Weefseldruk

Weefseldruk, or tissue pressure, is the hydrostatic pressure within the extracellular space of a tissue. It reflects the balance between capillary filtration, accumulation of interstitial fluid, lymphatic drainage, and the mechanical properties of the tissue, such as stiffness and matrix composition. The concept is used to describe how fluids and forces interact in the tissue microenvironment.

The level of weefseldruk is determined by several factors. Arterial and venous pressures drive capillary filtration, while plasma oncotic pressure tends to draw fluid back into capillaries. Lymphatic drainage removes excess interstitial fluid. Tissue mechanics, including fibrosis or edema, can raise or lower resistance to fluid movement. Inflammation can increase fluid production, altering tissue pressure. Abnormal tissue pressure can influence cellular behavior, perfusion, and nutrient exchange.

Measurement of tissue pressure is challenging and typically requires invasive techniques. Methods include needle manometers, wick-in-needle probes, and implantable micro-tip transducers to obtain interstitial or tissue-specific readings. Noninvasive estimates exist but are less direct and accurate. In research and clinical settings, tissue pressure is often discussed in the context of interstitial fluid pressure or tumor interstitial pressure.

Clinical relevance of weefseldruk appears in conditions such as edema, wound healing, and compartment syndromes, as well as in tumor biology where high tissue pressure can impair blood flow and drug delivery. Understanding tissue pressure helps explain how fluids move through tissues and how these processes affect healing and treatment outcomes. See also interstitial fluid pressure and hydrostatic pressure.