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Initial investigations

Authoring team

Investigations to consider include: (1)

  • urine testing - gross proteinuria may be due to a protein losing nephropathy
  • blood tests
    • full blood count
    • inflammatory marker e.g. PV, ESR, CRP
    • liver function tests may reveal hypoalbuminaemia
    • thyroid function tests (for hypothyroidism)
    • BNP - for evidence of heart failure (2)
  • duplex doppler scan
  • abdominal/pelvic ultrasound scan
  • chest X-ray
  • echocardiography

References

  1. Cho S, Atwood JE. Peripheral edema. Am J Med. 2002 Nov;113(7):580-6.
  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management. Sep 2018 [internet publication].

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