Page 21 - Respiratory Failure

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Pathophysiology

2. Exudative stage.

• It occurs within 24 hours.

• The alveolar capillary membrane is formed by the micro-vascular endothelium and the epithelial

lining of the alveoli.

• Injury to the micro-vascular endothelium and Type I alveoli cells leads to increased capillary

permeability and influx of protein rich fluid into the alveolar space further leading to interstitial

and alveolar oedema.

• Injury to the Type II alveoli cells causes decreased production of surfactant.

• Surfactant plays a major role in maintaining compliance of the lung.

• Decreased production of surfactant can cause decreased compliance of the lung leading to

alveolar collapse. Further it worsens hypoxemia and leads to ventilation-perfusion mismatch