Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Postlmayr, L.
Effects of lymphedema therapy on body salt homeostasis
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medical University of Graz; 2021. pp. 64
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Goswami Nandu
- Rössler Andreas
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background Over the last years, different findings indicate an unknown salt storage in the skin of a human’s body. Reasons may be, to create a barrier to defend the body of undesirable microorganisms, to protect the body from dehydration, being able to balance different amounts of oral salt intake, or all together. In case of a lymphedema, this system may unveil its function even better and so, patients suffering from this disease were investigated. Objective The aim of the study was, to obtain information about the composition of the lymphatic fluid and thus, to gain more knowledge about the skin salt storage. Methods Before and after a manual lymphatic drainage, performed on patients with a lymphedema, different parameters of water and salt regulation, such as Aldosteron, Renin or Sodium were investigated and analyzed. Results After manual lymphatic drainage, the median plasma volume increased by 66,5 mL. Looking at the electrolytes after the manual lymphatic drainage, the median increase in sodium was 2.88 mmol/L and in chloride 2.54 mmol/L (Na: p<0.001, Cl: p<0.001). There were no significant changes of plasma-kalium-, -calcium- and -albumin-concentration. While sodium showed a significant increase, the plasma renin activity decreased by 0.04 ng/mL/h of the median (correlation of plasma renin activity – sodium: p=0.029, r=-0.4. (-0.66 – -0.05)). Analyzing the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System, no significant changes or correlations between plasma renin activity and aldosteron plasma concentration were seen. Conclusion The results of this thesis lead to much more investigation of the skin’s salt storage and further of regulating variables of Aldosterone. It may be able to understand diseases like lymphatic edema, diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension much better and so, modern medicine may be able to treat or prevent these diseases even better than at the moment.