edema and anthropometric measurements

What is edema

Excessive pooling of fluid in the interstitial tissues

Brawny edema

Edema that feels hard, tough, thick or leathery

(Often occurs with chronic inflammation or pathologies involving fluid shift abnormalities like CHF)

Pitting edema

Formation of sustained indention when the affected area is compressed

(Measured on a 1+ to 4+ scale)

Lymphedema

Swelling in the arms or legs from an obstruction in the lymphatic system

(Measured with girth measurements)

What is 1+ pitting edema

Barely detectable impression when finger is pressed into the skin

What is 2+ pitting edema

Slight indentation

15 secs to rebound

What is 3+ pitting edema

Deeper indentation

30 sec rebound

What is 4+ edema

30 sec to rebound