Global InformationLipedema information
| Lipedema | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Lipoedema, lipödem, lipalgia, adiposalgia, adipoalgesia, adiposis dolorosa, lipomatosis dolorosa of the legs, lipohypertrophy dolorosa, painful column leg, painful lipedema syndrome |
| Specialty | Vascular medicine |
| Symptoms | Increased fat deposits under the skin in the legs, increased extracellular fluid, inflammation,[1] easy bruising, pain[2] |
| Causes | Unknown[2] |
| Risk factors | Family member with the condition[3] |
| Differential diagnosis | Lipohypertrophy, chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema[2] |
| Treatment | Physiotherapy, exercise[2] compression stockings, emollients, liposuction[3] |
| Frequency | Up to 11% of women[2] |
Lipedema is a medical 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 develop lipedema[2][3] and the fat associated with lipedema is resistant to traditional weight-loss methods.[4] There is no cure and typically it gets worse over time, pain may be present, and patients bruise easily.[2] Over time mobility may be reduced, and due to reduced quality of life, patients often experience depression.[3] In severe cases the trunk and upper body may be involved.[2] Lipedema is commonly misdiagnosed. [5]
The cause is unknown but is believed to involve genetics and hormonal factors that regulate the lymphatic system, thus blocking the return of fats to the bloodstream.[2] It often runs in families; having a family member with the condition is a risk factor for developing it.[2][3] Other conditions that may present similarly include lipohypertrophy, chronic venous insufficiency, and lymphedema.[2] It is estimated to affect up to 11% of women.[2] Onset is typically during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.[2]
The fat associated with lipedema is shown to be resistant to weight loss methods; however, unlike other fat, lipedema is not associated with increased risks of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.[4] Physiotherapy may help to preserve mobility for a little longer than would otherwise be the case. Exercise, only as much as the patient is able to do without causing damage to the joints, may help with overall fitness but will not prevent 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 to remove the fat 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]
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Lipoedema". nhs.uk. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
pmid22301856was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ 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.