Anasarca


Anasarca is a severe and generalized form of edema, with subcutaneous tissue swelling throughout the body. Causes include liver failure, kidney failure, right-sided heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, protein-losing enteropathies, severe protein deficiency, and capillary leak syndrome. Anasarca is often caused by a decreased oncotic pressure. It can also be caused by the administration of exogenous intravenous fluid. In Hb Barts, the high oxygen affinity results in poor oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues, resulting in anasarca.