| During a relapse, respiratory muscle weakness can precipitate hypoxemia and hypercapnia of rapid onset. |
| As hypoxemia supervenes, the patient becomes comatose and death may result from ventricular fibrillation or asystole. |
| Respiratory function tests generally show a persistent slight-to-moderate hypoxemia and a reduction of carbon monoxide diffusion. |
| In addition to the effects of hypoxemia, a major factor is excessive loading of the inspiratory muscles. |
| Adults with cystic fibrosis are susceptible to hypoxemia, hypercapnia, arousal from sleep, and neurobehavioral impairment. |
| Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome are clinical syndromes that are characterized by extreme hypoxemia and high mortality. |
