Does liver cirrhosis cause swelling above the wrists?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Ultrasound is an observer-dependent investigation for liver cirrhosis and many times, it can miss. The next appropriate step could be getting your fibro scan done, which is a noninvasive and sensitive investigation for cirrhosis, or getting a repeat ultrasound done with a special focus on the echo texture of the liver. This is important, as you have a setting of cirrhosis. Liver enzymes may not be elevated or mildly elevated in cirrhosis.

The following are the possible causes for the elevation of liver enzymes:

1. Anemia (decreased levels of hemoglobin).
2. Renal issues.
3. Alcohol-induced heart damage.

I advise you to follow the below-mentioned instructions:

1. Get electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and fibroscan (transient elastography) tests done.
2. Get checked for serum albumin levels, hemogram, renal function test, and thyroid profile.
3. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.

Hello,

Glad to have you back at icliniq.com.

As you mentioned about undergoing open heart surgery, heart disease can become the likely cause for the swelling. Electrocardiogram may show abnormalities, but will not be very assertive. Heart disease can secondarily damage the liver leading to cirrhosis. Still, other investigations which are mentioned above will help to rule out other coexistent diseases. I suggest you follow the below-mentioned instructions:

1. Get a repeat echocardiogram test done to look for heart functioning if not done recently.
2. Blood investigations include renal and liver function tests, hemoglobin, and serum albumin.
3. Continue with the tablet Lasix (Furosemide)20 milligrams once a day.
4. Restrict fluid intake like tea, coffee, and water, along with salt intake.
5. The fluid restriction will resolve the swelling.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.