What type of electrolyte imbalance is associated with hepatic cirrhosis?

In hepatic cirrhosis, one of the significant electrolyte imbalances observed is hyponatremia, which is specifically due to increased water retention. This condition is largely a result of the body's altered response to hormones that regulate fluid balance, particularly in the setting of liver disease.

Cirrhosis leads to a decrease in liver function, which affects the production of albumin and other proteins, ultimately impacting oncotic pressure and causing fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity (ascites). The renal system compensates for perceived volume depletion, often resulting in the excessive reabsorption of water, even when total body sodium may be normal or somewhat reduced. As the body retains water, this dilutes the sodium concentration in the blood, leading to hyponatremia.

In summary, hyponatremia in the context of hepatic cirrhosis is primarily due to the retention of water, which results from the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to altered fluid dynamics and not from a loss of sodium itself.