Microcirculation and Starling Forces

A 52-year-old man with cirrhosis presents with progressive abdominal distension and bilateral ankle swelling for 3 weeks. On examination, he has ascites, spider angiomas, and pitting edema up to the knees. Serum albumin is 2.1 g/dL (normal 3.5–5.0), total protein 5.2 g/dL, and liver function tests show synthetic dysfunction. His blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg and JVP is normal. Which alteration in Starling forces best explains the development of edema in this patient?

In a capillary bed, the oncotic pressure of plasma proteins remains relatively constant along the capillary length, while hydrostatic pressure progressively decreases from arterial to venous end. Which segment of the capillary is most likely to experience net fluid reabsorption?

A 38-year-old woman with severe malnutrition (BMI 16 kg/m², serum albumin 1.8 g/dL, total protein 4.5 g/dL) is admitted with bilateral lower limb edema and ascites. Her blood pressure is 95/60 mmHg, heart rate 92/min, JVP is not elevated, and there is no hepatomegaly. Urine protein is <0.5 g/day. On IV albumin infusion, her edema improves within 48 hours. Which Starling force is primarily restored by albumin administration?