title: Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome.
abstract: Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is a respiratory consequence of morbid obesity that is characterized by alveolar hypoventilation during sleep and wakefulness. The disorder involves a complex interaction between impaired respiratory mechanics, ventilatory drive and sleep-disordered breathing. Early diagnosis and treatment is important, because delay in treatment is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Available treatment options include non-invasive positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies and weight loss. There is limited long-term data regarding the effectiveness of such therapies. This review outlines the current concepts of clinical presentation, diagnostic and management strategies to help identify and treat patients with obesity-hypoventilation syndromes.
authors.affiliation: Division Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave., Rm 2342D, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA, Tel: 520-626-6109.
authors.forename: Safal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.affiliation: Division Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Arizona Respiratory Center, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave., Rm 2342D, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA, Tel: 520-626-6109.
authors.forename: Sairam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parthasarathy
keywords: Noninvasive ventilation; Obesity; Obesity hypoventilation syndrome; Obstructive sleep apnea