Nursing
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/24
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Item Understanding the challenges of lipoedema(Wound Care People, 2018-04) Williams, Anne F.Lipoedema is a challenging condition for patients, health and social care professionals. Lack of understanding about the condition leads to delayed diagnosis and poor support with self-management. This paper draws on key evidence, best practice guidelines for the management of lipoedema, and a patient story, to provide insights into the presentation, diagnosis, impact and management of the condition. It also identifies key points for practice for community nurses.Item Lipoedema — a fat disorder: Considerations for GPNs(Wound Care People, 2018-09) Williams, Anne F.Lipoedema is a fat and connective tissue disorder associated with proliferation of diet-resistant inflammatory fat tissue. It predominantly affects women and commonly manifests as symmetrical enlargement of the legs, buttocks and arms. Lipoedema often develops or worsens at key stages of life, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and is associated with a variety of physical and psychosocial problems. It is poorly understood and women may be wrongly diagnosed as having lymphoedema or ‘obesity’, leading to a delay in accessing appropriate treatment and support. Lipoedema aetiology appears to include genetic, immune and endocrine factors, although the science is evolving and research is ongoing and, in the future, a clearer picture of lipoedema pathophysiology will emerge. This paper examines evidence relating to lipoedema pathophysiology, diagnosis, and the psychological impact of lipoedema, providing an overview of current treatment and selfmanagement approaches, and key considerations for general practice nurses (GPNs).