Noninvasive ventilation for obesity hypoventilation syndrome
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Noninvasive ventilation for obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as a combination of obesity, daytime hypercapnia (increased carbon dioxide levels) and hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) during sleep after ruling out other disorders that may cause alveolar hypoventilation.

OHS is a chronic condition that has been linked with metabolic, hormonal and cardiovascular deficiencies. It has been shown to decrease quality of life and carries an increased risk of hospitalisation and death.1

The use of noninvasive ventilation in OHS patients has been shown to:

  • Normalise blood gases2 
  • Prolong survival2
  • Decrease pulmonary artery systolic pressure3
  • Increase exercise capacity3

Find out more about noninvasive ventilation on our dedicated ResMed page. 

References
  1. Borel JC, Borel AL, Monneret D, Tamisier R, Levy P, Pepin JL. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome: from sleep-disordered breathing to systemic comorbidities and the need to offer combined treatment strategies. Respirology. 2012 May;17(4):601-10.
  2. Ojeda Castillejo E, de Lucas Ramos P, López Martin S, et al. Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome. Long-term Outcome and Prognostic Factors. Arch Bronconeumol. 2014 Apr 2. pii: S0300-2896(14)00088-X
  3. Castro-Añón O1, Golpe R, Pérez-de-Llano LA, López González MJ, Escalona Velasquez EJ, Pérez Fernández R, Testa Fernández A, González Quintela A. Haemodynamic effects of non-invasive ventilation in patients with obesity-hypoventilation syndrome. Respirology. 2012 Nov;17(8):1269-74.