Late-Stage Liver Cirrhosis And Foot Swelling – Is It A Sign Of Impending Death?

Foot swelling, or edema, is a common symptom experienced by patients in the later stages of liver cirrhosis. However, it is important to understand that this condition is not necessarily a sign of imminent death.

Swelling in both legs typically indicates decompensated cirrhosis, a stage where the liver is no longer able to function adequately. In addition to lower limb edema, patients may also develop ascites—fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity—which leads to an enlarged abdomen. These symptoms are primarily caused by portal hypertension, hypoalbuminemia, and sodium and water retention. While uncomfortable and concerning, foot swelling itself is not a direct cause of mortality in liver cirrhosis patients.

What is more critical are the serious complications associated with decompensated liver disease. Potentially life-threatening conditions include hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. When these complications occur, the risk of mortality significantly increases—even with aggressive medical intervention.

Therefore, while foot swelling should not be ignored, it is not a definitive end-of-life indicator. Instead, the presence of severe complications marks the more dangerous progression of the disease. Patients and caregivers should remain vigilant for signs of these conditions and seek prompt medical attention when they arise.