9.6 Pathogenesis of Oedema Formation

Question 1

What are the four first principles causes of oedema?

Answer 1

1. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
2. Decreased capillary osmotic pressure
3. Increased capillary permeability (such as in inflammation)
4. Impaired interstitial drainage (such as lymphatic obstruction)

Question 2

List as many examples of causes of oedema as possible

Answer 2

• Heart failure (peripheral and central)
• Sepsis
• Liver cirrhosis (ascites)
• Cerebral oedema 2° to ischaemic brain injury and necrosis
• Renal salt/water retention (nephrotic syndrome; albumin loss)
• Injury trauma (inflammation)
• Venous thrombosis