Fluid Retention in Severe Obesity: Two Case Reports
Author Information
Author(s): Ong Hon Shing, Sze Candy Wing-Chiu, Koh Tat Woon, Coppack Simon Ward
Primary Institution: East London Obesity Service, Barts and The London School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How can fluid retention of approximately 40 kilograms in severely obese patients be overlooked?
Conclusion
Severe obesity can lead to significant fluid retention that is often missed until it becomes severe.
Supporting Evidence
- Fluid retention in severe obesity can be insidious and difficult to detect.
- Both patients had significant weight gain and fluid retention without clear cardiac dysfunction.
- Recognition and treatment of heart failure in severely obese patients is often challenging.
Takeaway
Some very overweight people can hold onto a lot of extra water without anyone noticing until it becomes a big problem.
Methodology
Case reports of two patients with severe obesity and fluid retention.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in case selection and reporting.
Limitations
The study is based on only two case reports, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Two Caucasian females, aged 64 and 42, both severely obese.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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