression therapy, exercises and fluoroscopy-guided MLD 3 weeks (14 sessions of 60 minutes) of intensive treatment 6 months (18 sessions of 60 minutes) of maintenance treatment 6 months of follow-up
Information: During intensive phase: a leaflet with information about the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, clinical evaluation and conservative treatment of lymphoedema During maintenance phase: two informational sessions about self-management and about compression sleeves and other compression material
Skin care: The skin is hydrated during the session. If wounds are present, the wound is cared.
Compression therapy: During intensive phase: application of multi-layer, multi-component bandages During maintenance phase: wearing custom-made compression garment
Fluoroscopy-guided MLD: Fluoroscopy-guided MLD is applied on patient-specific lymphatic system (known from lymphofluoroscopy) by applying cleaning techniques on lymph nodes, resorption techniques to stimulate resorption of lymph by lymph capillaries and gliding technique to stimulate transport of lymph through lymph collectors | 65 |
| Traditional MLD Information, skin care, compression therapy, exercises and traditional MLD 3 weeks (14 sessions of 60 minutes) of intensive treatment 6 months (18 sessions of 60 minutes) of maintenance treatment 6 months of follow-up
Information: During intensive phase: a leaflet with information about the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, clinical evaluation and conservative treatment of lymphoedema During maintenance phase: two informational sessions about self-management and about compression sleeves and other compression material
Skin care: The skin is hydrated during the session. If wounds are present, the wound is cared.
Compression therapy: During intensive phase: application of multi-layer, multi-component bandages During maintenance phase: wearing custom-made compression garment
Traditional MLD: Traditional MLD is applied without knowledge of the patient-specific lymphatic architecture. During MLD no cream or oil is used. A pressure with the hands up to 40 mmHg is applied. Drainage is performed at the level of the jugular and occipital region and the belly (in the depth). Draining techniques are applied on the retroclavicular lymph nodes, axillary lymph nodes, humeral lymph nodes and cubital lymph nodes. At the level of the hand, arm, shoulder and trunk, hand movements are applied to stimulate lymphatic transport through the lymph collectors. The therapist's hands perform 'pumping-movements' while stretching the skin. | 64 |
| Placebo MLD Information, skin care, compression therapy, exercises and placebo MLD 3 weeks (14 sessions of 60 minutes) of intensive treatment 6 months (18 sessions of 60 minutes) of maintenance treatment 6 months of follow-up
Information: During intensive phase: a leaflet with information about the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, clinical evaluation and conservative treatment of lymphoedema During maintenance phase: two informational sessions about self-management and about compression sleeves and other compression material
Skin care: The skin is hydrated during the session. If wounds are present, the wound is cared.
Compression therapy: During intensive phase: application of multi-layer, multi-component bandages During maintenance phase: wearing custom-made compression garment
Placebo MLD: During placebo MLD a superficial massage with massage cream is performed on the patient's contralateral arm and on the belly. | 65 |
| Total | 194 |
Withdrawals & dropouts
| Period | Reason | FG000 | FG001 | FG002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Study | Death | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Overall Study | Illness | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Overall Study | Withdrawal by Subject | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Traditional MLD | Placebo MLD | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Continuous | 60 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.8 | 62 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.5 | 61 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 9 | 61 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.8 |
| Body Mass Index | 27.6 kg/m2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 5 | 28.8 kg/m2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.6 | 27.8 kg/m2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.1 | 28.1 kg/m2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.7 |
| Race and Ethnicity Not Collected | — | — | — | 0 Participants |
| Region of Enrollment Belgium | 65 participants | 64 participants | 65 participants | 194 participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 65 Participants | 63 Participants | 65 Participants | 193 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 0 Participants | 1 Participants | 0 Participants | 1 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk | EG002 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 63 | 0 / 63 | 0 / 64 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 5 / 63 | 8 / 63 | 7 / 64 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 63 | 0 / 63 | 0 / 64 |
Outcome results
Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand
= the ratio at the different time points; The (inter-limb) ratio = Relative excessive lymphoedema volume of the arm/ hand = \[(volume arm + volume hand affected side) / (corrected volume arm + corrected volume hand healthy side)\]; Volume arm is determined by performing circumference measurements and calculating the volume with the formula of the truncated cone; Volume hand is determined by the water displacement method; The volume of the non-dominant hand/arm is on average 3.3% smaller than the dominant hand/arm, therefore is the volume of the arm at the healthy side corrected for hand dominance
Time frame: Primary endpoint = After 3 weeks of intensive treatment
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up.
