Question

A 6-year-old boy has marked edema of the legs, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, and a low blood serum albumin and total serum protein. his urine contains large amounts of protein. what is the most likely cause of edema?

Answer 1

The most likely cause of the condition is the diminished serum albumin resulting from excess loss in the urine that declines plasma osmotic pressure, which permits excess fluid to leak from the capillaries.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given case, the patient is suffering from nephrotic syndrome. In the condition, increased excretion of albumin takes place that leads to an overall decrease in serum albumin. Albumin refers to the protein primarily taking part in sustaining the plasma oncotic pressure, that is, it is accountable in maintaining the fluids in the vascular space.

The colloid osmotic pressure or the oncotic pressure refers to a kind of osmotic pressure facilitated by proteins, mainly albumin. In the condition due to the loss of albumin, the fluids in the vasculature leaks towards the interstitium resulting in edema.

Answer 2

This is a pediatric patient presenting with nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is a spectrum of disease in which there is increased excretion of albumin (albuminuria) leading to decreased overall serum albumin. Albumin is the protein mainly involved in maintaining the plasma oncotic pressure meaning it is responsible in keeping the fluids in the vascular space. Loss of albumin will cause the fluids in the vasculature to leak towards the interstitium causing the edema.

There are 3 types of nephrotic syndromes, from a simple steroid-sensitive disease to steroid-resistant disease: Minimal change disease, mesengial proliferation, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.