PEDIATRICS Vol. 76 No. 2 August 1985, pp. 206-218
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow P3Rs: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when P3Rs are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My File Cabinet
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Smeltzer, D. M.
Right arrow Articles by Schirger, A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Smeltzer, D. M.
Right arrow Articles by Schirger, A.

Primary Lymphedema in Children and Adolescents: A Follow-up Study and Review

David M. Smeltzer MD1, Gunnar B. Stickler MD1, and Alexander Schirger MD1

1 From the Mayo Medical School and Department of Pediatrics and Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota

Primary lymphedema, a disorder causing persistent swelling in an extremity, is rare in children and adolescents; it affects 1.15/100,000 persons less than age 20 years. It primarily affects girls near menarche. The records of 125 children and adolescents, aged 0 to 20 years, who were examined at the Mayo Clinic were analyzed; 99 of these patients were contacted to obtain follow-up data. The influences of estrogen and inflammation are thought to be important etiologic factors in primary lymphedema. The diagnosis can be made on the basis of a thorough history and physical examination. Lymphangiograms, venograms, and biopsies add nothing to the diagnosis because of the low incidence of tumor in children and adolescents. Conservative treatment is recommended: a Jobst-type stocking, elevation, and proper foot care. Diuretics are not recommended. Careful psychologic counseling, especially in adolescents, is highly recommended.

Key Words: primary lymphedema • lymphedema praecox • congenital lymphedema

Submitted on May 4, 1984
Accepted on October 27, 1984




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci.Home page
S. G. ROCKSON and K. K. RIVERA
Estimating the Population Burden of Lymphedema
Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., May 1, 2008; 1131(1): 147 - 154.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
M. Shinawi
Lymphedema of the Lower Extremity: Is It Genetic or Nongenetic?
Clinical Pediatrics, December 1, 2007; 46(9): 835 - 841.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Palliat MedHome page
A. F Williams, P. J Franks, and C. J Moffatt
Lymphoedema: estimating the size of the problem
Palliative Medicine, June 1, 2005; 19(4): 300 - 313.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci.Home page
R. E. FERRELL
Research Perspectives in Inherited Lymphatic Disease
Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., December 1, 2002; 979(1): 39 - 51.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Vasc MedHome page
A. Szuba and S. G Rockson
Lymphedema: classification, diagnosis and therapy
Vascular Medicine, May 1, 1998; 3(2): 145 - 156.
[Abstract] [PDF]