[Effect of comprehensive care for chronic filariasis patients with lymphedema].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of chronic filariasis patients with lymphedema after comprehensive cared.

Methods: A total of 386 chronic filariasis patients with lymphedema received the comprehensive care including soaking feet by TCM, washing feet by single Chinese medicine or clear water, preventing and eliminating invasive wound, physical training, raising the limb, and wearing suitable shoes. The attack frequency of inflammation of lymphatic vessels, the stage of lymphedema disease, and leg circumference were observed before and after the care.

Results: After the comprehensive care, the attack rates of inflammation of lymphatic vessels decreased from 9.65% to 4.67%, and there was a significant difference (χ2 =7.34, P=0.0067). The proportion of the patients with high stage of lymphedema disease decreased significantly (all P <0.01), and the average leg circumference decreased of 1.06 cm. The skin appearance improved significantly. Other signs, such as pitting edema, ulcer, and skin folds also improved significantly (all P <0.01).

Conclusion: The comprehensive care for chronic filariasis patients with lymphedema has a remarkable effect and is worthy of further application.