viernes, 20 de enero de 2023

WORLD NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASE DAY 2023 - CHRONIC ESTABLISHED LYMPHEDEMA - Lymphostatic Elephantiasis - Lymphatic Circulatory System - Secondary Lymphedema - Lymphatic Filariasis/Podoconiosis

Today January 30, people all over the world join to raise awareness regarding neglected diseases and call on health systems to invest in correct, effective, and safe treatment options for all, and to leave no one behind.

 The slogan “LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND” regarding health issues related to Lymphedema, means that health systems must invest in correct and safe health care for all, whatever their cause or setting. Regarding Lymphatic Filariasis, the Final Solution to prevent the elephantiasis stage" can't only be the low-cost treatment option consisting of washing and elevation of limbs. People need correct lymph drainage therapy and compression garments for the reduction and maintenance of limb volume. Access to Correct health care is a Human Right. Read more about what is the best treatment option for elephantiasis HERE.


The United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution On 12 December 2012, urging countries to aim towards the goal that everyone, everywhere, should have access to quality health care, and proclaimed 12 December as Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by resolution 72/138. 

For centuries, people affected by lymphatic dysfunction have suffered from untreated or undertreated lymphedema, and even today, this is still happening in many countries. The complicity of some national systems and health organizations is evident. Millions of people all over the world suffering from Lymphedema are still waiting for adequate and effective health care, and many of them are already in severe stages (elephantiasis). 


IMPORTANT NOTICE 

Lymphedema is a serious chronic and progressive disease due to an organic disability. The clinical treatment of lymphedema is neither a cosmetic nor an aesthetic treatment. The treatment of lymphedema is to control its progression and alleviate the symptoms related to dysfunction of the lymphatic circulatory system. To prevent and avoid serious complications associated with treatment, such as the possible displacement of edema to previously unaffected areas when compression therapy is applied for volume reduction, patients should use highly specialized and experienced therapists. 

Professional qualification and instruction delivered remotely online are not the same as live hands-on practical instruction in the clinical training and certification of lymphedema therapists, similar to all other rehabilitation, medical, and surgical training programs, and especially for developing the necessary manual skills to treat a disease as complex as lymphedema. 

Patients should also take special care when choosing a "Multidisciplinary Center of Reference for Lymphedema", as not all countries and centers provide the same treatment options. The best choice is a center of reference that provides “Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)”, which is recognized as the “Gold Standard” treatment for lymphedema.

  • Read more about what is the best treatment option for Lymphedema HERE.
  • Read about what are the principal functions of Manual Lymphatic Drainage HERE.
  • Read about what are the main differences between the two principal lymphedema treatment protocols HERE. 
  • Read about what are the strategies for the implementation of low-cost treatment options for Lymphedema HERE.

REFERENCES

(Click on the texts to read the research articles)

SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

CUTANEOUS COMPLICATIONS
INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS
CELLULITIS / DERMATOLYMPHANGIOADENITIS
TUMOURS

TREATMENT

COMPRESSION GARMENTS

DISABILITY

DISFIGUREMENT

PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT

PEDIATRIC LYMPHEDEMA

LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS / PODOCONIOSIS







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