Abstract
Background Compression therapy is recommended as a therapeutic option for the treatment of lipedema.
Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of treatment
approaches with compression therapy on pain in patients with lipedema.
Methods A systematic literature review, single-arm as well as a comparative meta-analyses
were performed.
Results A total of three studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The single-arm
meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in pain by a treatment approach including
compression therapy. Furthermore, a significantly greater reduction in pain (Mean
Difference: -2.15 [95: CI: -3.06; -1.24]; p≤0.01; I2
=0.00 %) was calculated for a treatment approach with compression therapy compared
to treatment without compression therapy.
Conclusion A multimodal treatment approach with compression therapy has a positive effect on
pain in patients with lipedema. Further studies with more patients are needed to support
the findings of this meta-analysis.
Keywords
medical compression therapy - lipedema - lipoedema - pain