Project description
Lipedema is a chronic disorder of adipose tissue affecting 11-18% of women. Clinically, lipedema is characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the lower extremities, sensory disturbances, pain, and signs of low-grade inflammation. Physical functioning is impaired, including reduced muscle strength, decreased cardiovascular endurance, and joint hypermobility. Psychological burden, including symptoms of anxiety and depression, further affects quality of life.
However, lipedema is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and the absence of validated diagnostic biomarkers. This diagnostic uncertainty delays or even prevents appropriate treatment and contributes to stigmatization. Therefore, robust diagnostic biomarkers and systematic phenotyping are urgently needed.
This project aims to identify diagnostic biomarkers and phenotypes across five domains: (1) body composition, (2) sensory profile, (3) circulation, (4) physical functioning, and (5) psychological functioning. Analytical validation will be performed through a case-control study including lipedema participants and controls. External validation will be performed through a Delphi study.
KU Leuven – C2M Funding
Partners
Project Management Group
Prof. Nele Devoogdt (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven; Centre for Lymphedema, UZ Leuven)
Prof. Sarah Thomis (Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven; Centre for Lymphedema, UZ Leuven)
Dr. Ceren Gursen (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven)
Drs. Romy Smets (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven)
Belgian Advisory Board
Prof. Veronique Cornelissen (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven)
Prof. dr. Pieter Vermeersch (Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven; Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, UZ Leuven)
Prof. dr. Birgitte Schoenmakers (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven)
Prof. Mira Meeus (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, UAntwerpen)
Prof. Sebastiaan Dalle (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, UAntwerpen)
International Advisory Board
Prof. dr. Kristiana Gordon (Lymphovascular Medicine, Dermatology Department, St George’s University Hospital, UK)
Dr. Belinda Thompson (Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Centre; Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia)
Dr. Ad Hendrickx (Center of Expertise for Lymphovascular Medicine, Nij Smellinghe Hospital, the Netherlands)
Funding
KU Leuven – C2M Funding
Contact
nele.devoogdt@kuleuven.be
ceren.guersen@kuleuven.be