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Capillary Leakage

Meaning

Capillary leakage is a pathophysiological process characterized by an abnormal increase in the permeability of the capillary endothelium, leading to the excessive extravasation of plasma fluid and plasma proteins into the interstitial space. This vascular dysfunction causes significant localized or generalized edema and can drastically reduce the effective circulating blood volume, potentially leading to hypovolemic shock. In hormonal health, capillary leakage is a recognized complication in specific clinical scenarios, such as severe diabetic ketoacidosis or as an adverse effect of certain targeted hormonal therapies. Recognizing this rapid fluid shift is critical for timely clinical management and fluid resuscitation.