By far the most important and potentially lethal physiological
consequence continues to be seen in acutely ill patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If these patients are given
uncontrolled oxygen therapy, they may develop worsening
hypercapnic (type II) respiratory failure, potentially leading to
severe respiratory acidosis [10] and coma [11]. Such situations are
uncommon in childhood but may occur in children with severe
neuromuscular disease who have chronic respiratory failure.