Oedema in advanced disease: a flow diagram

Abstract

In this flow diagram, oedema is defined as an excessive accumulation of tissue fluid resulting in a measurable swelling. This may be a low protein oedema, a high protein oedema or a mixed picture. Clearly treatment of the disease will improve the oedema, but this flow diagram assumes the progression of the disease is irreversible. Treatment of the oedema therefore comprises exercise, skin care and compression, with or without truncal massage.