ISSN:
1365-2133
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
We have studied changes in the elasticity and viscosity of the skin in patients with lymphoedema, using a technique involving vertical extensibility by suction. We measured parameters which included immediate extensibility (Ue, which reflects the elastic properties of the skin), and delayed extensibility (Uv which reflects intracutaneous movements of a viscous type).In grade III lymphoedema, Ue is decreased and Uv is increased. These changes are explained by volume variations and histological alterations, and tend to normalize after treatment.Our study shows that measurement of extensibility is useful in evaluation of volume variations, effects of therapy, and disease evolution, as Ue variations correlate with volume variations and with Uv changes. This technique also provides information which is useful in assessing patiènts' functional difficulties in relation to skin infiltration, and might be of value in lymphoedema follow-up.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1994.tb08503.x
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