M04.03.13 Edema pathology intergration

Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of peripheral tissues. This condition can manifest in two primary forms: pitting edema and non-pitting edema.

Forms of Edema

1. Pitting Edema

• Description: Pitting edema is the classic and most common form of edema. When pressure is applied to the affected area using a finger or thumb, a visual indentation of the skin occurs. This indentation typically persists for a short duration after the pressure is removed.
• Response to Treatment: Generally responds well to diuretic therapy.

2. Non-Pitting Edema

• Description: In non-pitting edema, pressing the affected area does not create a persistent indentation. This form occurs when interstitial oncotic forces are elevated, often due to increased protein levels in the interstitial fluid.
• Response to Treatment: Does not respond well to diuretic therapy.

Table: Comparison of Pitting and Non-Pitting Edema

Points to Remember

• Edema is a critical indicator of underlying pathology and can have various causes.
• Recognizing the type of edema can guide appropriate treatment strategies.
• Pitting edema is often associated with fluid overload conditions, while non-pitting edema may indicate a higher oncotic pressure due to elevated proteins.

Bibliography Reference Links

• Guyton, A. C., & Hall, J. E. (2016). Textbook of Medical Physiology (13th ed.). Elsevier.
• Ghosh, S., & Ghosh, S. (2018). “Fluid Balance in Clinical Practice.” Clinical Medicine Insights: Circulatory, Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine, 12, 1179548418809192. Link to Article
• Schrier, R. W. (2003). “Pathophysiology of Edema.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 348(19), 1999-2007. Link to Article