Transudates are primarily caused by which condition?

Transudates are pleural effusions that typically arise due to systemic factors that affect fluid balance, rather than local inflammatory or malignant processes. Conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome create alterations in hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space that is characteristic of transudative effusions.

This distinction is important because transudates are usually clear, have a low protein content, and a low specific gravity compared to exudates, which are often cloudy and arise from conditions like infections, malignancies, or injuries causing local inflammation. Understanding the underlying causes of transudates aids in diagnosing the systemic disturbances that lead to these effusions, guiding appropriate management strategies.