Vacuum-assisted closure treatment complicated by anasarca

The vacuum-assisted closure system has proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of a variety of wound types. In this case report, we present a rare complication of anasarca due to hypoalbuminemia, which developed during vacuum-assisted closure treatment. The patient was known to suffer from clinically stable congestive heart failure and had not had previous hypoalbuminemia. We emphasize the need for careful monitoring of electrolytes and proteins in compromised patients that have marked wound drainage when they are treated with a negative-pressure apparatus.