Water / electrolyte imbalances in AECOPD. In: Siafakas N, Anthonisen NR, Georgopoulos D. (eds) Acute exacerbations of Chronic Obstrutive Pulmonary Disease.

Water and electrolyte imbalance occuring in AECOPD suggests a complex interactions between pulmonary haemodynamics, acid-base balance, hormonal and renal mechanisms. Further studies are required 1) to investigate the contribution of different mechanisms in oedema formation , 2) to select COPD patients at risk of developing chronic right ventricular failure, and 3) to define more effective therapeutical approaches in preventing oedema formation.