Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: Choosing the Appropriate Treatment of a Heterogeneous Disorder

Abstract

The obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality compared with simple obesity and eucapnic obstructive sleep apnea. Accurate diagnosis and commencement of early and appropriate management is fundamental in reducing the significant personal and societal burdens this disorder poses. Sleep disordered breathing is a major contributor to the developmental of sleep and awake hypercapnia, which characterizes OHS, and is effectively addressed through the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. This article reviews the current evidence supporting different modes of PAP currently used in managing these individuals.

Keywords: Continuous positive airway pressure; Hypercapnia; Nocturnal hypoventilation; Obesity hypoventilation syndrome; Sleep disordered breathing.