Lipedema

Lipedema
Other namesLipoedema, lipödem, lipalgia, adiposalgia, adipoalgesia, adiposis dolorosa, lipomatosis dolorosa of the legs, lipohypertrophy dolorosa, painful column leg, painful lipedema syndrome
Lipedema, type III, stage 1.
SpecialtyVascular medicine
SymptomsIncreased fat deposits under the skin in the legs, increased extracellular fluid, inflammation,[1] easy bruising, pain[2]
CausesUnknown[2]
Risk factorsFamily member with the condition[3]
Differential diagnosisLipohypertrophy, chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema[2]
TreatmentPhysiotherapy, exercise[2] compression stockings, emollients, liposuction[3]
FrequencyUp to 11% of women[2]

Lipedema is a condition that is almost exclusively found in women[3] and results in enlargement of both legs due to deposits of fat under the skin.[2] Women of any weight may be affected[2][3] and the fat is resistant to traditional weight-loss methods.[4] There is no cure and typically it gets worse over time, pain may be present, and people bruise more easily.[2] Over time mobility may be reduced, and due to reduced quality of life, people often experience depression.[3] In severe cases the trunk and upper body may be involved.[2]

The cause is unknown but is believed to involve genetic and hormonal factors that regulate the lymphatic system, thus blocking the return of fats to the bloodstream.[2] It often runs in families.[2][3] Other conditions that may present similarly include lipohypertrophy, chronic venous insufficiency, and lymphedema.[2] It is commonly misdiagnosed.[5]

The condition is resistant to weight loss methods; however, unlike other fat it is not associated with an increased risks of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.[4] Physiotherapy may help to preserve mobility. Exercise may help with overall fitness but will not prevent the progression of the disease.[2] Compression stockings can help with pain and make walking easier.[3] Regularly moisturising with emollients protects the skin and prevents it from drying out.[3] Liposuction can help if the symptoms are particularly severe.[3] While surgery can remove fat tissue it can also damage lymphatic vessels.[2] Treatment does not typically result in complete resolution.[6] It is estimated to affect up to 11% of women.[2] Onset is typically during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.[2]

  1. ^ Herbst KL, Kahn LA, Iker E, Ehrlich C, Wright T, McHutchison L, Schwartz J, Sleigh M, Donahue PM, Lisson KH, Faris T, Miller J, Lontok E, Schwartz MS, Dean SM, Bartholomew JR, Armour P, Correa-Perez M, Pennings N, Wallace EL, Larson E. Standard of care for lipedema in the United States. Phlebology. 2021 May 28:2683555211015887. doi: 10.1177/02683555211015887. Epub ahead of print. PMID 34049453.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Lipedema". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 18 March 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Lipoedema". nhs.uk. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b Torre YS, Wadeea R, Rosas V, Herbst KL (March 2018). "Lipedema: friend and foe". Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation. 33 (1). doi:10.1515/hmbci-2017-0076. PMC 5935449. PMID 29522416.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference pmid22301856 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Anne Warren Peled, Anne; Kappos, Elisabeth (August 2016). "Lipedema: diagnostic and management challenges". International Journal of Women's Health. 8: 389–395. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S106227. PMC 4986968. PMID 27570465.

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