[Electrolyte-water balance and acid-base equilibrium in brain tumor patients]

Electrolyte variations, water-balance disturbances, and acid-base equilibrium disorders observed in patients with brain tumors are due, in the majority of cases, to increases in intracranial pressure and, in a relatively small number of cases, to the particular location of the tumor. Severe pathological pictures are not, in general, observed until the ailment has advanced to a critical state. The authors, after describing the clinical pictures of the various forms of acid-base equilibrium disorders, also discuss methods of treatment. Disturbances of water balance are closely associated with the electrolyte metabolism. Consequently, it is necessary that, if a dehydrating form of therapy is used, careful attention should be given to the corresponding parameters. Disturbances of iatrogenic origin tend to produce particularly adverse effects in brain tumor patients.