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Fall Pathways 2023 (Volume 12, Issue 4)
By David Keast and Margie McNeely
The International Lymphedema Framework Conference was held June 13-15 in the Conference Centre in the beautiful park-like setting of the University of Nottingham. The conference was attended by 532 participants from 36 countries and included a special patient day on the final day. The International Lipedema Association co-conferenced with the ILF.
Frameworks
The conference was preceded by an International Frameworks Day, in which thirteen of the current 15 frameworks attended in person and one by video. Dr. Margaret McNeely and Dr. David Keast represented the Canadian Framework. This working day was an opportunity to share current activities and to discuss the current ILF projects on Children with Lymphedema, Genital Lymphedema, Outcome Measures and the LIMPRINT project, an initiative that is now being extended in a modified version into resource-limited settings. Six more countries are in the process of becoming Frameworks. One Framework, Bulgaria, is entirely patient led.
The conference itself followed a unique format. All presentations were limited to 15 to 20 minutes in both the plenary room
and two breakout rooms. This allowed for broad exposure to ideas and topics. Over 100 speakers gave 147 presentations on 14 themes. The opportunity to present orally was given to all submitted abstracts.
Highlights of the conference
The opening plenary session focused on cellulitis. Speakers addressed the differential diagnosis, appropriate use of antimicrobials, the financial burden and strategies for prevention.
Compelling findings presented by Dr. Alphonse Taghian (USA) bring into question the long-held risk reduction recommendation of avoiding chemotherapy infusion in the ‘at risk arm’ of women with breast cancer.
Dr. Nele Devoogdt (Belgium), presented findings on the effectiveness of fluoroscopy guided manual lymph drainage as part of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy. She questioned the added value of fluoroscopy-guided MLD compared to traditional MLD or placebo MLD.
Other sessions focused on presentations from resource-limited settings, including a significant contingent from Uganda. Dr. David Keast (Canada) explored what constitutes best practice in resourcelimited settings, including traditional healing methods.
Sessions explored controversies surrounding the diagnosis and management of lipedema.
An interesting presentation by Karen Bock (USA) explored sleep quality and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Sleep quality and quantity by self-report were significantly less than that determined by wearable motion sensors.
Several sessions explored the link between obesity and lymphedema.
Among the 60 abstract presentations, Canada was well represented:
• Dr. Margaret McNeely (Alberta) presented the work to date on the Canadian best practice guidelines for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
• Marie-Eve Letellier (Quebec) – Independent prospective follow-up of lymphedema patients who have undergone lymphatic surgeries.
• Marize Ibrahim (Quebec) - Management of lymphedema related to head and neck cancer.
Exhibition hall
There were 24 exhibiting partners. A novel feature was five mini theatre setups called Skill Zones. These instructional sessions provided an ideal opportunity to learn tips from experts. It was wonderful to learn about Brylan’s Feat Foundation (BFF)the world’s first and only nonprofit specific to pediatric lymphedema!
Networking opportunities
The ILF conference presented an opportunity for networking among researchers and clinicians – learning about novel approaches to lymphedema management in other countries. We learned that cellulitis is a common issue across all countries. LP
A full set of references can be found at http://www.canadalymph.ca/ pathways-references/
