Table 1.

The pathophysiologic effects of fluid overload on organ systems.

Body System	Effect of Fluid Overload	Clinical Manifestation
Central Nervous System	Cerebral edema	Impaired cognition Delirium
Respiratory System	Pulmonary edema Pleural effusions	Increased work of breathing Impaired gas exchange Decreased lung compliance Increased extravascular lung water
Cardiovascular System	Myocardial edema Pericardial effusions	Impaired contractility Diastolic dysfunction Conduction abnormalities
Gastrointestinal System	Gut wall edema Ascites	Malabsorption Ileus Bacterial translocation Intra-abdominal hypertension
Hepatobiliary System	Hepatic congestion	Cholestasis Impaired synthetic function
Renal System	Renal interstitial edema Elevated renal venous pressure	Acute Kidney Injury Uremia Salt and water retention
Skin and Musculoskeletal System	Tissue edema Impaired lymphatic drainage Deranged microcirculation	Poor wound healing Pressure ulcers Wound infection