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Oncotic pressure, or colloid osmotic-pressure, is a type of osmotic pressure induced by the plasma proteins, notably albumin, [1] in a blood vessel's plasma (or any other body fluid such as blood and lymph) that causes a pull on fluid back into the capillary.
The Starling principle holds that fluid movement across a semi-permeable blood vessel such as a capillary or small venule is determined by the hydrostatic pressures and colloid osmotic pressures (oncotic pressure) on either side of a semipermeable barrier that sieves the filtrate, retarding larger molecules such as proteins from leaving the blood stream.
Lower serum oncotic pressure causes fluid to accumulate in the interstitial tissues. Sodium and water retention aggravates the edema. This may take several forms: Puffiness around the eyes, characteristically in the morning. Pitting edema over the legs. Fluid in the pleural cavity causing pleural effusion. More commonly associated with excess ...
By itself, hypoalbuminemia can cause hypovolemia and circulatory collapse secondary to decreased oncotic pressure within the vascular system. [3] Due to its metal-binding properties, hypoalbuminemia may lead to nutritional deficits including zinc deficiency. [4]
The osmotic pressure of the plasma affects the mechanics of the circulation in several ways. An alteration of the osmotic pressure difference across the membrane of a blood cell causes a shift of water and a change of cell volume. The changes in shape and flexibility affect the mechanical properties of whole blood.
The most common causes of pathologic transudate include conditions that: [citation needed] Increase hydrostatic pressure in vessels: left ventricular heart failure, Decrease oncotic pressure in blood vessels: Cirrhosis (Cirrhosis leads to hypoalbuminemia and decreasing of colloid oncotic pressure in plasma that causes edema)
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is caused by increased hydrostatic pressure causing increased fluid in the pulmonary interstitium and alveoli. Noncardiogenic causes are associated with the oncotic pressure as discussed above causing malfunctioning barriers in the lungs (increased microvascular permeability). [12]
Liver disease can also cause hypoproteinemia by decreasing synthesis of plasma proteins like albumin. Renal disease like nephrotic syndrome can also result in hypoproteinemia because plasma proteins are lost in the urine.