Table 5.
Multivariate results for factors associated with risk of lymphedema.
| Variable | Hazard ratio | 95% Confidence interval | p value |
|---|---|---|---|
| No radiation* | 0.99 | 0.59–1.67 | 0.9825 |
| RLNR* | 1.70 | 1.07–2.70 | 0.0253 |
| B/CW + SC | 1.68 | 1.00 – 2.83 | 0.0492 |
| B/CW + SC + PAB | 1.72 | 1.00 – 2.96 | 0.0484 |
| ALND | 3.52 | 1.84–6.73 | 0.0001 |
| #LN’s removed** | 1.04 | 1.01–1.07 | 0.0184 |
| BMI** | 1.06 | 1.03–1.09 | <.0001 |
| ≥10% swelling, ≤3 mo post-op | 10.3 | 4.52–23.3 | <.0001 |
Abbreviations: RLNR = Regional lymph node radiation, ALND = Axillary lymph node dissection, LN = Lymph node, BMI = Body Mass Index
*
Radiation reference group: Partial breast (PBI) and whole breast/chest wall only
**
Analyzed as continuous variables; HR reflects the change in lymphedema risk associated with a one-unit increase