Overview
THERMOEDEME is a comparative, controlled, randomized, multicenter and simple blinded (investigator) trial.
The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of spa therapy in phlebology with a therapeutic education program in daily life of patients suffering lymphoedema.
Description
Lymphoedema is a chronic disease related to an insufficiency of the lymphatic system, which most often affects the limbs. Secondary forms are the most common, particularly those following surgical and radiotherapy treatments for cancer, the most classic being the post-therapeutic large arm of breast cancer.
The lymphoedema is a traditional phlebology indication in spa therapy. The spa therapy linked with therapeutic education could constitute a favorable environment for the treatment of lymphoedema.
The primary endpoint is the comparison of the rate of patients improved from baseline to 6 months on LMS27 (upper limb lymphoedema) or LYMQOL-LEG (lower limb lymphoedema) (Improvement is defined as 7 points between baseline and 6-month follow-up).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years old and older
- available for a spa treatment (phlebology indication) during 18 days and a follow up period of 15 months
- with permanent lymphoedema of the upper or lower limb (2 ou 3 stade of International Society for Lymphology scale)
- voluntary to participate to the study, informed consent form signed after appropriate information
- affiliation to the social security system or equivalent
Exclusion Criteria:
- cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in primary phase
- the baseline score of LMS27 or LYMQOL-LEG > 79
- pain of upper limb linked with a radical plexitis
- contra-indication of spa treatment (cancer in progress, psychiatrics disorders, immunodeficiency)
- Erysipelas case history in the last 6 months or pachyderma and lymphangiectasia
- no previous spa treatment for upper limb lymphoedema during the spa year
- risk of intensive treatment in the next 6 months
- subject participating to an other clinical study interventional
- pregnancy, parturient or breast feeding