[The relationship between peripheral edema and right heart function in COPD induced cor pulmonale].
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the role of right heart function in the development of edema in COPD induced cor pulmonale.


METHODS
44 cases in exacerbation stage with hypoxia and hypercapnia were studied. Pulmonary hemodynamic parameters were measured by Swan-Ganz catheter and compared with the presence and extent of peripheral edema.


RESULTS
Peripheral edema was noted in 40 cases and right arterial pressure < or = 1.33 kPa in 23 cases (23/40 = 57.5%), 17 cases showed edema, with right artrial pressure > 1.33 kPa. There was no significant difference in peripheral edema between that two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
A high proportion of COPD patients with edema do not show right heart failure. The development of edema in COPD may be related to a complex mechanism, including hypoxia and hypercapnia induced natrium and water retention, Right heart failure is not a prerequisite for edema. The significance of edema in COPD induced cor pulmonale should be interpreted correctly in clinical practice.
Wang
C
C
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Beijing Red Cross Chaoyang Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences.
Zhang
H
H
Fang
B
B
D000368:Aged; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000209:etiology; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011660:Pulmonary Heart Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016278:Ventricular Function, Right