Treatment of edematous disorders with diuretics

Generalized edema results from alterations in renal sodium homeostasis that ultimately result in an expansion of extracellular fluid volume and accumu lation of interstitial fluid. The common edematous disorders include conges tive heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, and renal insufficiency. The abnormalities of sodium homeostasis contributing edema formation in ea ch condition are discussed. Management of volume homeostasis, with an empha sis on the role of diuretic therapy, is reviewed.