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand | Baseline | 1.228 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand | Post intensive treatment phase | 1.175 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand | Baseline | 1.249 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand | Post intensive treatment phase | 1.197 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand | Baseline | 1.218 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Lymphoedema Volume at the Level of the Arm/ Hand | Post intensive treatment phase | 1.164 Inter-limb ratio |
Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk
Ratio PWC% at the different time intervals = PWC% affected side / PWC% healthy side Measured with the MoistureMeterD compact at the level of shoulder and trunk where after a mean ratio PWC% is calculated
Time frame: Primary endpoint = After 3 weeks of intensive treatment
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up.
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk | Baseline | 1.045 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk | Post intensive phase | 1.088 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk | Baseline | 1.051 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk | Post intensive phase | 1.059 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk | Baseline | 1.057 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Stagnation of Fluid at Level of the Shoulder/ Trunk | Post intensive phase | 1.077 Inter-limb ratio |
Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer
Induration force is presented in Newton (N) by the device. Relative difference in skin elasticity (induration force inter-limb ratio) = Skin elasticity affected side / skin elasticity healthy side Arm: Reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 where after a mean induration ratio is calculated
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | Post-intensive treatment | 1.11 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 1M maintenance | 1.15 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 6M follow-up | 1.19 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | Baseline | 1.28 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 3M maintenance | 1.16 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 6M maintenance | 1.13 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 3M maintenance | 1.07 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 6M maintenance | 1.10 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 6M follow-up | 1.07 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | Post-intensive treatment | 1.06 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | Baseline | 1.26 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 1M maintenance | 1.07 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 6M follow-up | 1.15 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | Baseline | 1.41 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | Post-intensive treatment | 1.14 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 1M maintenance | 1.15 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 6M maintenance | 1.14 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Elasticity of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue of Arm and Trunk Using the SkinFibrometer | 3M maintenance | 1.15 Inter-limb ratio |
Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb
L-Dex score, measured with Impedimed BIS device at the different time points Amount of extracellular fluid = represented by L-Dex score This outcome is calculated and displayed on the Impedimed BIS device, and represents the difference in the amount of extracellular fluid in the affected upper limb compared to the unaffected upper limb. Normal L-Dex scores range between -10 and +10. A score outside this range, represents lymphedema. A higher number, represents a worse score.
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | Baseline | 33.1 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | Post-intensive | 24.4 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 1M maintenance | 30 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 3M maintenance | 20.9 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 6M maintenance | 22.8 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 6M follow-up | 28.1 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 6M follow-up | 24.1 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | Baseline | 32.3 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 3M maintenance | 22.2 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 6M maintenance | 22.6 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | Post-intensive | 25.4 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 1M maintenance | 29.5 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | Post-intensive | 23.9 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 1M maintenance | 25.3 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 6M follow-up | 25.4 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 3M maintenance | 21.1 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | Baseline | 34.9 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Extracellular Fluid in the Upper Limb | 6M maintenance | 21.6 score on a scale |
Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation
In total, six reference points (located at the hand (1 reference point) and arm (5 reference points)) are being evaluated and scored (0 or 1) A reference point is scored with 1 in case fibrosis of the skin is present The final outcome for the arm score is the (cumulated) total score of six reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 (range 0-6), a higher score indicates more presence of fibrosis
