Improvement of Refractory Peripheral Edema With Multilayered Compression Bandaging: A Case Report

Lower extremity edema, which can be caused by several factors, is often poorly managed with commonly prescribed compression stockings and diuretics. Diuretics are often erroneously given in all forms of edema and may cause problems because their long-term application may induce chronicity of the edema due to disturbance of the renin-angiotensin relationship. Compression therapy, although effective against venous edema, is widely underused.

A 64-year-old man with a history of hypertension, coronary artery disease, psoriasis, and multiple myeloma was admitted to the hospital for neutropenic fever, right lower extremity (RLE) cellulitis, bilateral lower extremity (BLE) weakness, RLE pain, and significant BLE edema. The patient was referred to a lymphedema-certified therapist to apply lower extremity multilayered compression bandaging and document serial limb circumference measurements.

The patient's weight decreased from 94.5 kg on day 1 of compression bandaging to 86.3 kg on day 7. The circumferences of the affected limbs also decreased.

This case demonstrates the utility of multilayered compression bandaging, typically used in the management of lymphedema, in the control of peripheral edema that is refractory to diuretic therapy.