Lipedema: a clinical entity

Abstract

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disorder of adipose tissue, found almost exclusively in women, that involves disproportionate subcutaneous fat depositions, leading to progressive and symmetric enlargement of the legs. The condition usually appears at puberty or in the third decade of life. Many patients report a family history of such disorder. The diagnosis is usually based on the physical examination and medical history. If left untreated, lipedema may result in secondary lymphatic dysfunction, physical impairment and mental problems, leading to significant damage to patient's quality of life. The condition is frequently misdiagnosed as lymphedema or mistreated as obesity. Other than that, the differential diagnosis includes chronic venous insufficiency, constitutional variability of the legs, lipohypertrophy, Dercum's disease, Madelung's disease. The treatment options include diet and compression therapy, conservative treatment of secondary edema and surgical interventions. There is an urgent need for further studies on the pathogenesis of lipedema, epidemiology, diagnostic criteria and possible curative treatment.

Quality of life, its factors, and sociodemographic characteristics of Polish women with lipedema

“…Researchers have also searched for genetic determinants of lipedema in the hope of identifying genetic tests that would allow for the precise differentiation of lipedema from other diagnoses; however, no such determinants have yet been found [17]. Therefore, there is no reliable and easily accessible diagnostic tool or biomarker for lipedema, and diagnosis is based on clinical examination and medical history [6,7,18]. The unknown etiology and lack of precise diagnostic tools contribute to a lack of knowledge on the epidemiology of lipedema.…”

“…Specialists estimate that the disease affects 7 to 11% of adult women in Western countries [5][6][7]19]. The prevalence of lipedema in Poland is unknown and has not been previously investigated [18].…”

“…The increased interest in the condition has been reflected by the number of articles on lipedema in the popular press and other media. However, the prevalence of lipedema, patients' quality of life, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and psychological functioning in Poland have not previously been scientifically investigated [18]. This knowledge is needed to advance the process of scientific investigation of the condition, draw attention to lipedema and increase evidence to confirm the importance of the condition, its impact on the quality of life and inform guidelines for evidence-based care.…”

Prevalence of Clinical Manifestations and Orthopedic Alterations in Patients With Lipedema: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Large variability in the natural history of lipedema is noted. While some patients develop only mild lipedema, which does not progress with the time, others show gradual and slow progression (28,29). This point should be further investigated.…”

Lipoedema – a growing problem in Spain

“…The disease has gained visibility but also, the boom in messages from patients claiming that their obesity is not obesity but lipoedema, and the imprecise and non-scientific information in those media is causing great confusion among patients. There is no evidence that lipoedema leads to weight gain, however, weight gain can provoke the onset and progression of lipoedema [1,25,26].…”