Prevalence of Lymphedema in Colombia During 2015–2020: A Population-Based Registry Study

Abstract

Introduction:

Lymphedema is a chronic, intractable, and irreversible disease. It consists of insufficiency of the lymphatic vessels to transport lymph, leading to edema and fibrosis. In developing countries and Colombia, the current prevalence of lymphedema is unknown.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study based on population registries. Secondary sources available in Colombia for epidemiological surveillance were revised, and period and point prevalences were calculated.

Results:

A total of 49,185 cases with a diagnosis of lymphedema were identified in Colombia between 2015 and 2020, resulting in a prevalence of 96.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for this period. An increase in the annual point prevalence was found from 2015 to 2019. Lymphedema is more prevalent in women and in the population over 60 years of age. Postmastectomy lymphedema is more prevalent in people aged 60 years or older, and a differential distribution among the different regions of the country was observed.

Conclusions:

It is the first known prevalence study of lymphedema in Colombia. It shows that the frequency of the disease is increasing, mostly secondary lymphedema, which mainly affects women and people over 35 years of age.