 |
|
A Novel Therapy for Lymphedema
John C. Moore, MD;
Zuhair K. Ballas, MD
Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(2):201-202.
There is a broad differential to consider when evaluating a patient with angioedema, which can include capillary leak syndrome and lymphedema. Systemic capillary leak syndrome typically presents with hypotension, hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia, monoclonal gammopathy, and marked plasma leakage resulting in diffuse edema.1 Prophylactic treatment with terbutaline sulfate and theophylline has been found to be effective for the prevention of systemic capillary leak syndrome exacerbations.2
The other unusual consideration is lymphedema, which is notoriously resistant to therapy, and only supportive measures are available (physical therapy, external compression, and surgery). We describe herein a patient with lymphedema who benefited from treatment with theophylline and terbutaline.
Report of a Case
A 53-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of recurrent angioedema that did not respond to several therapeutic modalities, including diuretics. Unusual features in her history included involvement of her abdominal wall and all 4 extremities with no pulmonary edema. Physical examination revealed nonpitting edema of her lower and upper extremities, as well as an indurated abdominal wall. Systemic capillary leak syndrome was considered in the differential diagnosis. Pending the outcome of her testing, the prophylactic regimen for idiopathic capillary leak syndrome was initiated: terbutaline sulfate, 5 mg 5 times daily, and theophylline, 200 mg twice daily.1 Evaluation included a normal C1 esterase inhibitor level; serum immunofixation electrophoresis showed a monoclonal IgG band (commonly seen in systemic capillary leak syndrome), which was eventually diagnosed as monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. Given the abnormal appearance of her abdominal wall, amyloidosis was considered. Results from a fine-needle aspiration were negative for amyloid. Findings from an abdominal wall punch biopsy were consistent with lymphedema, with scattered dilated capillary lymphatic spaces in the superficial and deep dermis. Evaluation for a cause of lymphedema included an evaluation for malignant neoplasms with a full-body computed tomographic scan showing axillary lymphadenopathy. An axillary lymph node biopsy specimen was negative for malignant cells. One week after the initiation of terbutaline and theophylline therapies, there was a marked improvement of her lymphedema. Her weight decreased by 14 kg after 10 months of treatment (Figure, A and B). There was a direct correlation identified between the dose of terbutaline and the degree of lymphedema. Attempts to wean the terbutaline from 5 tablets to less than 3 tablets daily resulted in increased edema and weight, which would resolve by resuming the higher dose (Figure, C).
|
|
|
|
Figure. Clinical response to terbutaline sulfate and theophylline. A, The patient at presentation. B, The patient after several weeks of therapy. C, The patient's weight as a function of the terbutaline sulfate dose.
|
|
|
Comment
Lymphedema is caused by insufficient lymph transport owing to lymphatic hypoplasia, impaired lymphatic function, or obstruction of lymph flow.3 Increased lymphatic endothelial cell permeability is probably an important contributor. An increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level is known to decrease endothelial cell permeability.4 Terbutaline increases cAMP level by stimulating adenyl cyclase.5 Theophylline increases intracellular cAMP by inhibiting phosphodiesterase.6 With both medications contributing to an increase in cAMP level, this likely resulted in decreased endothelial cell permeability. We propose the use of this therapeutic modality for patients with idiopathic lymphedema.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
Correspondence: Dr Moore, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, C42/E-13, GH, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242 (john-c-moore{at}uiowa.edu).
Author Contributions: Study concept and design: Moore and Ballas. Acquisition of data: Ballas. Analysis and interpretation of data: Ballas. Drafting of the manuscript: Moore. Ballas. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Ballas. Administrative, technical, and material support: Ballas. Study supervision: Ballas.
Financial Disclosure: None reported.
Previous Presentation: This study was presented as a poster at the 2007 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology meeting, November 10-11, 2007; Dallas, Texas.
REFERENCES
|
1. Dhir V, Arya V, Malav IC, Suryanarayanan BS, Gupta R, Dey AB. Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome(SCLS): case report and systematic review of cases reported in the last 16 years. Intern Med. 2007;46(12):899-904.
FULL TEXT
|
WEB OF SCIENCE
| PUBMED
2. Tahirkheli NK, Greipp PR. Treatment of the systemic capillary leak syndrome with terbutaline and theophylline: a case series. Ann Intern Med. 1999;130(11):905-909.
FREE FULL TEXT
3. Cueni LN, Detmar M. New insights into the molecular control of the lymphatic vascular system and its role in the disease. J Invest Dermatol. 2006;126(10):2167-2177.
FULL TEXT
|
WEB OF SCIENCE
| PUBMED
4. Fischmeister R. Is cAMP good or bad? depends on where it's made. Circ Res. 2006;98(5):582-584.
FREE FULL TEXT
5. Brogden RN, Speight TM, Avery GS. Terbutaline: a preliminary report of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in asthma. Drugs. 1973;6(5):324-332.
PUBMED
6. Vassallo R, Lipsky J. Theophylline: recent advances in the understanding of its mode of action and uses in clinical practice. Mayo Clin Proc. 1998;73(4):346-354.
FREE FULL TEXT
 CiteULike  Connotea  Delicious  Digg  Facebook  Reddit  Technorati  Twitter
What's this?
|
