• 2010 International NLN Conference
  • Abstracts
  • Committee
  • Continuing Education
  • Exhibits & Support Opp.
  • Hotel Reservations
  • LSAP
  • Press Release
  • Registration
  • Schedule

9th NLN International Conference 9.22.2010

Conference Registration Now Open

NLN Position Papers: Risk Reduction, Treatment, Exercise, Air Travel, Training

Financial Assistance for Garments:

New Books:
100 Questions and Answers About Lymphedema

Lymphedema Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners

Updated NLN Online Patient Questionnaire

Patient participation in clinical trial

For Professionals: NLN Research Survey

Conference Schedule

Instructional Sessions

8:00am to 9:45am

• [H1] Recognizing Emergencies in Lymphedema Treatment
  -Bonnie B. Lasinski, MA, PT, CI, CLT-LANA

  View Outline for H1

  This workshop will use focus on common problems faced by individuals living with lymphedema, lipedema, and combined venous and lymphatic disorders. The session format will combine case examples of "LE Emergencies" and will encourage interactive problem solving to address issues that many patients/therapists face when managing lymphedema and other related disorders. Participants are encouraged to contact the instructor by e-mail by May 1, 2010 (blasins@optonline.net) with an interesting case/problem that they would like the group to address. If appropriate and time permits, a participant may be able to present their problem to the group for their input.

  Topics to be discussed will include:

  1. Cellulitis/lymphangitis: early signs and symptoms and referral for treatment
  2. Fungal infections: early recognition and management strategies
  3. Lacerations/burns/insect bites/rashes/soft tissue injuries/sprains or other traumas: acute management and medical referral
  4. Allergic reactions to bandaging/compression garment materials: how to proceed
  5. Chronic wounds: managing compression and protecting the wounds
  6. Surgery on a limb at risk
  7. Modifying CDT for the patient who becomes SOB - when to refer - is it CHF?
  8. Acute pain and swelling in the LE limb - is it a DVT?
  9. Putting together signs, symptoms and functional abilities - the hidden diagnoses.
  10. Recognizing/reporting signs of possible cancer recurrence/metastasis
  11. MRSA (resistant staph infections) - more common then you think
• [H2] Genetics 101
  -Michael Bernas, MS
  

  View Outline for H2

  This instructional session is designed to provide a practical understanding of genetic principles and state-of-the art tools used for pinpointing genetic abnormalities with emphasis on lymphatic-related genes. We will follow (learning objectives):

  1. The steps in evaluating a patient and/or family suspected of a genetic disorder of the lymphatic system
  2. The methods of obtaining and processing of samples
  3. The methods and analysis techniques in which genotype-phenotype correlations can be established
  4. And following a brief review of current genetic research for lymphatic-related diseases, we will outline current management approaches and future directions for early detection, prevention and therapy
• [H3] Lymphedema Research: An Update and Review of Evidence-Based Studies - Selected Topics and Trends
  -Andrea Cheville, MD, MSCE
  -Mei Fu, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
  -Catherine Tuppo, PT, MS

  View Outline for H3

  Busy clinicians may not have sufficient opportunity or time to stay current with recently published research studies related to lymphedema diagnosis, treatment and management. This session will present evidence based studies published since the last NLN conference in 2008. Focus of the session will pertain to papers related to lymphedema diagnosis, treatment and management. The format will incorporate a brief literature review highlighting objectives, methods, data, results, and conclusions, as well as discussion of relevance, strengths, biases and opportunities for further research. Topics will include advances in clinical assessment; medical management of lymphedema including surgical intervention and medications; clinical interventions designed to improve lymphatic function; self-care, adherence, and quality of life. Studies investigating exercise and activity related to lymphedema response will also be reviewed. Topics will be updated as new literature is published.

  Participants will:

  1. Develop an awareness of the elements of evidence based lymphedema research
  2. Gain knowledge of topics recently published in the lymphedema literature
  3. Be able to discuss pertinent lymphedema research findings with peers and patients
  4. Understand the strengths and weaknesses in the evidence based lymphedema literature
  5. Appreciate the potential impact of published studies on clinical diagnosis, treatment, and lymphedema care models
  6. Develop an understanding of lymphedema research needs moving forward
  7. Be able to utilize published findings in decision making regarding clinical assessment, treatment, and patient self care
• [H4] Primary Lymphedema in Pediatrics and Adolescents
  -Joseph Feldman, MD
  -Mary Kathleen Kearse, PT, CLT-LANA

  View Outline for H4

  Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

  1. Describe the formation of the lymphatic system in utero and the pathology resulting in primary lymphedema.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the diagnosis and differential diagnosis in children with lymphedema.
  3. Develop effective treatment programs including proper selection for compression garments for pediatric and adolescent patients with lymphedema.
  4. Recognize unique short and long term challenges in the treatment of pediatric and adolescent patients with lymphedema.
• [H5] Truncal and Genital Lymphedema

10:15am to 12:00 noon

• [H6] Problem-Solving for the Lymphedema Therapist
  -Gwen Forbes-Kirby, PT,CLT-LANA
  -DeCourcy Squire, PT, CLT-LANA, CI-CS

  View Outline for H6

  This problem solving workshop will include overviews by the workshop leaders and discussion of cases from their own practice as well as case studies submitted in advance by participants in the workshop. There will be an opportunity for participants to share their ideas as well.

  The topics to be covered are listed below.

  1. Issues with lower extremity lymphedema
     1. Distinguishing between obesity induced lymphedema and lymphedema coupled with obesity: treatment implications
     2. Distinguishing between venous edema, phlebo-lymphedema, and lymphedema: treatment implications
     3. Skin issues with lower extremity lymphedema
     4. Lymphedema after treatment for cancer: gynecological, melanomas, etc.
     5. Dealing with co-morbidities
     6. Truncal edema
     7. Compression choices/problem solving
  2. Upper Extremity Common Issues
     1. Checklist for complications
     1. Past medical history
     2. Range restrictions / Soft tissue limitations
     3. Strength limitations
     2. Case Studies
     1. Radiation neuritis/Skin changes
     2. Unresolved hand swelling
     3. Pre-existing shoulder pathologies-Adhesive Capsulitis
     4. Breast involvement
• Facial edema