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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
04:38
A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model
Published on: February 10, 2021
B-type natriuretic peptide in lymphedema.
J Todd1, T Austwick, D Berridge
1Department of Lymphoedema, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds. Jacquelyne.Todd@leedsth.nhs.uk
Lymphology
|June 15, 2011
Summary
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can effectively screen lymphedema patients for heart failure. Most patients with lymphedema have normal BNP levels, but elevated levels indicate potential cardiac issues needing further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Lymphedema Research
Background:
- Lymphedema management with compression therapy can exacerbate cardiac overload in patients with coexisting heart failure.
- Undetected cardiac dysfunction in lymphedema patients poses a significant clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as a screening biomarker for cardiac dysfunction in lymphedema patients.
- To compare BNP levels in lymphedema patients with those in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 305 unselected lymphedema patients and healthy controls.
- Measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.
- Echocardiography for patients with elevated BNP levels.
Main Results:
- 93% of lymphedema patients had BNP levels below the 100 ng/L threshold, excluding heart failure.
- 7 patients with elevated BNP (120 ng/L) showed cardiac abnormalities on echocardiography.
- Indicative factors for elevated BNP include bilateral leg swelling, age over 50, breathlessness, and unknown swelling cause.
Conclusions:
- BNP assay is a valuable tool for screening lymphedema patients for potential cardiac failure.
- A BNP threshold of 100 ng/L can identify patients requiring further cardiac investigation.
- Early identification of cardiac dysfunction can guide appropriate management in lymphedema patients.
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