Clinical-Therapeutic Importance of Bioimpedance in Patients with Lymphedema: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphedema is characterized by abnormal accumulation of macromolecules and soft tissue fluids. Bioimpedance is a method that measures intra- and extracellular volumes by body segment, and has been currently used in lymphedema. Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the clinical-therapeutic importance of bioimpedance in patients with lymphedema. Methodology: The present work consisted of a literature review. The systematic review made it possible to know and transcribe important subjects on clinical and therapeutic bioimpedance in patients with lymphedema. The work was carried out from September 2018 to April 2019, following the rules of systematic review – PRISMA. Results: It was found that the variation of the interstitial fluid can be measured by bioimpedance , before and after intensive treatment of lymphedema. Bioimpedance is a noninvasive method used to evaluate interstitial fluids, including indications for lymphedema. Conclusion: Bioimpedance is a suggested method to evaluate clinical and therapeutic follow-up in patients with lymphedema.