[Clinical features of respiratory failure secondary to hypothyroidism].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the clinical features of respiratory failure secondary to hypothyroidism.


METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 4 patients with respiratory failure secondary to hypothyroidism.


RESULTS
Respiratory failure secondary to hypothyroidism usually happened in the aged patients, presenting as myxedema, disturbance of consciousness, anemia, and hyponatrium. Respiratory symptoms were rare. Type II respiratory failure might occur as disease progressed. The clinical presentation of hypothyroidism was atypical and easily neglected. The hypoxia and hypercapnia ameliorated after thyroid hormone therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypothyroidism is a rare reason of respiratory failure. The prognosis is good after hormone therapy and mechanical ventilation.
Guo
Fu-Ping
FP
Department of Internal Medicine, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing 100730, China.
Xu
Teng-Da
TD
Du
Tie-Kuan
TK
Wang
Hou-Li
HL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013963:Thyroid Hormones