A study on oedema mechanism in nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Colloid osmotic pressure in plasma (COP_p) and interstitial fluid (COP_i), plasma volume (PV) and interstitial fluid volume (IFV) were measured in 14 patients with hypoproteinaemia due to glomerulonephritis and in five healthy controls. In controls, COP_p averaged 24.2 mmHg and COP_i 12.0 mmHg. In patients with COP_p above 12 mmHg, COP_i was reduced nearly identical to the fall in COP_p. The transcapillary COP gradient (COP_p-COP_i) was maintained, and PV and IFV were unchanged. When COP_p was reduced below 12 mmHg, the transcapillary COP gradient was decreased. Both IFV increased and renal fluid retention occured. This study demonstrates the relationship between COP_p, transcapillary fluid transport, and renal fluid retention in nephrotic syndrome.

Key Words:

• interstitial volume
• oncotic pressure
• plasma volume
• Wick method