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | Baseline | 0.49 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | Post-intensive | 0.40 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 1M maintenance | 0.37 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 3M maintenance | 0.17 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 6M maintenance | 0.15 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 6M follow-up | 0.22 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 6M follow-up | 0.20 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | Baseline | 0.26 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 3M maintenance | 0.45 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 6M maintenance | 0.23 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | Post-intensive | 0.44 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 1M maintenance | 0.52 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | Post-intensive | 0.56 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 1M maintenance | 0.42 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 6M follow-up | 0.24 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 3M maintenance | 0.50 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | Baseline | 0.24 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Hardness (Fibrosis) of the Skin at the Level of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated Through Palpation | 6M maintenance | 0.28 score on a scale |
Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk
Ratio PWC% at the different time intervals = PWC% affected side / PWC% healthy side Measured with the MoistureMeterD compact at different measurement points where after a mean ratio PWC% is calculated Arm: Reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 where after a mean ratio PWC% is calculated
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment phase, after 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatments and after 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | Baseline | 1.418 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | Post-intensive | 1.372 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 1M maintenance | 1.383 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 3M maintenance | 1.363 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 6M maintenance | 1.343 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 6M follow-up | 1.343 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 6M follow-up | 1.332 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | Baseline | 1.354 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 3M maintenance | 1.288 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 6M maintenance | 1.298 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | Post-intensive | 1.292 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 1M maintenance | 1.315 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | Post-intensive | 1.344 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 1M maintenance | 1.394 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 6M follow-up | 1.335 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 3M maintenance | 1.358 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | Baseline | 1.406 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Local Tissue Water at the Level of the Arm and Trunk | 6M maintenance | 1.350 Inter-limb ratio |
Lymphatic Architecture and Function
1. Total dermal backflow score (0-39). The higher the score, the more dermal backflow is present 2. Amount of efferent lymphatics leaving dermal backflow areas 3. Presence of visible lymph nodes after the break Raw data is currently still being analyzed in order to be able to report on the described outcome measures. At present (March 2022) these analyses are not yet performed. Therefore these results will be reported later on this year (anticipated date: July 2022).
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment and 6 months of maintenance treatment
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)-Specific Treatment Satisfaction
The mean rating of the perceived effect of the manual lymph drainage (MLD) that patients received during the study (between 0-10). The higher the score, the higher the satisfaction about the effect of the manual lymph drainage received.
Time frame: Between baseline and the end of the follow-up phase (12 months)
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)-Specific Treatment Satisfaction | 8 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2 |
| Traditional MLD | Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)-Specific Treatment Satisfaction | 7 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2 |
| Placebo MLD | Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)-Specific Treatment Satisfaction | 7 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2 |
Number of Episodes of Erysipelas
At each clinical evaluation, it was asked to the patient if they had had an episode of erysipelas (which is an infection) between today and the previous evaluation. The numbers of episodes were counted, and the causes of this episode of erysipelas were described. The numbers of episodes were compared between the groups.
Time frame: Between baseline and the end of the follow-up phase (12 months)
Population: between baseline and the end of the follow-up phase,12 patients were lost-to-follow up in total (or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Value (NUMBER) |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Number of Episodes of Erysipelas | 5 episodes of erysipelas |
| Traditional MLD | Number of Episodes of Erysipelas | 8 episodes of erysipelas |
| Placebo MLD | Number of Episodes of Erysipelas | 7 episodes of erysipelas |
Overall Treatment Satisfaction
The number patients presented as a percentage that indicated that their complaints have been slightly (3), much (2) or very much improved (1) during 12 months of time
Time frame: Between baseline and the end of the follow-up phase (12 months)
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Value (NUMBER) |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Overall Treatment Satisfaction | 80 percentage of participants |
| Traditional MLD | Overall Treatment Satisfaction | 78 percentage of participants |
| Placebo MLD | Overall Treatment Satisfaction | 80 percentage of participants |
Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema
Different scores are obtained from the questionnaire. Each of the 29 questions has to be scored on a 11-point Likert scale between 0 and 10 (instead of a VAS between 0 and 100). The total score of the Lymph-ICF-UL is equal to the sum of the scores on the questions divided by the total number of answered questions and multiplied by 10. In addition, a score is determined for each of the five domains of the Lymph-ICFUL: (1) physical function, (2) mental function, (3) household activities, (4) mobility activities, and (5) life and social activities. Thus, the total score on the Lymph-ICF-UL and the score on the five domains range between 0 and 100. The higher the score, the more problems in functioning.
