Treatment of lymphedema and recurrent cellulitis.
Tony Reid MD Ph.D.
31 year old female with lymphedema due to multiple knee injuries and surgeries.
First hospitalized in May 1994 for cellulitis as a complication of lymphedema.
Between May 1994 and November 1995, she had 12 hospitalizations including several
admissions to the intensive care unit for cellulitis and sepsis. Cumulatively
she had a total of 152 days in the hospital, an average of 8.9 hospital days per
month. During that time she received multiple treatments including: diuretics,
bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage and intermittent pneumatic compression
without significant improvement. She was on antibiotics almost continuously to
suppress the infections and developed allergies to penicillin, azithromycin,
clindamycin, vancomycin and cefalosporins. There was consideration of amputation
to prevent the possibility of death due to the recurrent infections. At the time
of presentation to the Stanford Lymphedema Clinic, she suffered from worsening
edema, recurrent cellulitis/sepsis, chronic monilial vaginitis and depression.
Before treatment with ReidSleeve
After treatment with ReidSleeve
On November 25, 1995 she was started on treatment with the ReidSleeve for the
lower extemity. At five months after starting treatment , she had no further
infections and was off antibiotics and had marked reduction in edema (see
photo). The edema in her thigh completely resolved and she had a 70%
reduction in the edema in the knee area and a 65% reduction in the edema in
the calf region (see photo). There was marked resolution of erythematous skin
changes. She was more active and had marked improvement of her psychological
status and overall well-being.
In addition, the treatment is cost-effective. Assuming she continued to
require hospitalization at the rate of 9 days per month, at a cost of $2000 to
$3000 per day, the health care savings over the following 5 months would
exceed $90,000 to $130,000.
Case Report Presented:
Second National Lymphedema Network Conference, Sept. 1996
* Patient reported in 2001 she remains free from infection.