Capillary leak syndrome

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 28 Dec 2019

Capillary leak syndrome is a situation characterized by the escape of blood plasma through capillary walls, from the blood vessels to surrounding tissues, muscle compartments, organs or body cavities.

The idiopathic form of the syndrome is characterized by three phases 1,2:

  1. prodrome: non-specific symptoms (e.g. lethargy, irritability)
  2. fluid extravasation: generalized edema causing hypotension
  3. fluid recruitment: sudden cessation of extravasation resulting in resolution of generalized edema and improvement in blood pressure

The syndrome may be an isolated episode or may recur 1,2.

It can be primary or secondary 1,2:

Treatment an episode is usually supportive, aimed at stabilizing symptoms and preventing severe complications. This may involve airway and breathing stabilization, medications, intravenous infusion of fluids, and even blood products.

The primary form was first described by Bayard Clarkson, an American physician, in 1960 3.

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