What is a capillary leak in the context of burn pathology?

In the context of burn pathology, a capillary leak refers to the process where fluid moves from the vascular space into the interstitial space. This phenomenon is particularly significant following a burn injury, as the damaged tissue and inflammatory response lead to increased permeability of the capillaries. This increased permeability allows proteins and fluids to escape the blood vessels, resulting in edema and a depletion of circulating blood volume.

This fluid shift is critical to understand because it affects a patient’s hemodynamic stability and can lead to complications such as shock if not managed properly. The maintenance of intravascular volume is essential for adequate organ perfusion and function, so recognizing the implications of capillary leak is vital for burn care and recovery.