Ward L C, Battersby K J, Kilbreath S L
School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Lymphology. 2009 Sep;42(3):139-45.
A single subject prospective study of the relationship between air travel and lymphedema is reported. This proof of concept study was aimed at assessing the feasibility of using self-measured, inter-limb impedance ratios as a quantitative measure of lymphedema immediately prior to and following flying. The participant, a breast cancer survivor with lymphedema, measured whole arm impedance prior to and following air travel on 20 occasions, varying in duration of between 1 and 9 h, over a 12-month period. Although the inter-arm impedance ratio fluctuated over this time, it generally increased and worsened following flying. Impedance measurements were easily performed by the participant and could be obtained as close to the start and cessation of flying as is practicably possible. These data, when associated with self-assessment of lymphedema-related symptoms, could provide a comprehensive evidence base for an assessment of the risks associated with air travel and the provision of appropriate advice to prospective travelers. Further large-scale studies are recommended.
本文报道了一项关于航空旅行与淋巴水肿关系的单受试者前瞻性研究。这项概念验证研究旨在评估在飞行前后立即使用自我测量的肢体间阻抗比作为淋巴水肿定量指标的可行性。参与者是一名患有淋巴水肿的乳腺癌幸存者，在12个月的时间里，20次测量了航空旅行前后的全臂阻抗，飞行时长在1至9小时之间变化。尽管在此期间双臂阻抗比有所波动，但通常在飞行后会升高且病情加重。参与者能够轻松进行阻抗测量，并且可以在实际可行的情况下尽可能接近飞行开始和结束时获取测量结果。这些数据与淋巴水肿相关症状的自我评估相结合，可为评估航空旅行相关风险以及向潜在旅行者提供适当建议提供全面的证据基础。建议开展进一步的大规模研究。
