Validation of the Dutch self-report lower-extremity lymphedema screening questionnaire

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) is a common medical issue, but often overlooked. Many patients remain untreated or do not receive treatment on time. Early diagnosis provides the option for therapeutic interventions to prevent progression and potentially cure lymphedema in an early stage. Patient reported complaints and symptoms are often the first indicator of clinically relevant lymphedema; this led to a previous study that resulted in the Self-Report Lower-Extremity Lymphedema Screening Questionnaire (LELSQ), validated for women. The LELSQ was translated to Dutch by a professional translation service. Aim of this study was to validate the Dutch translation of the LELSQ, for men and women, and to determine which cutoff score has the best predictive properties to diagnose lymphedema.

A cross-sectional study was undertaken. Variables collected included total LELSQ score, Sex, Age, Body Mass Index, presence of LEL, the type, stage, and duration of LEL, and which lower extremity was affected. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t tests, and Receiver Operator Characteristic curve.

Questionnaires were returned by 162 participants (50.8%), of which 140 could be included. The mean LELSQ scores of the groups with and without LEL (22 vs 4.5 points) differed significantly (p < 0.001, 95% CI 15.3–20.7). For the cutoff score of ≥ 6 points the sensitivity and specificity for detecting LEL among participants were 100% and 72.4%, respectively.

Our findings show that the Dutch translation of the LELSQ is a valid screening instrument for LEL in a broad patient population. The optimal cutoff score is ≥ 6 points.

Not gradable.