DESCRIPTION

Presence of abnormal amount of fluid in the interstitial spaces of the body; usually secondary to low intravascular oncotic pressure, obstruction of venous or lymphatic channels, or increased vascular permeability

ETIOLOGY

• Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Pericardial effusion
  • Kidney disease (due to retention of salt and water)
  • Acute glomerulonephritis
  • Acute kidney injury
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Cirrhosis
  • Venous obstruction
  • Superior vena cava syndrome
  • Deep vein thrombosis
• Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
  • Inadequate intake/production of protein
  • Protein malnutrition
  • Liver disease
  • Excessive losses of protein
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Protein-losing enteropathy
• Increased capillary permeability
  • Sepsis
  • Histamine-mediated
• Lymphatic obstruction
  • Congenital lymphatic malformations
  • Obstruction from tumor
  • Filariasis
  • Radiation therapy
• Medications (calcium channel blockers, vasodilators)

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

• Altered capillary hemodynamics
  • Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
  • Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
  • Increased capillary permeability
• Lymphatic obstruction or dysfunction

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

• Nephrotic syndrome
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver disease