Abstract
In Chap. 3, we discussed how NaCl and water are handled by various segments of the nephron. Since Na+ is the major extracellular electrolyte, the total amount of this electrolyte and its accompanying anion (Cl−) determine the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume. Therefore, retention or excretion of Na+ by the kidneys is critical for the regulation of ECF volume. This regulation of NaCl is precise in normal individuals. In a steady state, urinary Na+ approximates dietary Na+, as the kidneys are the major excretory organs of Na+ besides gastrointestinal tract and skin. Low salt intake results in low excretion of Na+. Conversely, high salt intake results in high excretion of Na+. Any disturbance in this regulation activates or inhibits neural and hormonal mechanisms, leading to appropriate change in Na+ excretion by the kidneys. This chapter discusses the basic concepts that characterize ECF volume depletion, and conditions that are associated with the development of volume expansion and edema formation.
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Suggested Reading
Doucet A, Favre G, Deschènes G. Molecular mechanism of edema formation in nephrotic syndrome: therapeutic implications. Ped Nephrol. 2007;22:1983–90.
Rondon-Berrios H. New insights into the pathophysiology of oedema in nephritic syndrome. Nefrologia. 2011;31:148–54.
Schrier RW. Decreased effective blood volume in edematous disorders: what does this mean? J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;18:2028–31.
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Reddi, A. (2014). Disorders of Extracellular Fluid Volume: Basic Concepts. In: Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9083-8_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9083-8_6
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