A randomized controlled trial of weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema.

2007

Shaw C, Mortimer P, Judd PA.

Source

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. clare.shaw@rhs.uk

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Obesity is considered a risk factor for the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema of the arm and as a poor prognostic factor in response to lymphedema treatment. The objective of this study was to examine weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema.

METHODS:

Twenty-one women with breast cancer-related lymphedema were randomized either to receive dietary advice for weight reduction or to receive a booklet on general healthy eating. They were monitored for 12 weeks.

RESULTS:

The primary outcome measure was arm volume at 12 weeks. The results indicated a significant reduction in swollen arm volume at the end of the 12-week period (P = .003) in the intervention weight-reduction group. There was a significant reduction in body weight (P = .02) and body mass index (P = .016) in the weight-reduction group at the end of the 12-week study period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Weight loss achieved by dietary advice to reduce energy intake can reduce breast cancer-relatedlymphedema significantly.

Wiley OnLine

Do patients with lymphoedema cholestasis syndrome 1/Aagenaes syndrome need dietary counselling outside cholestatic episodes?

Aug 2010

Drivdal M, Løken EB, Hagve TA, Bergstad I, Aagenaes Ø.

Source

Regional Department of Eating Disorders, Division of Psychiatry, Building 37A, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, N-0407 Oslo, Norway. ildr@uus.no

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS:

Patients with lymphoedema cholestasis syndrome 1/Aagenaes Syndrome need a fat reduced diet when cholestatic. We wanted to assess the need for dietary counselling outside cholestatic episodes, and hypothetized that no counselling was needed.

METHODS:

Fifteen patients above 10 years of age without symptoms of cholestasis were compared with a sex and age matched control group. Diet from a four-day weighed record and blood samples were compared between the two groups and with general Norwegian recommendations.

RESULTS:

The patients had a similar diet to the healthy controls, except for statistically significant lower intake of energy from total fat (p=0.04) and saturated fat (0.02), and fish (0.05). The patients met the dietary recommendations for macronutrients, except for saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, refined sugar and fibre. Supplements were needed to meet the micronutrient recommendations. Patients had a significantly lower serum level of alpha-tocopherol (0.01) compared with the control group, and the serum 25-OH D level was below reference ranges.

CONCLUSIONS:

The patients would benefit from counselling on fat quality, carbohydrates including fibre intake, and individual needs for vitamins D and E. To secure serum 25-OH D and alpha-tocopherol levels within reference ranges, regular examinations to determine the need for supplementary vitamins D and E are recommended.

Elsevier/Clinical Nutrition