Respiratory failure
Broadly defined as an inability of the respiratory system to maintain
blood gas values within normal ranges.
There are two types:
Type I (hypoxaemic respiratory failure)
A decreased PaO 2 (hypoxaemia) with a normal or slightly reduced PaO2
due to inadequate gas exchange. Causes include pneumonia,
emphysema, fibrosing alveolitis, severe asthma and adult respiratory
distress syndrome.
Defined as PaO 2 < 8 kPa (60 mmHg).
Type II (ventilatory failure)
A decreased PaO 2 with an increased PaO 2 (hypercapnia) caused by
hypoventilation. Causes include neuromuscular disorders (e.g. muscular
dystrophy, Guillain–Barré), lung diseases (e.g. asthma, COPD), drug-
related respiratory drive depression and injuries to the chest wall.
Defined as PaO2 < 8 kPa (60 mmHg), PaO 2 > 6.7 kPa(50 mmHg).
Broadly defined as an inability of the respiratory system to maintain
blood gas values within normal ranges.
There are two types:
Type I (hypoxaemic respiratory failure)
A decreased PaO 2 (hypoxaemia) with a normal or slightly reduced PaO2
due to inadequate gas exchange. Causes include pneumonia,
emphysema, fibrosing alveolitis, severe asthma and adult respiratory
distress syndrome.
Defined as PaO 2 < 8 kPa (60 mmHg).
Type II (ventilatory failure)
A decreased PaO 2 with an increased PaO 2 (hypercapnia) caused by
hypoventilation. Causes include neuromuscular disorders (e.g. muscular
dystrophy, Guillain–Barré), lung diseases (e.g. asthma, COPD), drug-
related respiratory drive depression and injuries to the chest wall.
Defined as PaO2 < 8 kPa (60 mmHg), PaO 2 > 6.7 kPa(50 mmHg).
