Refractory Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure in an Elderly Female

Abstract

The most common cause of hypercapnic respiratory failure is acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Many other factors can contribute to hypercapnia and may lead to refractory hypercapnia in AECOPD. One of the important causes is electrolyte imbalance. We report a case of refractory hypercapnic respiratory failure in an elderly female due to postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The patient responded well after the correction of hypocalcemia.