Changes

|pagetitle =Effusions

|pagetitle =Effusions

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'''Effusions''' are increased amounts of fluid in the [[Peritoneal cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|peritoneal]], pleural or pericardial cavity. They are not diseases in themselves but they indicate the presence of a pathological process which has altered the balance of fluid production and removal.

'''Effusions''' are increased amounts of fluid in the [[Peritoneal cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|peritoneal]], pleural or pericardial cavities. They are not diseases in themselves but they indicate the presence of a pathological process which has altered the local balance of fluid production and removal.

The classification of effusions is based on the '''total cell count''' and '''total protein content''' of the fluid:

The classification of effusions is based on the '''total cell count''' and '''total protein content''' of the fluid:

*[[Transudate|'''Transudates''']] and [[Modified Transudate|'''modified transudates''']] have the lowest protein contents and cell counts.  They usually result from imbalances in the Starling forces.

*[[Transudate|'''Transudates''']] and [[Modified Transudate|'''modified transudates''']] have the lowest protein contents and cell counts.  They usually result from imbalances in the [[Control of Blood Pressure & Blood Flow - Anatomy & Physiology|Starling forces]].

*[[Exudate|'''Exudates''']] have the highest cell counts and protein contents and usually occur with an inflammatory or neoplastic disease process.

*[[Exudate|'''Exudates''']] have the highest cell counts and protein contents and usually occur with an inflammatory or neoplastic disease process.