Health-related quality of life and assessment in patients with lower limb lymphoedema (LLL)

What is it about?

Lower limb lymphoedema causes a considerable impairment in HRQoL, the findings from this SR varied across the studies. havingIt is recommended that using a universally accepted, disease-specific methodology will facilitate comparison and contrasting of HRQoL in patient.

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Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash

Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The objective of this SR is to determine the impact of lower limb lymphoedema (LLL) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and to identify the methodologies used to assess HRQoL and their adherence to the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended HRQoL dimensions. Using a systematic review, following the PRISMA guidance, Eighteen studies were identified, among which ten were cross-sectional and eight were longitudinal studies. Twelve HRQoL questionnaires were identified and the Lymphoedema Quality of Life tool (LYMQoL) was the most commonly used. Although LLL causes a considerable impairment in HRQoL, the findings varied across the studies. LLL adversely affects physical function, wellbeing and thus the HRQoL. The LYMQoL is the most commonly used questionnaire; despite this, all elements of the WHO recommendations were not captured in the included studies. However, accurate information on HRQoL indicating the impact of the disease on survivors’ lives and complete wellbeing is needed to inform evidence-based decision-making.

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