Peripheral Oedema

Question 1

What is the aetiology of peripheral oedema? (x5)

Answer 1

• RAISED HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE:
  
  • Heart failure leading to raised hydrostatic pressure
• LOW ONCOTIC PRESSURE: Low albumin
  
  • Malnutrition (aetiology of ascites in African children)
  • Malabsorption
  • Liver disease
  • Loss of protein: burns, renal (nephrotic syndrome)
• Compromised lymphatic drainage
• Drugs
• Gravitational oedema: in elderly population from venous pooling and stasis in legs

Question 2

What is the nature of peripheral oedema in each aetiology?

Answer 2

Lymphoedema is NON-PITTING. All other aetiologies are pitting