PhysiologyTier 1Medical Sciences concept

Starling forces and capillary fluid exchange

Core concept

  • Net filtration = Kf x [(Pc - Pi) - sigma(PIc - PIi)]
    • Pc capillary hydrostatic - pushes fluid out
    • PIc plasma oncotic (albumin) - holds fluid in
    • Kf = permeability x surface area; sigma = reflection coefficient (protein leak)
Four routes to oedema
  • inc Pc -> HF, fluid overload, venous obstruction, DHP CCBs
  • dec PIc -> nephrotic, cirrhosis, malnutrition, protein-losing enteropathy
  • inc Kf / dec sigma -> sepsis, burns, anaphylaxis, IL-2 (capillary leak)
  • Lymphatic obstruction -> malignancy, nodal dissection, filariasis

3 more sections, plus exam facts

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