The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People With Lymphedema in an Endemic Area for Lymphatic Filariasis in Brazil

Int J Public Health. 2023 Jan 12:68:1605317. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605317. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on lymphedema patients from an endemic area of lymphatic filariasis. Methods: The study descriptive compared sociodemographic and clinical aspects, risk of falling and quality of life, prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 28 lymphedema patients, older than 18 years old and under investigation of filarial infection. For the evaluation of functional mobility, the Time Up and Go test and The Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 Health for quality of life, was used. Results: An increase in interdigital and dermal lesions, a higher frequency of acute dermatolymphangioadenitis crises and risk of falling, worsening of quality of life in the domains of physical functioning, general health, vitality, and mental health during the pandemic was observed. Conclusion: Our findings of clinical worsening and quality of life of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic indicate the need to reinforce the goal of the Lymphatic Filariasis Program regarding the follow-up of these patients in the actions of the Global Program for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, due to the discontinuity in the care during the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; lymphatic filariasis; lymphedema; morbidity; quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial* / epidemiology
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema* / epidemiology
  • Pandemics
  • Postural Balance
  • Quality of Life
  • Time and Motion Studies

Grants and funding

This study’s scholarship was financed by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel—Brazil (CAPES)—Finance Code 001, Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e a Tecnologia de Pernambuco (Foundation for the Support of Science and Technology of Pernambuco)—FACEPE (IBPG—1783.4-01/19) and National Reference Service for filariasis was supported by the Sistema Nacional de Laboratórios de Saúde Pública—(National System of Public Health Laboratories) (VPGDI-005-FIO-18).