Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as chronic daytime hypercapnia in obese patients (those with a BMI of > 30kg/m)² with a daytime PaCO₂ of over 45 mm Hg, after ruling out any other causes of hypoventilation.¹

As many as 90% of patients with OHS also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).²

Equipment replacement

Educate patients on the importance of timely equipment replacement and how critical it is to the success of their sleep apnea therapy.

Patient outcomes

Learn about the positive outcomes for OHS patients being treated with NIV.

Getting the most out of ventilation therapy for OHS patients

Adhering to therapy is critical for patients receiving noninvasive ventilation.

Treatment options for OHS

Recommended treatment options for OHS include controlled weight loss and noninvasive ventilation.

What is OHS?

OHS is defined as chronic daytime hypercapnia in obese patients after ruling out any other causes of hypoventilation.

Why treat OHS?

It’s important to recognise OHS in your patients and get them treated.

References

Olson AL, Zwillich C.The obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Am J Med. 2005 Sep; 118(9): 948-56.
Kessler R, Chaouat A, Schinkewitch P, Faller M, Casel S, Krieger J, Weitzenblum E. (2001) The obesity-hypoventilation syndrome revisited: A prospective study of 34 consecutive cases. Chest 120:369–376.