Anasarca medical therapy
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Anasarca Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Medical therapy
The treatment of anasraca depends on the underlying cause. It involves the use of diuretics in cases related to heart failure or kidney disease. The latter may require hemodialysis especially if there are signs or symptoms of uremia. In cases of severe burns resulting in hypoalbuminemia and capillary leak, admission to a burn unit, volume and electrolyte replacement, and adequate nutrition is of paramount. Withdrawal of the offending drug is critical in drug-induced anasarca. The use of diuretics, paracentesis, and adequate nutritional supplementation is needed in anasarca secondary to hepatic cirrhosis. Profound hypothyroidism requires thyroid hormone replacement. Protein malabsorption syndromes require the identification of the underlying disease process and adequate protein supplementation.