title: Obesity hypoventilation syndrome: therapeutic implications for treatment.
abstract: Obesity hypoventilation syndrome occurs in obese individuals who are unable to compensate for the added load of obesity on the respiratory system, with resultant daytime hypercapnia in the absence of other causes of alveolar hypoventilation. Significant morbidity and mortality is seen in this disorder if appropriate treatment is not undertaken. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is frequently missed despite these individuals being heavy users of healthcare resources. The pathogenesis of obesity hypoventilation syndrome is multifactorial, but reversal of sleep-disordered breathing or significant weight loss improves respiratory function and daytime ventilation. However, a paucity of well-designed clinical trials and the absence of data from long-term follow-up means that comparison between various treatment options is not possible. Consequently, evidence-based treatment guidelines are currently lacking.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia. amanda.piper@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piper
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010845:Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D008525:Medroxyprogesterone