Hypovolemia with peripheral edema: What is wrong?

Randal O. Dull, Robert G. Hahn

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fluid normally exchanges freely between the plasma and interstitial space and is returned primarily via the lymphatic system. This balance can be disturbed by diseases and medications. In inflammatory disease states, such as sepsis, the return flow of fluid from the interstitial space to the plasma seems to be very slow, which promotes the well-known triad of hypovolemia, hypoalbuminemia, and peripheral edema. Similarly, general anesthesia, for example, even without mechanical ventilation, increases accumulation of infused crystalloid fluid in a slowly equilibrating fraction of the extravascular compartment. Herein, we have combined data from fluid kinetic trials with previously unconnected mechanisms of inflammation, interstitial fluid physiology and lymphatic pathology to synthesize a novel explanation for common and clinically relevant examples of circulatory dysregulation. Experimental studies suggest that two key mechanisms contribute to the combination of hypovolemia, hypoalbuminemia and edema; (1) acute lowering of the interstitial pressure by inflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 and, (2) nitric oxide-induced inhibition of intrinsic lymphatic pumping.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number206
JournalCritical Care
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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