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | Baseline | 38.0 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | Post-intensive | 29.0 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 1M maintenance | 27.8 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 3M maintenance | 23.3 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 6M maintenance | 25.3 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 6M follow-up | 23.2 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 6M follow-up | 24.2 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | Baseline | 35.7 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 3M maintenance | 25.4 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 6M maintenance | 24.5 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | Post-intensive | 27.7 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 1M maintenance | 24.6 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | Post-intensive | 32.1 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 1M maintenance | 28.8 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 6M follow-up | 26 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 3M maintenance | 25.2 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | Baseline | 38.1 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Problems in Functioning Related to Development of Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema | 6M maintenance | 27.5 score on a scale |
Quality of Life Score
At the end of each assessment, subjects are asked to fill in the questionnaire individually Questionnaire counts 16 + 1 questions, which relate to the following 5 domains: physical symptoms; physical wellbeing, psychological symptoms; existential wellbeing and support A Likert scale with 11 possibilities (0-10) is used for the 16 questions and part D is an open question Each question corresponds to a score between 0 (very bad) and 10 (excellent); a total score and 5 different domain scores are calculated (each between 0 and 10) A lower score indicates a lower Quality of Life
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment and 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Quality of Life Score | Baseline | 5.96 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Quality of Life Score | Post-intensive | 6.06 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Quality of Life Score | 1M maintenance | 6.14 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Quality of Life Score | 3M maintenance | 5.85 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Quality of Life Score | 6M maintenance | 5.92 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Quality of Life Score | 6M follow-up | 5.96 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Quality of Life Score | 6M follow-up | 5.69 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Quality of Life Score | Baseline | 6.15 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Quality of Life Score | 3M maintenance | 6.10 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Quality of Life Score | 6M maintenance | 6.02 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Quality of Life Score | Post-intensive | 6.18 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Quality of Life Score | 1M maintenance | 6.21 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Quality of Life Score | Post-intensive | 5.82 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Quality of Life Score | 1M maintenance | 5.98 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Quality of Life Score | 6M follow-up | 5.81 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Quality of Life Score | 3M maintenance | 5.82 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Quality of Life Score | Baseline | 5.87 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Quality of Life Score | 6M maintenance | 6.09 score on a scale |
Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound
Analyses for change in thickness of cutis + subcutis were performed: Relative excessive thickness of the cutis+subcutis (inter-limb ratio of cutis+subcutis in mm) = Thickness of cutis+subcutis (mm) affected side / thickness of cutis+subcutis (mm) healthy side Arm: Reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 where after a mean ratio thickness of cutis+subcutis is calculated
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment and 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | Baseline | 1.52 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | Post-intensive | 1.36 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | 6M maintenance | 1.35 Inter-limb ratio |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | 6M follow-up | 1.31 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | 6M follow-up | 1.40 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | Baseline | 1.44 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | 6M maintenance | 1.40 Inter-limb ratio |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | Post-intensive | 1.38 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | 6M follow-up | 1.34 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | Post-intensive | 1.36 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | 6M maintenance | 1.29 Inter-limb ratio |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of Cutis and Subcutis of Arm and Trunk Measured With Ultrasound | Baseline | 1.45 Inter-limb ratio |
Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test)
In total, six reference points (located at the hand (1 reference point) and arm (5 reference points)) are being evaluated and scored (0 or 1) A reference point is scored with 1 in case the skin fold thickness at the affected side is increased compared to the reference point at the non-affected side The final outcome for the arm score is the (cumulated) total score of six reference points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 (range 0-6), a higher score indicates more presence of thickened skin
Time frame: After 3 weeks of intensive treatment, 1, 3, 6 months of maintenance treatment and 6 months of follow-up
Population: At the post-intensive assessment, 5 patients dropped-out of which 4 patients (2%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the maintenance phase (P6), only 3 additional patients (1.5%) were lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up phase (P12), one additional patient was lost to follow-up (12 patients in total since baseline or 6%).
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | Baseline | 4.43 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | Post-intensive | 4.62 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 1M maintenance | 4.37 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 3M maintenance | 4.25 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 6M maintenance | 4.22 score on a scale |
| Fluoroscopy-guided MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 6M follow-up | 4.09 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 6M follow-up | 3.92 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | Baseline | 4.03 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 3M maintenance | 4.19 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 6M maintenance | 4.03 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | Post-intensive | 4.23 score on a scale |
| Traditional MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 1M maintenance | 4.25 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | Post-intensive | 4.57 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 1M maintenance | 4.22 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 6M follow-up | 4.17 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 3M maintenance | 4.22 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | Baseline | 4.65 score on a scale |
| Placebo MLD | Thickness of the Cutis and Subcutis of the Arm and Trunk Evaluated by Palpation (Pinch Test) | 6M maintenance | 4.05 score on a scale |