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Physiotherapy management of patients with HIV‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma
Author(s) -
HarrisLove Michael O,
Shrader Joseph A
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
physiotherapy research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1471-2865
pISSN - 1358-2267
DOI - 10.1002/pri.321
Subject(s) - sarcoma , medicine , regimen , physical therapy , kaposi's sarcoma , cancer , surgery , pathology , human herpesvirus
Abstract Background Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common form of cancer in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although Kaposi's sarcoma lesions may contribute to significant physical impairments, there is a lack of scientific literature detailing the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of HIV‐associated Kaposi' sarcoma. The present Case Report includes two males, aged 36 and 39 years, seropositive for HIV, with invasive Kaposi's sarcoma. Method and Results Patient A was evaluated for bilateral foot pain caused by plantar surface Kaposi's sarcoma lesions that rendered him unable to walk. He progressed to walking 400 feet after a treatment regimen of gait training with the use of custom plastazote sandals. Patient B was evaluated for right lower extremity lymphoedema secondary to invasive Kaposi's sarcoma. He experienced an 18% reduction in limb volume, a 38% reduction in pain and a 20 ° increase in terminal knee flexion after therapeutic exercise and the use of compressive bandaging and garments. Conclusions This Case Report suggests that physiotherapy interventions may be valuable in the conservative management of patients with HIV‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.