title: Narcotic antagonist therapy of the obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
abstract: A child with respiratory failure and cor pulmonale secondary to the obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) was found to have abnormal beta-endorphin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. A single iv dose of 10 microgram/kg of naloxone early in the course of respiratory failure resulted in dramatic improvement which lasted approximately 3 to 4 h. The patient failed to response to progesterone, and because of deteriorating respiratory status a low-dose continuous infusion of naloxone, 2 microgram/kg.h, was begun and gradually increased to 10 microgram/kg.h, during which time there was a dramatic improvement in respiratory status and clinical condition. After 5 days, naloxone infusion was discontinued and progressive respiratory deterioration recurred. The child died of over-whelming sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010845:Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011660:Pulmonary Heart Disease / Q000209:etiology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009270:Naloxone; D001615:beta-Endorphin