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Why does liver impairment result in edema?

Liver impairment can lead to edema, or fluid retention, due to several factors:

Low albumin production: The liver is responsible for producing albumin, a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. When the liver is damaged, it produces less albumin, which can lead to a decrease in osmotic pressure in the blood. This causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and into the tissues, resulting in edema.

Increased fluid retention: Liver impairment can also lead to increased fluid retention due to changes in the way the body handles sodium and water. The liver helps regulate the balance of sodium and water in the body, and when it is damaged, this balance can be disrupted. This can lead to the retention of sodium and water, which can further contribute to edema.

Portal hypertension: Liver impairment can also lead to portal hypertension, or increased pressure in the portal vein, which is the vein that carries blood from the intestines to the liver. Portal hypertension can cause fluid to leak out of the portal vein and into the abdomen, leading to ascites, a type of edema that affects the abdominal cavity.

Lymphatic congestion: Liver impairment can also lead to lymphatic congestion, which is a blockage of the lymphatic vessels that help drain fluid from tissues. This can also contribute to fluid retention and edema.

Therefore, liver impairment can result in edema due to a combination of factors, including low albumin production, increased fluid retention, portal hypertension, and lymphatic congestion.

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