MICROCIRCULATION-EDEMA
SUMMARY
1. Edema is defined as the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the extravascular space.
2. Transudate: due to imbalances of hydrostatic Starling forces. Exudate: due to increased capillary permeability. The exudate is rich in protein & fibrinogen.
CAUSES
3. Reduced colloid osmotic pressure: as occurs in hypo-proteinaemic states such as malnutrition, malabsorption & nephrotic syndrome
4. Increased hydrostatic pressure: as occurs in heart failure, DVT, abnormal retention of salt & water
5. Increased capillary permeability: as occurs in inflammatory processes; factors involved: histamine, 5-HT, platelet-activating factor (PAF), PGE2, C5a
6. Lymphatic occlusion by malignant or infective processes
Reference(s)
Barrett, K.E., Barman, S.M., Brooks, H.L., X, J. and Ganong, W.F. (2019). Ganong’s review of medical physiology. 26th ed. New York: Mcgraw-Hill Education
