Etiology of Leg Edema: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience

Background: Leg edema can be a benign inconvenience or a symptom of severe health issues involving the cardiac, vascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, or hematologic systems. Types of leg edema include venous edema, lymphedema, lipedema, inflammatory edema, pulmonary hypertension-induced edema, hormonal imbalance-related edema, drug-induced edema, idiopathic edema, and dependent edema. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the various causes and underlying factors contributing to leg edema and explore the different etiologies of leg edema. Methods: This observational study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College Hospital, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to June 2024, using purposive sampling to select 270 patients with leg edema. Inclusion criteria encompassed individuals aged 18 and older with unilateral or bilateral leg edema, while exclusion criteria included incomplete medical records and specific conditions. Data were gathered through structured forms, clinical assessments, and patient interviews, covering demographics, medical history, and edema characteristics. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was provided. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. Result: The majority (35.19%) are over 70 years old, with a mean age of 55.4 years. Females represent 61.85% of the population. Most participants are overweight (mean BMI = 28.5 kg/m²). A significant number (71.85%) have hypertension, and 64.07% report mobility issues, with 60% being wheelchair-bound. Leg edema is common, with 30.37% experiencing it for over 6 years. Venous insufficiency is the leading cause (71.11%), followed by congestive heart failure (18.15%) and nephrotic syndrome (12.96%). Other factors include NSAIDs, obesity, and hypoalbuminemia. Conclusion: Leg edema is primarily caused by venous insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and nephrotic syndrome. Our study found venous insufficiency as the most common etiology, with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and immobility contributing to its development. Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.