Intralymphatic steroid therapy for lymphoedema: preliminary studies

Lymph node fibrosis is a significant feature in patients with primary lymphoedema. Its importance in causing obstruction to the flow of lymph has lead to this study which is an attempt to reduce the effect of fibrosis by treatment with a corticosteroid preparation administered by direct intralymphatic infusion. In a pilot study, twenty patients received an intralymphatic infusion of Clobetasol propionate in Ultra-fluid Lipiodol (18 lower limb, 2 face). Clinical improvement occurred in eight of the patients with leg oedema over a period of up to nine months. Both face-affected patients were helped by this form of therapy. In patients with lymphoedema of the lower limb with lymph node abnormalities, it was advantageous if the lymph vessels leading up to the nodes were patent.