A comparison of programmable and nonprogrammable compression devices for treatment of tymphoedema using an administrative health outcomes dataset*

摘要

Background Patients with lymphoedema experience lifelong swelling and recurrent cellulitis despite use of complete decongestive therapy. Pneumatic compression devices (PCDs), including nonprogrammable and programmable devices that meet individual patient needs, support long-term self-care in the home. Objectives Patients with either a nonprogrammable device (NP-PCD) or a dynamic pressure programmable device [P-PCD; Flexitouch" (Tactile Medical, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.)] were evaluated to compare associated clinical and health utilization outcomes pre-/postdevice acquisition. Methods Retrospective analysis of deidentified administrative claims from 2007 through 2013 of a large U.S. insurer. Outcome variables included rates of lym-phoedema-related cellulitis, manual therapy use, outpatient services and inpatient hospitalizations. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to (i) compare outcomes for the 12 months pre- and postdevice acquisition and (ii) compare these two device types for their treatment-associated benefits.