Current Evaluation of Lymphoedema and Assessment by Lymphoscintigraphy of the Effect of a Micronized Flavonoid Fraction (Daflon 500 mg) in the Treatment of Upper Limb Lymphoedema

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the effect of Daflon 500 mg on upper lymphoedema occurring after conventional treatment of breast cancer.

Design:

Open, pilot, single centre trial.

Setting:

Hospital outpatients attending a University Hospital.

Patients:

Ten female patients (aged 44–64 years) whose previous treatment for breast cancer was followed by upper limb lymphoedema (mean (SD) time delay = 17±7 months).

Interventions:

Oral administration of a daily dose of two tablets of Daflon 500 mg for 6 months.

Main outcome measures:

Symptoms, affected upper limb volume and parameters of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy using technetium-99m.

Results:

All patients experienced improvement of symptoms and limb volume (mean volume decrease of the swollen limb: 6.80%). Functional parameters assessed with scintigraphy were significantly improved (half-life: 147.4 (14.9) to 144.1 (14.9) min, p < 0.01; clearance of the colloid: 25.9 (2.5) to 28.3 (2.8) <l/min, p < 0.05; lymphatic speed of the colloid: 7.7 (0.3) to 8.0 (0.2) cm/min, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

These preliminary results suggest that this therapy is effective for the treatment of lymphoedema.