ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the clinical features and pathogenesis of the sodium retention of liver disease. During the subsequent three hundred years, the clinical features of this derangement in sodium homeostasis have been delineated. A number of these studies have succeeded in delineating further the pathophysiology of the abnormal renal sodium handling. The section considering efferent events will encompass a survey of the hormonal mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of sodium retention. In this context, it is important to emphasize that the term "effective" extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) refers to that part of the total circulating volume which is effective in stimulating volume receptors. In contrast to the traditional formulation, the overflow theory suggests that the primary event is the inappropriate retention of excessive sodium by the kidneys with a resultant expansion of plasma volume.
