Goldring J J P, Wedzicha J A
Royal Free and University College Medical School, London NW3 2PF.
Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2008 Aug;69(8):444-9. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2008.69.8.30740.
Acute-on-chronic respiratory failure is becoming an increasingly common medical emergency, mostly as a result of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is associated with high mortality rates and so practising the best evidence-based management is vital.